Part 3: The Blessed Hope of the King’s Return
The first two appearances of Christ are matters of historical fact and prophetic record. He came in humility to tabernacle with men, and He came in submission to die for men. But the Scriptures declare a third appearance—one not of weakness, but of power; not of a crown of thorns, but of a crown of pure gold. As we conclude this series, we examine why the believer waits with such “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) and why the certainty of the past guarantees the certainty of the future.
The Promise of His Coming
The world asks, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Peter 3:4, KJV), mocking the delay. Yet, we stand on the firm foundation of Christ’s own word. Before He ascended, He gave a legal and spiritual guarantee to His followers:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3, KJV).
This is not a vague “spiritual” return, but a literal, physical appearing. Just as the shepherds saw a real babe in Bethlehem and the disciples touched a real body after the resurrection, the world will behold a real King.
Why We Wait: The Purpose of the Delay
Many wonder why two thousand years have passed since the empty tomb. The answer is found in the character of God—He is not slow, but merciful. He is gathering a people from every nation, kindred, and tongue.
I. The Longsuffering of God The delay is an act of grace. The Apostle Peter reminds us:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV).
II. The Completion of the Body We wait because the “fulness of the Gentiles” must come in. Just as there was a “fulness of time” for His birth, there is a set moment for His return that only the Father knows. Our waiting is not passive; it is an active defense of the truth through the preaching of the Gospel.
The Manner of His Appearing
When the Lord returns, it will not be in the obscurity of a stable. It will be the most visible event in the history of the universe.
I. The Audible Shout The Bible describes the suddenness and the sound of that moment:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV).
II. The Visible Glory There will be no room for doubt or “gentle correction” when He appears in the clouds. Every eye shall see Him.
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30, KJV).
The Conclusion of the Matter
We have traced the path from the Manger (the Prophesied Seed) to the Cross (the Purchased Redemption) and finally to the Throne (the Promised Reign).
If God was accurate to the very village of His birth and the very manner in which His garments were parted at His death, we can rest with total conviction that He will be accurate regarding His return. The “signs of the times” are not meant to cause fear, but to cause the believer to “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).
He came once to pay a debt He did not owe; He is coming again to claim a Kingdom He rightfully owns. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.