The Return of Christ

Today’s reading is Section 15 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Return of Christ. Read Section 15 here.

We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, in power and glory, to consummate his salvation and his judgment. This promise of his coming is a further spur to our evangelism, for we remember his words that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. We believe that the interim period between Christ’s ascension and return is to be filled with the mission of the people of God, who have no liberty to stop before the end. We also remember his warning that false Christs and false prophets will arise as precursors of the final Antichrist. We therefore reject as a proud, self-confident dream the notion that people can ever build a utopia on earth. Our Christian confidence is that God will perfect his kingdom, and we look forward with eager anticipation to that day, and to the new heaven and earth in which righteousness will dwell and God will reign forever. Meanwhile, we re-dedicate ourselves to the service of Christ and of people in joyful submission to his authority over the whole of our lives.

The Return of Jesus Christ

All Christians should live with hope and expectation for the return of Jesus Christ, confident that his coming will be:

• personal (Acts 1:11)
• visible (Revelation 1:7)
• glorious (Mark 13:26)
• final (John 5:21-29, Hebrews 9:27-28)

This promise should stir us to action, as Jesus said the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10). Until he returns, our mission is clear: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations… and I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8–11).

Opposition (false Christs, false prophets, and the Antichrist) will come before his return (Mark 13:21-23; 1 John 2:18). Still, we are called to live as faithful witnesses, working for what is good in our social and political involvement while here on earth. Yet our ultimate hope is the ‘new heaven and new earth’ God has promised, where he will reign forever (Revelation 21:1–5; 2 Peter 3:13).

This hope is not only about the future. It also gives meaning to the present. Because we know Christ is coming, we give ourselves fully to his work, confident that our labour is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). So, with joy, we dedicate ourselves again to serve Christ and one another, submitting every part of our lives to his authority (Matthew 28:18).

Reflection:

How does the reality of Christ’s return spur you to action and obedience?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, keep my heart watchful and my hands ready, so I may serve faithfully until you come again.

[This devotional plan has been adapted from The Lausanne Covenant: Complete Text with Study Guide by John Stott (2009, The Lausanne Movement).]