Jesus is coming back! This is the truth because Jesus said it. As recorded in John 14:3, Jesus said, “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (HCSB). Since Jesus did “go away” to the presence of the Father, He will be coming back, again, because He said He will. Acts 1:9 is a record of His “going away” into heaven, “After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.” (HCSB). So, based upon His own declaration, since He went away He will come back. The truth of His return is also declared by the “two men …in white apparel” Acts 1:10 (KJV),“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (KJV). Therefore, Jesus is coming again. By faith we believe what Jesus said because Jesus said it. Based on the Scriptures, “… without faith it is impossible to please God,…” Hebrews 11:6 (HCSB).
As a student of the Scriptures you are, no doubt, familiar with Hebrews 11 and the frequently used phrase “By faith” which appears more than 15 times. The testimony of their “faith” is described by their actions, deeds, or works. Clearly, their “faith” in what God said directly and consistently influenced and impacted how they chose to live their lives. The logical conclusion is that their “faith” in what God said produced an outward demonstration, or obedience, that conformed to and agreed with, their unwavering trust in, reliance upon, and adherence to the word of/from God.
Here is the reality check: should our faith and faithfulness be any different than theirs?
Of those listed in Hebrews 11, the Scriptures declare “These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.” (13, HCSB).
Obviously, we have not witnessed the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus to “come again” John 14:3. But, we believe He is coming. It is quite possible we are quickly approaching the arrival of the “last days” which will introduce the fulfillment of many of the prophecies of the Scriptures. So, what will we do with our “faith” in the promise of Jesus to “come again”? To use an illustration of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:15, will we hide it under a bushel? Or, perhaps we will put in on a candlestick? Clearly, hiding it under a bushel will not allow us to “Let your light so shine before men, …” Matthew 5:16 (KJV). No one will ever know of the existence of our “faith” if we never do anything in response to it.
There is no doubt our world is continuing to change. We are witnessing an escalation of the events which Jesus described as “the beginning of birth pains” Matt. 24:8 (HCSB). Within that same context, Jesus plainly declared, “but the end is not yet.” Matt. 24:6.
So, while there is still time, opportunity, and need, what will we do in the midst of the quagmire of our first world problems? Will we simply have “faith” in the promise of Jesus to “come again”. Or, will do something with it, or by it? Will we “by faith” share the truth of the message concerning the promise of Jesus to “come again”? Will we stand, as did Paul – in the midst of the shipwreck experience – and say, “I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27:25?