It is noted in our study this morning that at the Second Coming of Christ, “those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14) Notice that those who will appear with Him were with Him previously.
Paul wrote to the church at Colosse, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4) When does the Church go to be with The Lord? It certainly is not after the tribulation, for then the Scripture would say that we would go up to be with Him at the Second Coming, but it doesn’t say that! It says that we are with Him when He returns, which means that we were with Him before He returns. The event that is called “The Rapture of the Church” is when the bride of Christ goes to be with The Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), their loving Bridegroom (John 3:29).
Oh how glorious it is to be married to Jesus (Romans 7:4) instead of a religious system (Philippians 3:3-9)! The saints of all ages of the Church are those who are called by the gospel (Romans 10:8-17; 2 Timothy 1:9), chosen by God (2 Thessalonians 2:13), and faithful to Him by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Following Christ is not a religion, it is a walk (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:1, 5:15; Colossians 2:6). It is a walk of faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). It is a walk grounded upon a complete trust in the revelation that His sacrifice on the cross has atoned for all of my sin (Colossians 2:10-14). It is walk of surrender to His will for my life (Ephesians 2:10). It is a daily walk which includes a cross (Luke 9:23). It is a daily walk (Hebrews 3:13) that requires me to be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8,9) and circumspect (Ephesians 5:15-16).
As I walk with Jesus, I am to be prepared to answer the questions that the unsaved may ask of me (1 Peter 3:15). The Lord Jesus Himself is the example or pattern I should follow in my walk (1 John 2:6). But because it is so easy to get side tracked with all of the activities that surround the Second Coming of Christ, it is vital that we stay focused on abiding in Jesus (John 15:1-8) as our first love (Revelation 2:4).
May the fact that God in His sovereign love called you and chose you inspire you to be faithful to Him (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Christ Jesus, thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your call. You are my All, I praise You Lord, Creator of heaven and earth. Your light allows us see Your Majesty through the Holy Spirit within us. Thank You for our lives on this earth that You provided to give You glory. Thank You for your redemption and the ultimate blessing to be in Your presence for all eternity. Amen.