Introduction

The concept of waiting upon God for the coming of Christ is a central theme in Christian eschatology, reflecting the anticipation and hope for the fulfillment of God's promises through the return of Jesus Christ. This waiting is characterized by faith, patience, and active readiness, as believers look forward to the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation

The anticipation of Christ's coming is rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures. The prophets of the Old Testament foretold the coming of the Messiah, and the New Testament writers expanded on this by emphasizing the second coming of Christ.

Old Testament Prophecies

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, a son given, whose government and peace will have no end. This prophecy laid the foundation for the expectation of a savior who would establish God's kingdom.

New Testament Fulfillment and Expectation

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ and further develops the theme of His return. In Matthew 24:30-31 , Jesus Himself speaks of His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory."

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the anticipation of Christ's return. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , he writes, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

The Nature of Waiting

Waiting upon God for the coming of Christ involves a posture of readiness and vigilance. Jesus, in His parables, often emphasized the importance of being prepared for His return. In Matthew 25:1-13 , the Parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates the necessity of being spiritually prepared and watchful.

Faith and Patience

The waiting is marked by faith and patience, as believers trust in God's timing and promises. Hebrews 10:36-37 encourages believers, "You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For, 'In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.'"

Active Readiness

While waiting, believers are called to live lives that reflect the values of the coming kingdom. In 2 Peter 3:11-12 , Peter exhorts, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God."

Encouragement and Hope

The anticipation of Christ's return is a source of encouragement and hope for believers. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the ultimate restoration of all things. Revelation 22:20 captures the longing of the early church: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Conclusion

The waiting upon God for the coming of Christ is an integral aspect of the Christian faith, encompassing a blend of hope, expectation, and active engagement in the world. It is a call to live in the light of eternity, with hearts set on the promise of Christ's glorious return.1 Corinthians 1:7
So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Waiting Christ.
... time for His second Coming, when the power of God and His ... have come and gone since
He took that place upon the Father's ... Some day His waiting will come to an end ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the waiting christ.htm

The Character of Christ's Advent (I. 7).
... as a thief;" and it comes upon "THEM" and "THEY," not upon us: for ... book is not the
Coming for which the Church of God is now longing, waiting, and looking? ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the character of christs advent.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... to come to Christ as they are, instead of waiting to be ... trust in the name of the
Lord, and stay upon his God ... Mr. R."When God gives a command, it means that we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/i mr moody and rev marcus.htm

Christ's Humility Our Salvation.
... "Waiting upon God,""that is the only true expression for the ... themselves, and trust
themselves, to God; that they ... in Himself; He lived dependent upon God as a ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/vii christs humility our salvation.htm

That God May be all in All.
... If it was worth that to Christ, is it ... Holy Spirit"the unutterable groanings for the
coming time of ... Then the blessed habit of waiting upon God will be learned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii that god may be.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon Christ Himself.
... the Redeemer's Return 4. Because of its bearing upon Christ Himself ... at His Second
Advent the time of waiting, the long ... at His feet and say "my Lord and my God"? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 because of its bearing.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... It is the next Cause, under God, of all the ... all the Life that any Creatures live
upon the Earth. ... by him; all his Satellites or Servants waiting upon him; ready ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

Death by Disuse
... and sisters who are alive in the Lord, in waiting upon Him in that intensest form
of waiting which waits on ... with us as we pray to the mighty God of revivals ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xiii death by disuse.htm

Note E. --Chap. viii Nothing of Myself
... at once: there is the God of love waiting to do ... acts of self-emptying, to offer it
to God as the ... Count upon God accepting them, and meeting them with His grace ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note e chap viii nothing of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... long years of faithful service and of eager waiting which were ... to pass, know ye that
the kingdom of God is nigh ... a snare: 35 for so shall it come upon all them ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm

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