In last night’s Bible study, we continued looking at New Testament references to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians is a book with many references to this (see 2 Thess 1:5-10, 2 Thess 2:1-12), and it’s not always easy to interpret these passages (especially about the ‘man of lawlessness’, a phrase referring to Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 11:21-33). There has been much speculation over the years about who this will be, with many historical figures identified with this man. What we can see, clearly, however, from these passages is that God is still in control and He is is just. However difficult circumstances may become before Jesus’s return, we see that for those who believe and obey the Gospel, this return is a blessed hope which motivates our current living (see Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 3:1-13).
The return of the Lord is something we should eagerly desire and expect (2 Pet 3:12). The Message version says, ‘Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.’ (The Message) We should never treat this doctrine as something merely academic, but should allow the urgency of the gospel message to inform how we live and fill us with hope that God has a plan for our world which will be wonderful to behold.
