JESUS IS COMING SOON!
As we end the year today, I will be speaking on the topic “Behold, I Come Quickly!” in the English Worship Service. This is in response to some who had asked me over the past year, “Is it right for me to say that Jesus is coming soon? Anyway, Christ said that no one knows the time of His Coming but the Heavenly Father (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7)? Has it not been more than two thousand years since Christ’s first coming? Surely it will be wrong for me to tell people that Christ is coming soon!”
What saith the Scriptures? In Revelation 22, the Lord Jesus mentioned twice to the Apostle John, “Behold, I come quickly” (v. 7, 12). While it is true that we are not meant to know the exact day and hour of Christ’s return, but the Scriptures clearly emphasises on the imminence of His return. Moreover, a thousand years are but a day in the Lord’s sight. Our duty is thus to be ready and watch for His return (Matt. 24:43-51).
The parable of the ten virgins teaches the importance of being ready for Christ’s coming. The five foolish ones were the ones who did not take oil in their lamps despite knowing that the bridegroom may come anytime in the night. On the other hand, the five wise ones took oil in their vessels. When the bridegroom arrived, their lamps are all trimmed and bright. Needless to say, the wise virgins entered the marriage feast but not the foolish.
Similarly, the Bible tells us of the signs of Christ coming so that we may be ready. You can read of these signs in Matthew 24:1-18; 29-30. Many of these signs have already been fulfilled – wars and rumours of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes in divers places, false prophets, false Christs, rapid evangelism etc. Surely Christ is coming very soon in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:30). “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matt. 24:32-34)
When Christ comes, the estate of every man will be sealed. Thus, Christ said in Revelation 22:11,
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:
and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:
and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”
Therefore, while Christ still tarries, we must abound in our efforts to witness for Him. We must live soberly and number our days in wisdom. Rev. Dennis Kwok will speak on this topic tonight at the Watchnight service. Hear and take heed!
Dearly beloved, Christ is coming very soon! The time of the sayings of the prophecies in the book of Revelation “is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). Are you ready?
Lovingly in Christ,
Preacher Clement Chew
