Imminency. It tells us we live on the edge of eternity. The Rapture might happen at any moment.
However, as the moments become days and then weeks, months, and years, we struggle to maintain our eager anticipation of Jesus’s appearing. Many of us wonder how much closer we will get to the start of the Tribulation before He comes for us. We see so many biblical signs of the end times and yet we wait and wait. I know it’s not easy, not at all.
The silence in most churches regarding our “blessed hope” makes our expectation all the more difficult to maintain. On top of that, many of our Christian friends and family members believe it’s irrational to regard the Rapture as something that might happen anytime soon or even in our lifetime. Many in our churches think we are crazy for believing that there is such a thing as the Rapture or a seven-year Tribulation.
In spite of the long wait and scoffing that comes my way, I remain convinced that imminency is not only incredibly important for today, but also an essential aspect of our walk with the Savior.
I say this for a variety of reasons.
IMMINENCY COPIES THE EXPECTANCY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT SAINTS
When we view the Rapture as something that can take place at any time, we imitate the expectations of the New Testament saints. Just a cursory sampling of verses from the epistles confirm that they lived sense of imminency:
“For the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:8).
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20, LSB).
“So that you are not lacking in any gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 1:7, LSB).
“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
“He who bears witness to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).
Early in his ministry, Paul believed that the Rapture might happen in his lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 15:52). How is that possible apart from believing it could happen at any moment?
We also see this any moment expectation of Jesus’ return for His Church reflected in The Didache, a short document from the early church. Scholars believe its words date back to the first century AD, but believe someone around AD 300 first compiled then into its current form.
Imminency provides us with an ongoing reminder that the things of this life are temporary and causes us to place a greater value or importance on eternal realities.
1 comment:
AMEN!
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