STUDY No. 48 - THE POSTSCRIPT TO HIS COMING

In compiling these study outlines I have been conscious of the fact that we have been studying in areas of increasing low visibility.

We have looked into the future and seen certain mountain peaks:

We are not too sure of the order of them all, except that of the last, to which we now turn:

THE ETERNAL STATE

In a general sense each of our 'mountains' has been further and further away, less and less distinct - than the previous ones.

As one follows the path of biblical information back to the origin of things, it grows narrower and narrower until at last it reaches the vanishing point. The same is true as one follows the path of revelation into the future. There comes a point where the horizon vanishes. But although the revelation is limited, it is adequate and provides all we need to guide in the present.

Having abolished all His enemies, the Lord Jesus Christ proceeds to carry out the vast eternal programme of God which yet awaits fulfilment. He brings about what is called...
THE FULLNESS OF TIMES:

 Isaiah 65:17  Isaiah 66:12  1 Corinthians 15:24  1 Corinthians 15:24-28
 Ephesians 1:10  Ephesians 4:10   Philippians 2:10, 11   Colossians 1:20 
 2 Peter 3:12, 13  Revelation 5:12  Revelation 21:1  Revelation 22:5

The perfection of the eternal state is portrayed in the most amazing and vivid language.

The new earth is sealed forever against the entrance of anything that defileth, worketh abomination or maketh a lie. Those who possess the capacity for any of these things have been confined in the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10; Revelation 21:8).

The perfect administration of the universe will have been obtained by a perfect government - dictatorship! But see who the worthy - the only worthy One who could be found - is opening the books. (Revelation 5:1-9)!

But .... let's touch earth a minute! Just how symbolic is all this?

Read slowly that portion in 2 Peter 3:10-14 (Authorised Version, of course!). Peter is encouraging us to look for these things.

There is an interesting testimony of Paul found in 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10. Paul was quoting scripture (Isaiah 64:4). He spoke of what the eye hath not seen ... there was something tremendous up front! And he for one believed it!

This was the very testimony of Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10). He went out by faith, but as he went he looked for a city, which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. See verse 10. Was it a real city in his mind? Is it a real city in your mind?

THE DAY OF GOD (Notice the "unto's")
 

 Luke 1:32  Romans 16:27  Ephesians 3:21
 1 Timothy 1:17  Hebrews 1:8  Hebrews 13:21
 1 Peter 5:11  2 Peter 3:18  Jude 25
 Revelation 1:6  Revelation 1:15  Revelation 5:13
 Revelation 7:12 . .

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE REDEEMED?

Spiritually all is
  WELL  Revelation 21:27
Morally all is
  PURE  Revelation 22:4
Physically all is
  NEW  1 Corinthians 15:35-54
Emotionally all is
  COMPLETE  Romans 8:18-25
Legally all is
  JUST  Romans 8:17

The coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is sadly neglected today. This is probably because there are divergent views concerning it, and some Christians can be very dogmatic and cause divisions.

However, this should be remedied. It should be studied by more Christians in their homes and it should be taught more frequently by ministers and pastors.

It need not cause division if those who hold strong views recognise that dogmatism and even aggression against those with whom they disagree is out of order. I have heard a-millennialists roundly denounced as liberals and unbelievers; and pre-millennialists called simplistic, and even dangerous. [Remember Study 43: Don't be a shrimp!]

The whole spiritual tone of a local church is raised as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is given greater prominence.

There will be: