Read 1 Peter 1:13-16; Rev.1:1-3
We come to the last of the three primary New
Testament terms for the culminating event of history, the return of
Christ. It is a “coming” in that, as
with His first coming, He comes from heaven where He has been at the right hand
of His Father awaiting the word to return.
We noted that “coming” is also used of the rapture of His Bride. They do not belong in the time of Jacob’s trouble, the
tribulation.
It is His “appearing” because, again, like His
first “appearing” He was visible able to be seen. In His second appearing He will be seen by
every eye. But the third word adds
something different from the first: He will not only be seen by everyone; He
will be recognized by everyone for who He is!
Ø The
“revelation” of Jesus Christ.
This is the title of the last book of the
Bible. It is unlike any other book of
prophecy in all of Scripture because in it the
mystery of God is fulfilled (Rev. 10:7).
The clearest passage I think about the difference between “appearing”
and “revelation” is in Phil. 2:9-11 that says that because of His faithfulness
in His first appearing God has highly
exalted Him giving Him the highest of names so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven (believers
already in heaven, every angelic being), of
those on earth (the Jewish remnant, the few believing Gentiles left, and
all the armies of the earth gathered to make war against him), and of those under the earth (Satan, his
demons and unbelievers in Hades). The
first time He came to His own (the Jews) and they received Him not; He came
into the world and the world didn’t recognize Him. How different it will be when He is “revealed”.
This all fits the etymological understanding of
the terms. “Appearing” emphasizes being
seen, and He will be seen by all. But
revelation indicates that the seeing
is deep and true. This does not mean
that all are saved. As the book makes
clear, in fulfillment of the promise of His Father, all His enemies are made a
footstool for His feet. The armies of
earth will realize who He is and yet seek to destroy Him. In the day He is revealed the earth will
intensly sinful (Lk. 17:30). He will
come with completely justifiable vengeance which will be a relief to the saints
of all ages (2 Thess. 1:7). The
assurance of this revelation is the focus of hope for believers (1 Peter
1:13). The fact that all will be right
gives us the encouragement guard our minds and to be self-controlled. When He is revealed there will be grace
supplied. It will be such a glorious day
for our Lord who humbled Himself even to the cruel death on the cross and the
bearing of all our sins will be the exalted King of kings and Lord and
lords. So wonder one of the
characteristics of believers is that they eagerly
wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed (1 Cor. 1:7).
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