… until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time…
Summary: Understanding that Jesus is coming again is a game changer for many of us.
When you read the words in this passage, what do you think of?
For some of you, this is a ‘loaded’ question. Church leaders have argued about what these words mean for centuries. In fact, this topic is one of those that divides many churches, so we are going to approach this carefully and in love (agapē). I want to respect your opinions while at the same time gently challenging your thinking a bit.
Let’s explore some passages about Jesus’ coming:
“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28)
This is a very interesting statement because it is a direct statement of fact. Jesus is not speaking metaphorically or in parables. Taken at face value, his words mean that the coming of Jesus in his kingdom will be witnessed by people who were alive in Jesus’ day.
Obviously, the first question that inquiring minds want to know is this: Are Jesus and Paul talking about the same thing? In other words, is “coming in his kingdom” the same thing as “appearing”?
In the case of Jesus’ statement about the ‘Son of Man coming in his kingdom,’ a few verses later Jesus takes Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain where they see Jesus’ glory revealed (Matthew 17:1-13).
In Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7), he sees “one like a son of man” coming before God and being given “authority, glory and sovereign power” (Daniel 7:14). The vision says that “his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Do you remember the vision of Stephen as he spoke before the Sanhedrin? He says:
“‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” (Acts 7:56)
Does this qualify as an “appearance of our Lord Jesus”?
Finally, since this is supposed to be a brief meditation, what about the thief on the cross? Recognizing his guilt, he turns to the man on the cross next to him and sees, not another man, but a king. He simply asks to be remembered when Jesus comes into his kingdom. And Jesus’ response?
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
There is much more in the Bible on this topic, but one thing we can be sure of— Jesus Christ is King.
Application: When it comes to the Bible, keep your eyes on God.
Food for Thought: How does this passage help Timothy—and us—keep our focus on our good confession?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.
When I was about 10, I was in a department store with a friend from church. We were looking at toys and saw one that we thought was really cool. I told the friend that I would put it in my pocket and we could walk out with it. (Yes, I am confessing that I was going to steal it). My friend got a nervous look on his face, and after a few seconds said “Jesus could be coming back any second.” It was good advice, not because it shamed me, but because it reminded me that I wanted to be blameless when I stood before Jesus. Being blameless before Christ is different than being sinless. I am incapable of being sinless, and that is why my sin is covered by the blood of Christ. But what I can strive to have is a mindset and lifestyle that glories Christ and refrains from sin because He lives in me. That is part of being blameless before Him. There is no angle or edge to manipulate here, one is either submitting to Him and giving up the passions of the world or one is not. And blameless doesn’t mean perfect, because we cannot be perfect. God’s Word tells us to slow down, because when we go too fast we think and act impulsively and fall into sin. We slow down so we can listen and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. This is the other part of being blameless, to seek Him in our thoughts and act according to His good Will. This passage helps keep our focus on our good confession because remembering that Jesus is coming back for us helps to walk with Him blamelessly, listening to the Holy Spirit, with thoughts and deed in good faith toward Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:12-13
12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
2 Peter 3:14
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
Thank you, Chris!
That is a touching, personal story that many of us can relate to. Once again, we are reminded to keep our eyes on Jesus! 🙂
Thanks CH
I think we have all been there. Thank, Jesus for forgiveness. I did steal something that cost fifty cents and it brother me for years. There was no way to make it right except to ask for forgiveness.
Paul,
Thank you for sharing! There is real power in confessing wrong-doing and asking forgiveness.