AS JESUS preached the gospel of the kingdom he said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). A moment later he declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Still later, our Lord declared, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven” (Matt. 13:33).
These metaphors may, at first glance, seem totally mixed and unrelated; however, we gain a very important spiritual insight the moment we see they have one vital quality in common. Salt, light, and leaven all have the power of penetration.1 [D. Elton Trueblood, The Company of the Committed (New York: Harper & Row, 1961), p. 68.] Salt penetrates meat and flavors the whole piece. Light penetrates darkness and illumines the night. Leaven penetrates an inert lump of dough and raises the loaf to a new height of edibility and desirability.
Sharing the Kingdom Message
As children of the kingdom we have been commissioned to penetrate the world with the gospel. The theology of the kingdom is a theology of penetration or evangelism. We are to bring light to a sin-darkened world. We are to bring flavor to a tasteless society. And we are to lift the whole inert lump to a new level of desirability.
When Christ walked and talked with his disciples during the days following his resurrection and before his ascension into heaven, he spoke to them about what was uppermost in his mind—the kingdom. Even then, however, the disciples were on another wave length. They were interested in date-setting and in knowing the time of the final consummation of the kingdom. Jesus endeavored to put those secondary matters in the place they belonged by saying, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:6–8).
No more idle speculation. Go to work and evangelize the world. And they did. They tarried in Jerusalem until they received the promised Holy Spirit and, thus empowered, they went out to accomplish their task. It was a task for which they had been training the past three years, a task of preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven.
Kingdom-receivers must be kingdom-givers. The news is too good to keep. Those who have truly experienced the joy of being freed from sin and the thrill of living in the presence of the Holy Spirit are impelled and compelled to share the good news with others.
Light in the Darkness
Before the Communist revolution, a Chinese peasant who was going blind went to a missions station for help. There a Christian doctor removed cataracts from the man’s eyes and, to his amazement, he was able to see clearly once again. As he traveled homeward, the peasant stopped everyone he met with the exciting news of his healing. Upon arriving in his village, he gathered all of the blind together and told them what had happened. Naturally, they too were anxious for the same kind of miracle.
Eager to help them, he tied a rope around each waist until there was a long, human train, with the healed Chinese peasant leading the blind over valleys and hills and across treacherous rivers. He was leading them so they might receive the same healing he now, enjoyed.
Just so, we Christians are eager to share the good news of our healing, a healing of our sin-blinded souls. We call this sharing process evangelism or witnessing. A now very familiar definition of evangelism expresses the same spirit of the Chinese peasant. The late D. T. Niles of Ceylon, said, “Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.” Well said.
The Chinese peasant’s desire to bring light into the darkness of his fellow villagers reminds us that we are to bring spiritual illumination to our sin-blinded world. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14–16).
This scripture has been grossly misinterpreted by some shallow church members who say, “I can’t witness to my fellow workers. I can’t teach a Sunday school class; it would tie me down too much. I can’t give a tithe of my income. I really don’t feel adequate to invite any unsaved person into my home. But, I’ll sit at home and let my light shine.”
Very little light is generated by sitting. Sitting church members create “sit-uations” and many of the situations aren’t too pleasant. Christians are to be light; and our lamp is not to be put under a bushel at home, but on a lamp stand where it will do some good.
A hunter does not sit in the living room with a gun in hand, waiting for the rabbits to bounce into the house. Rather, the hunter makes preparations for the hunt and then goes in search of game. Likewise, Christians do more than sit at home waiting for sinners to stumble over them. They make preparation for their ministry. They set goals for their lives and for the ministry that Christ has given them. Then they actively pursue those goals in the Spirit of Christ so that they may bring glory not to themselves, but to God.
An Effective Witness
My friend, if you have not found your place in the kingdom, you should be actively searching for it. Once finding it, equip yourself to the best of your ability so that you can serve in bringing men and women to Christ. The church desperately needs a cadre of disciplined, well-trained Christian men and women who are thoroughly committed to Christ and his gospel—men and women who will serve as salt, light, and leaven and penetrate our sick society with the healing, reconciling message of salvation.
I believe this is the sincere desire of most of us in the church. Our problem is, as in so many areas, to get a handle or some direction as to how to make an effective witness. When we hear the word witnessing, too often the picture which flashes in our minds is that of people going door to door, tract in hand, sharing a memorized spiel on the doctrine of salvation.
This form of evangelism has had some success, but such a stereotype has caused many Christians to experience guilt because they do not feel this plan of action is for them. They feel guilty because they are not witnessing in this way and often feel that since they are not, they are not witnessing at all. Please do not let this stereotype cripple you and keep you from a fresh approach to soul winning.
A short time ago a magazine (and I must apologize because I don’t recall which one) reported the results of a survey which asked the question: “What is a good neighbor?” A large majority of those who responded said that a good neighbor is one who lets them alone! That’s quite a different answer from one that we might have expected to hear a few years back. But the answer reflects the hectic, harried lives of today. We are just about being killed by clocks, calendars, and computers. And if we can just make it home one more time and collapse in our favorite chair, we will be doing well. We pray that the doorbell or the phone won’t ring until we can get our jangled wits sorted out. Recently a friend shared her feelings when unexpected callers from a church arrived. The family had had a very busy, trying day. It was about eight o’clock in the evening, and the children had not yet been fed. The visitors gave a canned spiel, much like traveling salespersons, and then pressed for an on-the-spot decision. This lady, who is usually very gracious, became so angry that she said it made her feel like never darkening the door of a church again. Thank God the feeling passed. They came to a church where there was loving, Christian fellowship, and she and her husband are now both Christians. But they are Christians in spite of this encounter, not because of it.
Let me hasten to add that calling in homes is sometimes a very effective tool for evangelism. It isn’t necessary to point out the obvious mistakes these well-intentioned callers made. You know there are better ways and circumstances. I am pointing up, however, that other methods of witnessing which are often more effective ought to be considered.
Winsome Christians
Christ shared one technique with us in Matthew 5:14–16. He said that we are the light of the world and that we are to let our light so shine before others that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. Good works done in a winsome way help point people to Christ and bring glory to God. Good works have influenced more people toward Christ than good words. In fact, good works are the ear openers which make good words heard. Help a man get his ox out of a ditch and later over a cup of coffee, he may be interested in knowing why you are the kind of person who helps those in distress. Baby-sit with a neighbor’s child when the neighbor is ill or depressed, and you will be seen as a genuinely caring person. Later the neighbor may want to know how you are able to handle the stresses and strains of life.
Surprise someone. When you have every right to be angry or impatient, remain understanding and cooperative. When your beauty operator is running late, instead of being sullen or running off at the mouth, be understanding and, if her heart can bear the shock, you may have an opportunity to witness to her. When the waitress serves you cold food, or your neighbor’s St. Bernard uses your rose garden for his afternoon nap, stay calm. If you feel that you must say something to remedy the situation, pray for wisdom that you will speak in the Spirit of Christ. Out of these common ordinary experiences of life you may have your best opportunity to witness. Winsome Christians win some people to Christ. Let your light shine, and do it in such a way as to bring glory to your Father in heaven.
Friendship Evangelism
Sometimes it is an annoyance when we call on others unexpectedly, but often they will consider it an honor to be invited into your home for a dessert or a simple meal. This kind of friendship evangelism can open many doors and hearts that would otherwise remain closed. When they come into your home, enjoy some fellowship. Don’t feel pressed to immediately talk about salvation. Just love them and get to know them. Let them get to know you. If possible, invite someone else from the church with whom they might share common interests. Then they’ll feel at ease and more like they belong at church or at your next class party. They’ll be more receptive to the gospel because of your warm hospitality. We won’t win 100 percent of those we invite into our homes, but we will win a much higher percentage than we will by going out knocking on doors where there has been no prior contact.
Also, we should not forget that the local church building is a tool for evangelism as well as a house of worship. Somewhere we’ve gotten the idea it is only a filling station for Christians. It is that. But many who come through the doors are there because they are searching for God. A well-prepared, enthusiastic, spirit-filled Sunday school teacher is a witness par excellence. So is the dedicated nursery worker, or the person who warmly and sincerely welcomes a visitor. Everyone who contributes to make the service vital—musicians, ministers, ushers, fellow worshipers—is aiding evangelism.
Although many have become Christians at home or other places, many more still reach the point of decision at the church. We must do our utmost to make every service an encounter with God. Souls are no less valuable because they have come seeking instead of being sought.
It’s a fact. Christians are to be salt, light, and leaven. They are to penetrate the world with the gospel of the kingdom and they are to do it in such a winsome manner that it brings glory to God. The assignment is not easy, but let us remember that we do not go in our own strength. We are to first receive the power of the Holy Spirit into our lives and then act as Christ’s witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”
Christ (live in me)
Live out thy life within me,
O Jesus, King of Kings;
Be thou thyself the answer
To all my questionings.
Live out thy life within me;
In all things have thy way;
I, the transparent medium,
Thy glory will display.
—Frances R. Havergal
For Discussion
1. How can we in the church assist each other in finding our places of ministry?
2. This chapter contains the statement that Christians make preparation for ministry and set goals for their lives. What kind of preparation should we make? How do we individually go about setting realistic and helpful goals?
3. What are some of the characteristics of Jesus’ methods of sharing the gospel? How can we better incorporate these into our lives?
4. Think of some specific situations in which someone has witnessed to you. How did you feel at the time? What was it about the person’s approach that caused you to respond positively or negatively?
5. Think of the person who has most effectively shared Christ with you. How was this done?
6. The author states that there are various methods of witnessing. List as many different ways as you can think of.
Chapter 11
A New Commandment for a New People
I HATE TO SAY IT, but Jesus asked the impossible of us. At least it appears humanly impossible. I’m talking about that new commandment he gave. You remember, on the night before he was crucified, the same night he washed his disciples’ feet. While he had them quiet and they were no longer jockeying for a position or trying to prove who was the greatest, it was then that the Master said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, … By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:34–35). That is impossible, isn’t it? Anyone want to step forward and say, “Pastor Dye, from now on you can count on me. I’m going to love everybody just like Jesus did.” Now don’t everybody volunteer at once.
A Difficult Commandment
My friend, that new commandment is the most difficult law or commandment in the universe to keep. I can keep the Old Testament law of the Ten Commandments. I can keep them and feel self-righteous while I do it. But I’m constantly missing the mark and having to pray for grace when it comes to this law of love because I’m not just naturally a sweet, loving person. I’ve been in the Way thirty years, but I’m still a little selfish around the edges. Oh, I can love people who love me. I get a thrill out of loving people that I like. But to love others as freely and completely as Christ does is a tough assignment, and if it were not for his grace, he could send me to hell for breaking his law of love. Don’t feel too smug, because I have a feeling you might be there keeping me company.
So much of our love is selfish love rather than self-giving love. Generally we seek our own happiness by showing love to the people who love us in return, or by loving “quality people” who may be able to help us later. Meanwhile, for much of the rest of the world, we have only tolerance. And, friend, tolerance is no synonym for love. Do you doubt that?
At a party, with whom do you socialize? Is it Joe Dull, who quietly sits in a corner, or old Charlie Charisma with the Pepsodent smile and the new Mercedes Benz? Whom do you think Jesus would be socializing with at the party? Okay, “go thou and do likewise.”
That cuts, doesn’t it? We just don’t love like Christ.
Loving the Unlovely
I got a new thought! Well, I almost got a new thought. Someone else really sparked the idea. But anyway, I was looking through slides I took of children at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. These were beggar children and they weren’t very pretty and they weren’t very clean. One or two of them had diseased eyes that were constantly running. One little girl, who looked no more than five or six years old, was struggling to carry her little brother (or maybe it was her bald-headed sister) with a dirty diaper. These kids were all screaming, “Bacsheese! Bacsheese!” which, being interpreted means, “Give me some money, you rich yankee.”
I wasn’t smart enough to realize it at the time, but when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14), he was not talking only about cute, little Anglo-Saxon, blonde-haired girls who come to church in lovely, frilly, pink dresses, or those freckle-faced boys who can look almost angelic on Mother’s Day when I’m preaching a tender message on “Mother and the Christian Home.” No, Jesus was talking about these dirty beggar children too. But you know, I never thought of these kids as being part of the kingdom of heaven. They were just little urchins who would pick your pockets and steal you blind. Love them? Like Christ did? That’s a tall order. Yet, it is this kind of divine love, this steadfast goodwill to all, that brings men and women, boys and girls, into the kingdom. Love for the down-and-out, love for the up-and-going, love for all of God’s children—this makes the church attractive to sensitive people.
Ministry of Love
I know a fellow named C. Ray who understands this kind of love. About two years after we began the Westridge Hills Church in Oklahoma City, one Sunday morning a fine young couple, Joe and Patsy Walker, came to church. The following Sunday they were back and a short time later, both came to the altar and were wonderfully saved. Still later, Joe became one of our Sunday school teachers and just to talk to him, I knew that he was a successful young man with both feet on the ground.
One day I said, “Joe, tell me a bit about your background. What church did you used to attend? Where were you born?” He answered, “Well, really I never went to church till C. Ray got hold of me. I grew up in the slums around Fourth Street. I didn’t have a father, and my mother never had time to take me to church. But one day, C. Ray came by and invited me to go to his Sunday school class, which he called the ‘Straight Shooters’ at one of the large local churches. I knew some boys from the neighborhood who attended, so I went. C. Ray had been passing out cards that said. ‘Would you like to go hiking, take trips, and go on weiner roasts? If so meet at the church Sunday morning at 9:30 A.M.’ Some of the kids thought the cards were tickets and would present them at the door to get in.”
The interesting thing about it was that C. Ray, who was sign painter, failed the first time he was asked to teach a class of young boys. He quit in despair. But he couldn’t get away from the necessity and duty of winning boys (many of whom he said “only a mother could love”) to the Lord. He then asked for the privilege of having a room in the church, with the provision that he go out and get his own class. The room was granted, and he went into the slum area, collected all the boys he could get, and hauled them to church in his pickup truck. Some of the church members weren’t too pleased about all these ragged boys being hauled to church. So when C. Ray asked if the church would buy a bus to take the boys on trips, the request was denied. Although he was far from being wealthy, he bought an old school bus himself and encouraged the boys to earn money for a trip to the Grand Canyon.
Joe said, “I couldn’t find a job, but C. Ray said, ‘Come up to my sign shop and I’ll give you a job.’ ” So, after school and on Saturdays Joe and several other boys worked in C. Ray’s shop to earn money for the trip. The trip was a terrific experience for a boy who’d never been out of his community. On the way, they slept under blankets beside the road. They ate bologna sandwiches and cereal out of a cup, but they had at least one hot, cooked meal a day. It may not sound good to you, but the kids loved it.
The next year the trip was repeated, but to a different place. It was always C. Ray who was taking his time. Others didn’t seem to consistently have the burden, so most of the time he did it by himself. This wasn’t a mere spurt of enthusiasm, for that first trip was more than thirty years ago, and C. Ray, although he is now in his seventies, is still teaching the “Straight Shooter’s Class” and taking boys on trips.
Many of those boys are now men—men like Joe—with families who became Christians and are working as Sunday school teachers in many denominations around the world. And it’s because a man in Oklahoma City found his place in the kingdom and began a loving ministry to boys whom others overlooked. God doesn’t give everyone this particular calling, but we are all called to a ministry of love.
Sometimes that ministry expresses itself in very simple ways, such as making repairs to a widow’s house or bringing foster children into your home or tutoring slow learners after school.
Christian concern will call some to take a pot of stew to a family where the mother is sick, even when they won’t return the favor when the mother in your home gets sick. They might not even return the pot. Why do it? Because Jesus would.
Christ’s love is willing to have its plans interrupted in order to minister to a needy person. It will even have its vacation plans interrupted. And frankly, I don’t like to have my vacation plans interrupted.
Christian Kindness
We have a sweet saint in our church, a woman whom I dearly love. She is the widow of a minister and she exemplifies the spirit of Christ as consistently as anyone I know. She doesn’t know I know this, but on one particular day she was busy preparing for her vacation. Before she left town, she wanted to visit some people in the nursing home. (By the way, calling in nursing homes and hospitals is a regular habit of hers, and although she doesn’t have much money, she often buys little gifts for patients to express her love and concern.)
While visiting that day, one lady mentioned in passing, that she was out of her favorite soap. Now remember this saint was getting ready to go on her vacation, and you know all the last minute details which must be taken care of before leaving town. It was difficult to make even her regular calls, but before she left the following day, this Christian made a trip to the store and another trip to the nursing home to deliver two bars of soap. Generally, I wouldn’t have been that thoughtful. Would you? I would have made some lame excuse such as, “I sure would like to get it for you, but I’ve got all kinds of packing to do before I get started on my much needed vacation. I’ll bring it to you when I get back into town.”
You see, this new commandment of Christian love really puts me under conviction. I can breeze past those Ten Commandments, but simple acts of Christian kindness are so easy to neglect. Two bars of soap—no big deal, but it is much like a cup of cold water given in the Master’s name.
Christ’s new commandment was for his new people, the spiritual Israel. It filled the place of all the “Thou shalt nots” and the endless rules and regulations of the Old Testament law. A Pharisee once asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment and Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:37–40).
Then on that last night before his crucifixion Jesus reemphasized this truth in his new commandment of love.
Under the old law, love to God was poured out through burnt offerings and sacrifices offered at the temple. Under his new commandment we give offerings and sacrifices to God by serving people—all kinds of people: good people, bad people, big people, little people. Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these … you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).
No, it isn’t possible for natural-born humans to keep God’s grand, new law. It is especially difficult in this generation which exalts self-assertion and looks out for number one. But with the new birth, with Christ cleansing our emotions and living in us, although it is not easy, it is possible. Some, by God’s grace, are doing it. Even I am showing improvement. As Paul says, if God dwells in us we “walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). And God is love.
For Discussion
1. Read l Corinthians 13. How can we cultivate this type of love in our lives?
2. What hinders us from loving like Jesus loved? How can we overcome these hindrances?
3. What are the basic differences between love and tolerance?
4. Make a list of characteristics of Jesus’ love, and think of situations in your own life in which you have had the opportunity to express some of those characteristics. Which characteristic gives you the most difficulty?
5. Think of the person you know who most nearly exemplifies self-giving love for the unlovely. How does this person show this love?
6. Think of someone you know who needs to be reminded that he or she is loved. What can you do this week to express love to that person?
Chapter 12
What Is This World Coming To?
THE LATE E. Stanley Jones tells of a man who spent his life studying and teaching about the second coming of Christ. Jones says that the teacher, as he came to the close of life said, “I wasted my life in fruitless guesses at the meaning of ‘times and seasons.’ I should have given my attention to the gospel of the First Coming.”1 [E. Stanley Jones, The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person (Nashville: Abingdon Press), p. 134.] What a sad lament! As Christians we must be careful not to waste precious time given us to serve and to save the lost in theological speculations over matters which are of secondary importance. We will do better preaching and living the message of Christ’s First Coming, which is the gospel of the kingdom.
A Disabling Eschatology
Much of the teaching and preaching about the end of time does little to promote spiritual growth or doctrinal harmony in the church. Too much emphasis on it is a disabling eschatology. It is disabling for several reasons: First, it leads to strange and misleading interpretations of Scripture. Secondly, because of the great emphasis given to this teaching, many laypersons spend countless hours poring over books on the Second Coming, trying to develop a consistent doctrine out of a patchwork quilt. Thirdly, giving undue emphasis to the end of time, may cause a person to give too little emphasis to evangelizing the world and bringing about social changes which will help the poor and disinherited. Remember, Jesus was very concerned about the needs of people.
The tragic nature of this disabling eschatology recently came into focus through the experience of a reporter. A newsman had gone to visit the annual meeting of the Jehovah’s Witnesses at Yankee Stadium in New York City. After listening to several speakers and noticing how much emphasis was given to the end of time and how little concern was given to the deep hurts of society, the reporter asked a Jehovah’s Witnesses layman why so much concern was given to the future millennium and so little concern was expressed for needy humanity. The layman is reported to have said, “When a house is marked for wrecking, you are not concerned about fixing the screens.” That pithy answer by the cult member spoke very fittingly his belief, but his answer is tragic nonetheless. It speaks of a theology which has too little concern about the needs of today because of an overconcern with the end of time.
Promised Hope of Victory
Since this is true, why should we discuss the Second Coming? Primarily we discuss it because our Lord shared the teaching with us; therefore, it must have important implications for time and eternity. Living with an expectation Christ’s Second Coming does give a certain zest for life and strength to endure daily trials. Anticipating eventual victory for the kingdom of God gives the Christian a sustaining faith.
Yet, so much that is written on this subject is at best mere conjecture without solid scriptural foundation. Often when Scripture is used, it is some obscure proof-text from the Book of Revelation without any consideration for the context of the passage.
The Book of Revelation is a great book with a great message of victory for the church. However, it has been made a religious playground by unscrupulous persons who for profit and glory have delivered all kinds of wild and foolish speculations claiming this book as their biblical authority. Revelation is not a book with all the answers about the end of time. Many seem to believe that if they can only find the right code or key, the future will unfold before them like magic. This is simply not the case. It has a message to deliver and the message is this: In spite of all the hosts of hell, in spite of all Satan and his cohorts can do, Christ and the Church will come through victoriously, for “The Lord God omnipotent reigneth” (19:6, KJV). The church militant and suffering today will become the church triumphant and glorious when the Lord returns. The victory is ours. The outcome has already been decided. When the consummation of all things is finally made, the declaration will be given: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). That is a thrilling and encouraging message. But if we try to make each symbol in Revelation speak to a different facet of the end of the world, we shall come up with all kinds of strange interpretations and prophecies.
Perhaps you remember reading in the newspapers about a physician on the staff of Michigan State University who gained quite a following among college students with his bizarre predictions of the end of the world. Officials at the University said the doctor’s cult believed that Hudson Bay would flow into Lake Superior and flood Michigan, destroying all the people who were not smart enough to be rescued by a spaceship from Mars. The place of rescue was supposed to be somewhere in the Allegheny Mountains.
It was not known how many students had joined the cult, but there was one report of a group of students who had made a down payment on a new Cadillac in the belief that the world would end before the rest of the payments were due.2 [International News Service (December 16, 1954).]
If I had been one of those students with the Cadillac, I would have been more concerned about the well-being of my soul than about making a car payment. While it is a travesty that such foolish theories are propagated in Christ’s name, nevertheless, the Scriptures do teach that we are moving toward a climax in history. Whether the end of time is today, tomorrow, or a thousand years hence, God only knows. But the Bible does warn us to be spiritually prepared for the closing of this age. “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:32–33).
Therefore, anytime someone predicts the exact day the world will end, we know immediately he doesn’t know what he’s talking about!
You and I live between the two advents of Christ. He first came as a child of humble parentage, born in a stable. But when he returns, he shall return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Walter A. Maier declares that no New Testament event, with the exception of the atonement, is so often spoken of as the Second Coming of Christ. According to Maier there are 300 passages in the New Testament which speak concerning this glorious event.3 [Walter A. Maier, Jesus Christ Our Hope (St. Louis: Concordia Press, 1946), p. 136.]
It has been declared by inspired apostles, verified by holy angels, and eternally established by Jesus Christ himself. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, and left shall be caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord” (I Thess. 4:16–18).
When our Lord ascended into heaven the angels testified that he would come again. “And when he [Jesus] had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Ye Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw, him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:9–11, italics added).
Finally, this truth has been firmly and eternally established by Jesus Christ himself in John 14:1–3. “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (italics added). Any event which has been foretold by the apostles, angels, and Christ himself, deserves both our attention and faith. That being the case, what can we expect at Christ’s Second Coming?
When Christ Comes Again
Christ will descend from heaven, as these texts clearly state. Just as he ascended into heaven in a visible, personal way, so he will descend from heaven in a visible, personal way.
A. Resurrection of the Dead. Coinciding with Christ’s personal return will be the general resurrection of the dead. Acts 24:15 declares, “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Please note there are not two resurrections—one for the righteous and the other for the unrighteous. This text declares that there shall be a resurrection of the dead which will include both the just and the unjust.
John 5:28–29 adds additional insight with the words, “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (italics added). Again, note that the resurrection of both the saved and the unsaved will take place at the same time. During that resurrection the dead bodies of the Christians shall be immortalized and glorified. Christians who are alive at the time of Christ’s coming will be changed and glorified in a moment of time.
“I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep [die] but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed” (1 Cor. 15:51–52).
B. The Last Judgment. Immediately following the resurrection will be the last judgment. Each of us will stand before the Judge and give an account of our stewardship in the kingdom. “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10).
Then according to our faith in Christ and our deeds on earth, we shall be separated as infallibly as a shepherd would separate sheep from goats. We shall then hear the words, “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” or “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:34, 46). The decision of the Judge will be impartial and final. In that moment we will know that we have gained everything, or lost it all.
C. The Destruction of Earth. Many are concerned about what will happen to this earth. Actually that should be no great concern, because by the time the judgment is over we will have passed either to our eternal reward in heaven or to our eternal state in hell. Second Peter 3:10–12 tells of the fate of the earth: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”
It is rather ironical that the very things so many have given their souls for—houses, automobiles, property, amusements—all will be destroyed in a moment, while the souls that were counted as of so little value will go on living forever.
No Need For a Millennial Reign
If these texts have been faithfully interpreted, it will be noted there is no time, no place, and no need for a thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth. There is not time, since the last day is judgment day.
There is no place for a millennial reign on earth since “the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works thereupon it will be burned up.”
Since all people will be either in heaven or hell after the great judgment, there is no need for a millennial reign.
With the hymn writer Lizzie DeArmond, I sing,
May He find me in my place
When my King shall call for me;
With a loyal heart doing well my part
When my King shall call for me.4 [Lizzie DeArmond, “When My King Shall Call For Me,” Hymnal of the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.: Warner Press, Inc., 1971), p. 256.]
What is this world coming to? It is coming to an end!
For Discussion
1. The author has spoken of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ attitude toward the end of time as a “disabling eschatology.” Can you think of any other false teaching which is supposedly based on the Bible, but is disabling?
2. How can we deal most effectively with people or groups who give undue emphasis to the Second Coming?
3. How important is our understanding of the Second Coming to our understanding of the kingdom of God?
4. What are some reasons people become excessively preoccupied with the immediate return of Christ?
5. How should a healthy scriptural view of the Second Coming of Christ affect our lives today?
6. How much emphasis did Jesus give to teachings of the end of time?
Chapter 13
Summing Up
WE NOW COME to the closing chapter of this modest work on the grand, unshakable kingdom of God—a kingdom that is not political but spiritual, not nationalistic but universal. It is not a kingdom where various lords struggle for kingship, but where servants serve the disinherited of our world as well as one another, in the name of our Lord, the greatest servant of all. He is the one who has ministered to the whole world by pouring out his life unto death. Those of us who have entered into his glorious dominion where the highest law is that of Christian love, realize we have little to boast about. If it were not for our King’s long-suffering and marvelous forgiveness, none of us would have made it. Our only reason for hope is that we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Our eternal passport to glory is the forgiveness of sins interposed by Jesus’ name.
It [the kingdom] is pre-eminently the possession of those who have the faith of children and the humility of the poor. The rich will find it hard to enter, so long, at least, as they make an idol of their riches. Even the publicans and the harlots who repent and believe will be preferred to the self-righteous. The obedient and unselfish belong to it as also those who count all things loss in order to possess it. The conditions of entering and of life in the Kingdom are repentance from sin and faith in God.1 [Alexander McLeish, Christ’s Hope of the Kingdom (London: World Dominion Press, 1952), p. 6.]
The kingdom has not been given to the worthy, the wealthy, or the wonderful; it has been given to the willing—those who are willing to confess their poverty and receive God’s gift. “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). Thankfully, the kingdom is open to all on equal terms. It was Jesus who said, “Many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 8:11). By God’s grace, I plan to be at the table among them.
Those who wish to know how kingdom people act need only look to Christ. He is the personification of the kingdom. When we do what Jesus would do, we are exemplifying the kingdom of heaven in human flesh.
Kingdom Rewards
The rewards of the kingdom are seldom physical and material, but the spiritual rewards are more than worthy of any sacrifice we make. The joys of this present life are great and wonderful, but they are only the first, pale fruits of that richer, fuller life when we shall see our wonderful King.
Some months before his death, E. Stanley Jones wrote this beautiful testimony.
When you find Christ and his Kingdom, you find yourself. I only testify: Bound to him and his Kingdom I walk the earth free; low at his feet I stand straight before everything and everybody. I have served him these seventy years, but I have never made a sacrifice for him. Sacrifice? The sacrifice would be to tear from my heart this wonderful, increasingly wonderful, thing he brought me when I entered his Kingdom. When my left hand begins to shake, as it has begun to shake at eight-seven, precursor of the final shaking to the dust of my mortal body, I smile and say: “But I belong to an unshaken kingdom, and to an unchanging Person, so shake on, you will shake me into immortality. And when the final shaking comes, falsely called death, but which I know to be only an anesthetic which God gives when he changes bodies, I know this final shaking will only do what it did to Paul in prison: loosed his fetters and bade him go to an awaiting home where love and joy abounds.2 [E. Stanley Jones, The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1972), p. 210. Used by permission.]
That, my friend, is one thrilling testimony. Here is one saint who has had the time of his life getting ready for his trip to heaven. Many of us know that the Christian life would be worth all the effort, even if there were not an eternity to enjoy. The rewards of living for the Master are built-in by-products of the kingdom way of life. Consider the spiritual peace that comes when sin’s guilt is lifted; or the personal joys that kingdom principles bring to marriage and family; the genuine love, trust, and mutual concern which are so superior to the carnal self-regarding, self-fulfilling, shacking-up arrangements that are so prevalent today. Thank God for Christian homes!
Consider the rich fellowship within the body of believers—fellowship with the finest, most self-giving people on earth. What a joy to share common goals and common faith which forge a camaraderie that is just a foretaste of what awaits us in glory. These are blessings which give life great zest and meaning. And we haven’t mentioned the sense of high purpose that comes as we strive to be at our best for our Friend and Redeemer! This daily striving brings a spiritual gusto to lives that without Christ would be utterly blah! These are but a few of the earthly rewards of kingdom living. All of this, and heaven, too!
When one firmly believes in the King and the kingdom, many burdens are lifted. Even death itself is shorn of its power and dread. Through Christ and his resurrection the terrors of death are gone.
Kingdom Hope
When F. B. Meyer, the gifted preacher and writer, received his sentence of death he wrote a short message to a friend: “I’ve just heard to my surprise that I have only a few more days to live. It may be that before this reaches you, I shall have entered the palace. Don’t trouble to write; we shall meet in the morning.”3 [William Barclay, The King and the Kingdom (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1968), p. 201.]
For Meyer, death was not a horrible leap into darkness. Rather, it was a confident stepping into the King’s palace. With similar faith the great apostle reminded us that we do not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). Without Christ life is a hopeless end—but with Christ and his kingdom, life is an endless hope.
This truth was underlined by a fine Christian churchman in my congregation who wrote me a very simple but comforting message when he learned of the death of my mother. He wrote, “Brother Dye, we received word this morning that your mother has fallen asleep, and we rejoice with you, for we know she is happy.” His message wasn’t long, but it spoke volumes. If one did not believe in the loving, omnipotent King and the reality of a glorious resurrection for the righteous dead, such a note would seem foolish—even heartless. But when one really believes the kingdom truth about life after death, such a message is a comforting word, gently spoken.
Certainly we sorrow at the loss of daily fellowship and the many expressions of love which we enjoy with our loved ones. But Christian hope overcomes our sorrow, and we find ourselves rejoicing through our tears. With this thought in mind, Ruskin wrote, “I will not wear black for the guests of God.” Nor will I. They have only moved into a celestial palace as guests of our King. Soon we shall join them!
What a pleasure in life it is bringing!
What assurance and hope ever bright!
O what rapture and bliss are awaiting,
When our faith shall be lost in the sight!
‘Tis a kingdom of peace, it is reigning within,
It shall ever increase in my soul;
We possess it right here when he saves from all sin,
And ‘twill last while the ages shall roll.” [Barney E. Warren, “The Kingdom of Peace,” Hymnal of the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.: Warner Press, Inc., 1971), p. 332.]
For Discussion
1. The author has listed several earthly by-products that are part of the reward of being Christian. Can you think of others of equal worth?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that the rewards of the kingdom are seldom physical and material? Explain your answer.
3. Do all Christians automatically experience the kingdom rewards mentioned in this chapter? Why or why not? What part does growth play in our experiencing them?
4. What are some ways we Christians can sound a note of victory at the funeral service of a Christian who has lived a consistent godly life? How can we do this and still provide the service with dignity and comfort?
5. What Christian principles should be considered in planning our own funerals? What part should Christian stewardship have in the plans?
6. Consider the implications of Christian hope in both time and eternity. How does Christian hope differ from the hope of non-Christians?
[ The End ]