Topical Bible: The Second Coming of Christ: Saints: should be Patient To

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The Second Coming of Christ is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, referring to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to earth. This event is expected to fulfill the promises of God, bringing about the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The anticipation of this event has profound implications for the lives of believers, particularly concerning the virtue of patience.

Biblical Exhortation to Patience

The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to exercise patience as they await the return of Christ. This patience is not passive but is characterized by active faithfulness and perseverance in the face of trials and tribulations. The Apostle James encourages believers with these words: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains" (James 5:7). Here, patience is likened to a farmer's diligent waiting, underscoring the necessity of steadfastness and hope.

The Example of the Prophets and Job

James further points to the prophets and Job as exemplars of patience: "As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (James 5:10-11). The prophets endured hardship while remaining faithful to their divine calling, and Job's endurance amidst suffering is highlighted as a model for believers.

The Role of Patience in Sanctification

Patience is integral to the process of sanctification, as it refines the character of believers and aligns them more closely with the image of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). This passage illustrates the transformative power of patience, as it produces spiritual maturity and a deepened hope in the promises of God.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of readiness and patience in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. In this parable, five wise virgins are prepared for the bridegroom's delayed arrival, while five foolish virgins are not. Jesus concludes, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This parable serves as a warning and an encouragement for believers to remain vigilant and patient, maintaining their spiritual readiness for Christ's return.

Encouragement in the Face of Scoffers

The Apostle Peter addresses the challenge posed by scoffers who doubt the promise of Christ's return: "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation'" (2 Peter 3:3-4). Peter reassures believers that the Lord's timing is perfect, emphasizing that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (2 Peter 3:8). This perspective encourages patience, reminding believers that God's promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

Living in Expectation

The anticipation of Christ's return calls believers to live in a state of readiness and expectation. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance" (2 Thessalonians 3:5). This directive highlights the dual focus of the Christian life: abiding in God's love and emulating Christ's endurance. As believers await the Second Coming, they are called to cultivate patience, trusting in God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:7,8
Be patient therefore, brothers, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Why was the Fact of Our Lord's Return Presented in the Language of ...
... The perennial hope of Christ's second advent is used as a ... we which are alive and
remain unto the coming of the ... trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 why was the fact.htm

The Apostles Referred to the Redeemer's Return in the Language of ...
... had not appeared up to the time when he wrote this epistle, yet, the saints must
not conclude from this that the Second Coming of Christ was necessarily ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the apostles referred to.htm

The Adornment of the Spritual Marriage
... CHAPTER XXXV. OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, OR, THE FOUNTAIN WITH THREE RILLS.
CHAPTER XXXVI. ... THE SECOND RILL ENLIGHTENS THE UNDERSTANDING. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/

Introduction
... in weakness and humiliation, but at His second He shall ... John lovingly exhorted them
to abide in Christ so that ... not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (1 John ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/introduction.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.". ... Paul sent the
Thessalonians in his first epistle regarding the second coming of Christ, was in ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

The End of Christ's Coming
... Second Series Sermon 62 The End of Christ's Coming. ... We are, in the Second place,
to consider how ... Watts concerning "the glorious humanity of Christ," which he ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 62 the end of.htm

He was Transfigured
... be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who ... when He shall come "the
second time without ... of glory was represented in miniature,"Christ the King ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 46 he was transfigured.htm

The General Epistle of James
... piety and whole-hearted devotion to the saints. ... the expectation of the speedy second
coming of Christ ... The profession of Christ without a corresponding Christian ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... for you will have remarked that in the close of the second of Corinthians ... Coming
to particulars more closely ... so saints, who have the sweet savor of Christ in them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... Second: Christ did not suffer for his own sake, nor of ... his sufferings, on his way
to Jerusalem, as Christ beheld the city, he announced its coming doom and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm