10.2 I Will Certainly Come Again
The Second Coming of Christ: Assurance from the Faithfulness of the Redeemer

Read John 14:1–3. In what context does Jesus say these words?

Jesus’ words in John 14:1–3 are a powerful promise that strengthens the faith and hope of the disciples—and continues to offer comfort and assurance today. In the context of His impending crucifixion and farewell to the disciples, Jesus speaks not only of His departure but also of His return. His words reveal three important aspects:

1. Comfort in Times of Uncertainty

Jesus recognizes the confusion and fear of His disciples, triggered by the announcement of His departure. His assurance that their hearts should not be troubled shows His care and desire to calm them. This “troubled” (Greek: tarassō) describes a deep inner upheaval, which Jesus overcomes through His words of comfort. Even in our own times of uncertainty, this promise reminds us that we can trust in Him.

2. The Place of Hope: The Father’s House

Jesus speaks of the “house of His Father,” a picture of eternity with God. The “many rooms” illustrate that there is room for all who believe in Him in God’s kingdom. This image conveys security, community, and the assurance that everyone will have their fixed place in God’s presence. It shows us that eternity is not an abstract idea but a reality that Jesus has prepared for us.

3. The Absolute Certainty of His Return

Jesus does not just say that He will return; He expresses this promise in the Greek future perfect tense, conveying unwavering certainty. His words “I am coming” emphasize that His return is as sure as if it were already happening. The foundation of this trust is not only the fulfillment of prophetic predictions but also the very nature of Jesus Himself: His character, love, and faithfulness make this promise absolutely reliable.

The Significance for Our Faith Today

1. Hope in Difficult Times: Jesus’ words direct our gaze beyond life’s storms to eternity. They remind us that even amid suffering and uncertainty, a reliable hope awaits us.

2. A Home with God: The “Father’s house” symbolizes the ultimate redemption and the goal of our journey as Christians. It invites us to view our lives from the perspective of eternity.

3. Trust in His Promises: Confidence in Jesus’ return is based on His faithfulness. This promise is not a vague hope but a firm assurance grounded in the very character of God.

Conclusion

The words “I will surely come again” are an invitation to trust Jesus—even in times of doubt and uncertainty. His return is not only a prophetic reality but also an expression of His love and desire to have us with Him forever. In this promise lies comfort, hope, and the assurance that our faith has a secure anchor: Jesus Christ Himself.

What Does the Cross Teach Us About the Certainty of Christ’s Return? What Would Jesus’ Death Have Been Useful Without His Return?

The cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith, revealing not only the depth of God’s love but also the certainty of Christ’s return. Here are the essential teachings that connect the cross with the Second Coming:

1. The Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan

At the cross, Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). These words indicate that the work of redemption was completed through His death. However, the story of redemption does not end at the cross—it is fulfilled with His return. The cross was the first step in restoring the relationship between God and humanity. The Second Coming will complete this process by fully bringing us back into God’s presence.

2. The Cross as a Guarantee of the Return

Through His death on the cross, Jesus demonstrated His willingness to give everything to save humanity. This dedication is the foundation for trusting His promise of return. If He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, we can be certain that He will also come back to gather the fruits of that sacrifice—us—to Himself (John 14:3).

3. Victory Over Sin and Death

The cross marks Jesus’ victory over sin, and His resurrection seals the triumph over death. His return will make this victory visible by completely eliminating the power of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Without the Second Coming, the world would remain plagued by sin and suffering, and the victory of the cross would not be fully manifested.

What Would Jesus’ Death Be Useful Without the Second Coming?

Without the Second Coming of Christ, Jesus’ death, while a profound expression of love and sacrifice, would remain incomplete in its purpose:

1. Incomplete Redemption: Jesus’ death brought the forgiveness of sins, but without His return, there would be no final liberation from sin, suffering, and death. Humanity would remain trapped in a world full of pain, without the hope of complete restoration.

2. No Hope for Eternity: Jesus promised to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house (John 14:2-3). Without the Second Coming, there would be no ultimate fulfillment of this promise, and the goal of our faith—eternal life with God—would remain unattainable.

3. Loss of Hope and Purpose: The promise of Jesus’ return gives believers hope, comfort, and direction. Without this perspective, the cross would lose its transformative power, and our faith would be, as Paul says, “futile” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

Conclusion

The cross and the Second Coming of Christ are inseparably linked. The cross shows us how far Jesus would go to save us, and His return ensures that this salvation is complete and final. Without the Second Coming, Jesus’ death would be an act of love without ultimate purpose or eternal hope. The Second Coming gives the cross its universal and eternal significance: the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring His people to Himself.

The promise of Jesus’ return not only holds profound theological meaning but also shapes how we live our faith and daily lives. Here are the most important connections:

1. Hope in Difficult Times

In daily life, we encounter uncertainties, suffering, and challenges that test our faith. Jesus’ words in John 14:1–3 remind us that this world is not the end. His promise to bring us to Himself gives us strength and hope to remain steadfast even in the toughest moments. This perspective allows us to live with confidence and trust in what God has prepared for us.

2. An Eternal Perspective

The promise of a place in the Father’s house invites us to focus not only on the here and now but to see our lives in the light of eternity. This influences our decisions:

• Valuing What Lasts: We prioritize what has lasting significance, such as love, justice, and faith.

• Living with Purpose: It motivates us to live our lives with a goal that transcends the world.

3. A Life of Trust

The certainty of Jesus’ return calls us to rest in His faithfulness. Even when circumstances sometimes discourage us, we can trust in Jesus’ promise to come and make all things new. This trust gives us peace, even when we do not fully understand God’s plan.

4. Encouragement to a Life of Discipleship

The Second Coming is not only a hope but also an encouragement:

• Holiness and Vigilance: Jesus’ return reminds us of the importance of growing in our faith and living in a way that honors God.

• Serving in Love: Knowing that Jesus is coming back, we are invited to make His love visible in our relationships and service.

5. Forgiveness and Patience

Jesus’ promise inspires us to be patient and to forgive others. The hope of His return helps us let go of conflicts because we know that God will ultimately make everything right. It gives us the strength to live in peace with others and to strive for justice.

Conclusion: Faith in Daily Life

The promise “I will surely come again” is an anchor for our lives. It teaches us to:

1. Walk Through Difficulties with Hope.

2. Align Our Priorities with Eternity.

3. Live in Trust, Holiness, and Love.

Jesus’ return is not only a future event but a reality that shapes our everyday lives today. It provides us with a perspective of comfort, responsibility, and hope that defines our lives as Christians.

The certainty of Jesus’ return gives us hope, strength, and a perspective that goes beyond today.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-10-2-i-will-certainly-come-again-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 2, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 8

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Romans 8 is considered one of the most outstanding chapters in the entire New Testament. The Apostle Paul demonstrates in an overwhelming manner the effects of redemption through Jesus Christ on the lives of believers. This chapter highlights the Christian hope and assurance by illuminating the new life in the Spirit of God, the role of creation, and the inseparable love of God. It provides a theological foundation for understanding life in the Spirit and encourages believers to live in this truth.

Commentary

Life in the Spirit (Verses 1–11)
The section begins with the triumphant statement that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is a key declaration of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer under the law of sin and death but under the law of the Spirit, which grants life and freedom. This liberation is the work of God, who sent His Son to condemn sin in the flesh and fulfill the righteousness of the law.

The dichotomy between the flesh and the Spirit runs through this section. “To be in the flesh” means hostility against God and leads to death, while “to be in the Spirit” brings life and peace. Paul highlights that the Spirit of Christ dwells in believers, thereby not only freeing them from the power of sin but also giving them the hope of the resurrection of their mortal bodies.

Sonship and Heirship (Verses 12–17)
Paul further addresses the identity of believers, explaining that they are children of God, led by the Spirit. This spiritual sonship frees them from fear and grants believers the privilege to call God “Abba, Father.” The Holy Spirit Himself testifies that believers are children of God, giving them unwavering assurance.

With sonship comes heirship. Believers are co-heirs with Christ, encompassing both suffering and glory. This theme of co-heirship seamlessly leads to the hope of future glory.

Hope for Creation and Certainty of Salvation (Verses 18–30)
The central statement of this section is that the present sufferings are not comparable to the coming glory. Paul describes creation as “groaning” in anticipation of the revelation of the children of God. Creation suffers under its futility, yet it hopes for the freedom of glory.

Believers themselves are included in this expectation. Although they have the firstfruits of the Spirit, they long for the final redemption of their bodies. Paul describes hope as that which is not seen and encourages patience in waiting.

A particular highlight is the role of the Holy Spirit, who helps believers in their weakness and intercedes for them in prayer. This intervention of the Spirit provides assurance that all things work together for the good of those who love God. Paul anchors this truth in God’s eternal purpose, which ranges from predestination through calling and justification to glorification.

The Inseparable Love of God (Verses 31–39)
The last section is a hymn-like confession of the invincibility of God’s love in Christ. Paul poses the rhetorical question: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” He reminds that God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for all of us. From this, Paul concludes that nothing can separate believers from the love of God.

The list of potential threats—tribulation, persecution, hunger, dangers, or powers—is overcome by the certainty that believers in Christ are more than conquerors. Paul ends the chapter with the triumphant statement that neither death nor life, neither angels nor powers, neither present nor future things, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Summary

Romans 8 is a chapter of victory and hope. It begins with the declaration that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ and ends with the assurance that nothing can separate believers from God’s love. Paul explains life in the Spirit, liberation from the power of sin, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The hope of future glory and the promise of resurrection give strength to remain steadfast amidst suffering. Finally, Paul assures that God’s love in Christ is unshakable and eternal. This chapter encourages believers to live in the certainty of their salvation and to experience the freedom and joy given through the Spirit.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/2-11-2024-romans-chapter-8-believe-his-prophets/