Sermon Snippet – Right Responses to the Reality of the Rapture – Part III
INTRODUCTION – In the last two weeks, we have considered ten right and reasonable responses to the Rapture, the promised return of Jesus for His own. “Of that day and hour knoweth no man” (Matthew 24:36a), but it is as certain as His first advent, which is irrefutable historical fact. The Bible is clear that the Rapture (from a Latin word meaning “caught up”) is imminent and that it is motivation to live distinctively. Let us continue our study today.
1. WE ARE TO HEED THE TEACHING OF GOD’S WORD
Writing to a young pastor, the Apostle Paul exhorts “that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Timothy 6:14). This reference is to Timothy’s specific calling to preach the Word of God (verses 1-3, 12a). The teaching of God’s “doctrine” (verse 1) is paramount, stands stolidly and solidly against those who “teach otherwise” (verse 3), and includes “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Without “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), a church becomes a social club – actually, something worse than a social club, because it is masquerading as a spiritual entity. Entertainment is no substitute for edification and exhortation.
2. WE ARE TO HAVE GODLY CONFIDENCE
I John 2:28 says, “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” This “confidence” is not a form of arrogance, for it is based on Christ’s character: “If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him” (verse 29). He is the One Who inaugurates our spiritual birth (“born of Him”), and He is also the One Who initiates our response of “righteousness” (for “He is righteous”). Jesus is so good that He is coming back for us; our reciprocal desire should be to do good in anticipation of His appearance. Our confidence, though, is not in what we do; ultimately, our certainty is in Him.
3. WE ARE TO LIVE SEPARATED LIVES
The Apostle John continues to consider practical implications of the Lord’s return: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (3:2-3). Clinging to this world’s ways is morally wrong and spiritually deadening. It is also nonsensical, for the appearance of Jesus will signal the soon end of this wicked world of woe. Separating ourselves from this world does not mean joining a monastery or a convent: like Jesus in His Incarnation, we are “in the world” but “not of the world” (John 17:11-16). Separation means to “set boundaries” (the literal translation of “Be ye separate” in II Corinthians 6:17). If the world is flocking to something, let us run the other way. Clinging to Jesus is always the right choice.
4. WE ARE TO SEEK THE SALVATION OF SOULS
Jude 21-23 exhorts, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Two thoughts come to mind. First, time is short. Second, one reason that we are still here is that there are some people receptive to the Gospel.
5. WE ARE TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE END OF LIFE
Paul believed fervently in the imminency of the Rapture of the Church and wrote about it extensively. At the end of his fruitful life, though, he knew that his death was very close (II Timothy 4:6-8). As he speaks of his impending death, he also speaks of the “appearing” of Jesus Christ. Paul understood that his demise would not change the doctrine. The Biblical truth cannot be altered, and Paul found joy in the knowledge of the Savior’s plan. May we follow this exceptional example.
CONFIDENCE – The return of Jesus is not a dry, academic subject, one for professional theologians only. Rather, it is a vibrant, essential teaching that motivates us to love our Savior God more and serve Him well and enthusiastically.