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The Bible teaches that human history will end when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth to take His people to be with Him, establish His kingdom, and punish the wicked. The second coming of the Son of God marks the end of the world as we know it. Scripture is as clear and trustworthy on Christ’s second coming as it is historical on His first coming. The return of the Lord Jesus in full glory is an essential, central doctrine of the Christian faith, not a secondary, speculative sideshow. Acceptance of it is mandatory, not optional.
In fact, in some ways the doctrine of the second coming is the most important truth of all. It identifies and describes the culmination of redemptive history, encompassing the judgment of the wicked, the blessing of the righteous, and the final and permanent exaltation and glory of the King of kings and Lord of lords. It unambiguously marks the end of history, when God’s purpose from before history’s beginning will be completed after its conclusion. Every detail revealed in Scripture concerning the culmination of God’s redemptive saga will be fulfilled with absolute precision. Therefore anyone who depreciates, obscures, misrepresents or abandons the truth concerning Christ’s return comes perilously close to bringing divine judgment upon themselves:
Yo testifico a todo aquel que oye las palabras de la profecía de este libro: Si alguno añadiere a estas cosas, Dios traerá sobre él las plagas que están escritas en este libro. Y si alguno quitare de las palabras del libro de esta profecía, Dios quitará su parte del libro de la vida, y de la santa ciudad y de las cosas que están escritas en este libro.
Yet despite the Bible’s clear warning against tampering with the doctrine of the second coming, many well-intended Christians do just that. Although Scripture’s description of the rest of redemptive history is precise and accurate, they somehow imagine that the end of the story is vague and uncertain. But tampering with the doctrine of the second coming corrupts biblical prophecy and tarnishes the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Apocalipsis 22:18–
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. ()
Yet despite the Bible’s clear warning against tampering with the doctrine of the second coming, many well-intended Christians do just that. Although Scripture’s description of the rest of redemptive history is precise and accurate, they somehow imagine that the end of the story is vague and uncertain. But tampering with the doctrine of the second coming corrupts biblical prophecy and tarnishes the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some deny the second coming altogether, such as the adherents of the eschatological view known as hyper-preterism or full preterism preterismo total. Mainstream preterism holds that the tribulation prophecies in were fulfilled in the past. The only event left on the prophetic calendar is the literal, bodily return of Jesus Christ to end history and bring judgment on the wicked. Hyper-preterists take that view one step further. Misinterpreting Jesus’ words in , “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place,” hyper-preterists insist that all of biblical prophecy—including the second coming of Christ—was fulfilled in the events surrounding the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
This radical view of prophecy relegates not only Christ’s second coming, but also the resurrection of the dead and the great white throne judgment to the past. Adherents say that no prophecy of Scripture remains to be fulfilled, so that this present universe is the new heavens and the new earth promised in , , , and described in and 22. Sin will never be finally purged from God’s creation. Satan has already been defeated as much as he is going to be. There is no physical, bodily existence beyond the grave; believers exist as eternally disembodied spirits in God’s presence, while unbelievers are cast from His presence to live forever in the same form. Hyper-preterists treat such passages as , , , and , which clearly promise a bodily resurrection from the dead, as allegories describing spiritual, not literal, realities.
Such radical views of prophecy have disastrous consequences, undermining virtually every fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. As noted above, they deny both the second coming of Christ and the bodily resurrection of the saints. But denying the literal, bodily return of Christ means denying His bodily ascension, since as the angels told the apostles,
los cuales también les dijeron: Varones galileos, ¿por qué estáis mirando al cielo? Este mismo Jesús, que ha sido tomado de vosotros al cielo, así vendrá como le habéis visto ir al cielo.
Even more alarming, denying the bodily resurrection of believers entails denying the bodily resurrection of Christ, whose resurrection is the pattern for all who will rise from the dead (). Amazingly, some hyper-preterists have no qualms about taking their view to that extreme and, in a lame effort to be consistent, conclude that Christ, too, rose from the grave spiritually, not physically.
“This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven” (). Even more alarming, denying the bodily resurrection of believers entails denying the bodily resurrection of Christ, whose resurrection is the pattern for all who will rise from the dead (). Amazingly, some hyper-preterists have no qualms about taking their view to that extreme and, in a lame effort to be consistent, conclude that Christ, too, rose from the grave spiritually, not physically.
Of course, denying the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ destroys the Christian faith. The apostle Paul bluntly warned the Corinthian believers, some of whom were, like contemporary hyper-preterists, denying the bodily resurrection (),
y si Cristo no resucitó, vuestra fe es vana; aún estáis en vuestros pecados.
Like Hymenaeus and Philetus before them, hyper-preterists “have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and … upset the faith of some” (). (I critique hyper-preterism in my book The Second Coming [Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 1999], 9–13.)
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (v. 17). Like Hymenaeus and Philetus before them, hyper-preterists “have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and … upset the faith of some” (). (I critique hyper-preterism in my book The Second Coming [Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 1999], 9–13.)
At the other end of the spectrum from those who deny the second coming are those who sensationalize Scripture’s teaching on that future reality. They do so by interpreting the Bible’s teaching regarding the future through the lens of current events. That approach to prophecy has generated endless speculation about how certain people or events supposedly have fulfilled various prophecies. For example, some were convinced that the catastrophic events of the First World War heralded the coming of the Apocalypse. Later, others suggested that Hitler, Mussolini, or Stalin were the Antichrist.
After the Second World War a spate of books appeared claiming that the rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948 triggered the countdown to Armageddon. Like the hyper-preterists, their authors misinterpreted Jesus’ words in . They claimed the “generation” of which the Lord spoke was the one alive in 1948, and hence Armageddon could not be more than forty years away. All were, of course, proved wrong when the rapture, tribulation, and Armageddon failed to materialize by the end of the 1980’s.
Even worse, despite the Lord’s explicit declaration, “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (; cf. ), there has been no shortage of date setting regarding Christ’s return. One popular writer on biblical prophecy convinced thousands of people that the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation would take place in 1988. He wrote a runaway best seller, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988, wherein he boldly predicted that the rapture would take place in September of that year during Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Undaunted when the rapture failed to take place as predicted, the book’s author wrote another book the following year purporting to give 89 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1989. Needless to say, that book also was wrong. Still another false prophet wrongly claimed that the Lord would return in 1994. Seventeen years later he predicted that Christ’s return would take place in 2011. All predictions were bogus.
Harold Camping 1994, 2011 (may 21, oct 21). Ronald Weilnand 2011, 2012, 2013.
But while some deny the second coming outright and others sensationalize it, far more Christians simply appear to be indifferent to it. To them, the return of the Lord is a tertiary doctrine of limited importance, generating endless speculation and controversy while having little practical value in everyday lives. An earthbound Christianity, with its man-centered theology, “Christian” psychology, pragmatism, and pseudo-sanctified materialism (prosperity gospel), is too focused on the here and now to have any real interest in the second coming. The implication is that this life, which is but a fleeting vapor that soon vanishes (), is more important than the life to come. What God has planned for the future is far more blessed than anything this present life can offer. To lose sight of the reality that no earthly benefit can compare to the joy and blessing Christ will deliver when He returns is disobedient and foolish.
First, the promise of God demands it. The Old Testament contains more than three hundred prophecies of the coming Messiah, more than one hundred of which were fulfilled in the first coming of Jesus Christ. That leaves at least two hundred prophecies remaining to be fulfilled at His second coming. For example, in God promised that His Son would be King over all the earth and rule with a rod of iron. describes His reign as from David’s throne. and also speak of Christ’s earthly rule. graphically describes His return to earth to reign as King. God cannot lie () and will not change His mind (). The promises He has made demand that the Lord Jesus Christ return to fulfill them.
Second, the claims of Jesus demand it. During His earthly ministry He repeatedly referred to His second coming (e.g., , , , , ; ; ; ). He gave an extended and detailed discourse () on the events surrounding His return, and alluded to it in numerous parables (e.g., ; ; ; ). The concluding chapter of the Bible records Jesus’ promise to come again in His own words (, , ). Christ’s veracity and credibility are thus inextricably tied to His second coming.
Third, the testimony of the Holy Spirit demands it. The “Spirit of truth” (; ; ) inspired the human writers of Scripture (), who repeatedly wrote of Christ’s return (e.g., ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ). The Spirit, along with the Father and the Son, testifies that Jesus Christ will return to earth in triumph and glory.
Fourth, God’s program for the church demands it. Having gone to prepare a place in heaven for His people (), Jesus will one day return to take them there (v. 3). The New Testament pictures the church as betrothed to Christ (), who will one day return for His bride (cf. ; ; ; ) and take her to the marriage feast ().
Fifth, the corruption of the world demands it. The return of Jesus Christ is the blessed hope of believers. But for the unbelieving world it is the terrifying prospect of immediate judgment, as the Lord Jesus Christ brings destruction, devastation, and death to the ungodly (cf. ; ; ; ) and establishes His righteous kingdom. The final chapter of earth’s history will be written by Jesus, the world’s rightful heir (; cf. ), when He returns.
Sixth, the future of Israel demands it. The elect remnant of Israel will one day repent and be saved. In Ezekiel’s vivid imagery, the dry bones will come to life () when, as God promised
I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn” ().
Paul wrote that “all Israel will be saved” when “the deliverer [the Lord Jesus Christ] will come from Zion He will remove ungodliness from Jacob” (). That promised cleansing and salvation of Israel requires Jesus to return to earth.
Seventh, the vindication of Christ demands it. It is inconceivable that the last view of Jesus the world will have is one of Him hanging on a cross between two criminals. No unbelievers saw any of His post-resurrection appearances. His resurrection glory, seen only by believers, has not yet been manifested to the world, but that will change one day. At Christ’s second coming, the whole world will see “the sign of the Son of Man … appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory” (; cf. ). Jesus, who was publicly mocked, spit upon, scourged, and crucified, must return to reveal Himself to the world as its King and Lord.
Eighth, the judgment of Satan demands it. The usurper who is the present ruler of this world (; ; ; cf. ; ; ; ) will not be allowed to maintain his rule forever. Jesus must and will return to vanquish him, destroy his kingdom of darkness, and sentence him to eternal punishment in hell (, ).
Ninth, the hope of believers demands it. Their longing “for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” () will not go unrequited. So central to the Christian faith is hope in Christ’s return that defines Christians as those who “have loved His appearing.” The Lord must return so that “the proof of [believers’] faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” ().
Finally, the groaning of creation demands it. personifies creation as groaning under the pain of the curse brought about by the fall (v. 22) and waiting “eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” (v. 19) when “the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (v. 21). That will happen when Jesus Christ returns.
The return of Jesus Christ launches a sequence of events that will mark the end of the universe and this world in their present state. There will be a nuclear holocaust of unimaginable proportions as “the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (; cf. v. 12). Before that happens there will be a final judgment and sentencing to the eternal lake of fire of all the ungodly at the great white throne of God (). Preceding that judgment, Christ will reign for a thousand years on the earth in His millennial kingdom (). Before the advent of the millennial kingdom, Jesus will return in judgment () in what is commonly known as the second coming, although the term is broader (). Before the second coming, the tribulation, the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks (), will take place for seven years prior to the Lord’s return (). It will be an unprecedented outpouring of divine judgment. Before the tribulation there will be the rapture of the church, the trigger that sets in motion all of those subsequent events.
Described in three key passages (, ; ), the rapture is a signless event and could take place at any time. It is to be distinguished from Christ’s return at the end of the tribulation. At the rapture, Christ comes for His saints (; ), but not to earth. He meets them in the air () to take them with Him to heaven () to receive their rewards (; ; ) and participate in the marriage feast of the Lamb (). In contrast, seven years later, at Christ’s return at the end of the tribulation He comes not for His saints, but with His saints (; cf. vv. 7–8), who descend with Him from heaven to earth (). In addition, the rapture passages mention no accompanying judgment. Nor is there any reference to the church in , which describes the tribulation. (For further evidence that the rapture will precede the tribulation, and hence is to be distinguished from the Lord’s posttribulational return in judgment, see , The MacArthur New Testament Commentary [Chicago: Moody, 2000], 212–13.)
This section of reveals the second coming to be both certain and uncertain. The Lord Jesus Christ expressed both realities in verse 40 when He declared that “the Son of Man is coming [a certain event] at an hour that you do not expect [an uncertain time].” The Bible associates various signs with Christ’s return at the conclusion of the tribulation, but none of them reveal the exact day and hour when it will occur (; ). Because no events are specifically prophesied to precede it, the time of the rapture cannot be determined. Thus, the chronological sequence that it sets in motion (cf. ; , ; ) is missing the key piece of information needed to determine when the Lord will return—when that sequence starts. That is one reason why date setting is so irresponsible. The New Testament is clear that these events are imminent, meaning they could start at any time with no warning sign (; ; ; ; ; cf. Paul’s use of “we” and “us” in , ; ).
The proper response to that reality in every generation is watchfulness (; ; ). In this passage Jesus both exhorted His followers to remain at all times ready for His return, and told them why such readiness is important.
MacArthur, J. (2013). (pp. 150–157). Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.
body
Arnold T. Olson wrote:
Ever since the first days of the Christian church, evangelicals have been “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” They may have disagreed as to its timing and to the events on the eschatological calendar. They may have differed as to a pre-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture—the pre- or post- or non-millennial coming. They may have been divided as to a literal rebirth of Israel. However, all are agreed that the final solution to the problems of this world is in the hands of the King of kings who will someday make the kingdoms of this world his very own.
This agreement regarding the sure return of Jesus Christ to judge the living and the dead comes from the overwhelming evidence of Scripture. There are 260 chapters in the New Testament, and Christ’s return is mentioned no less than 318 times in those chapters. Statistically, one verse in twenty-five mentions the Lord’s return. The only books that don’t mention the Second Advent are Galatians (which is focused on refuting the Judaizers) and the tiny letters of 2 and 3 John.
Jesus himself spoke often of his return. He followed up his challenge to take up his cross and follow him by warning,
Porque el que se avergonzare de mí y de mis palabras en esta generación adúltera y pecadora, el Hijo del Hombre se avergonzará también de él, cuando venga en la gloria de su Padre con los santos ángeles.
Later, in the Olivet monte de los olivos Discourse, he announced,
Entonces verán al Hijo del Hombre, que vendrá en las nubes con gran poder y gloria. Y entonces enviará sus ángeles, y juntará a sus escogidos de los cuatro vientos, desde el extremo de la tierra hasta el extremo del cielo.
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (). Later, in the Olivet Discourse, he announced, “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens” (, ). In the Upper Room on the eve of his death he promised, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” ().
In the Upper Room on the eve of his death he promised,
Y si me fuere y os preparare lugar, vendré otra vez, y os tomaré a mí mismo, para que donde yo estoy, vosotros también estéis.
“At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens” (, ). In the Upper Room on the eve of his death he promised, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” ().
Paul’s letters abound with references to Jesus’ return. For example, he encouraged the Philippians by saying,
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” ().
Paul’s letters abound with references to Jesus’ return. For example, he encouraged the Philippians by saying, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (, ). He later told the Thessalonians:
Mas nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos, de donde también esperamos al Salvador, al Señor Jesucristo; el cual transformará el cuerpo de la humillación nuestra, para que sea semejante al cuerpo de la gloria suya, por el poder con el cual puede también sujetar a sí mismo todas las cosas.
He later told the Thessalonians:
1 Tesalonisenses 4:16–18
Porque el Señor mismo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel, y con trompeta de Dios, descenderá del cielo; y los muertos en Cristo resucitarán primero.Luego nosotros los que vivimos, los que hayamos quedado, seremos arrebatados juntamente con ellos en las nubes para recibir al Señor en el aire, y así estaremos siempre con el Señor.Por tanto, alentaos los unos a los otros con estas palabras.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (, ). He later told the Thessalonians:
St. John begins the book of Revelation with the warning,
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. ()
He aquí que viene con las nubes, y todo ojo le verá, y los que le traspasaron; y todos los linajes de la tierra harán lamentación por él. Sí, amén.
Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega, principio y fin, dice el Señor, el que es y que era y que ha de venir, el Todopoderoso.
A
The Scriptures shout that Christ is coming again. Peter called this a “living hope” esperanza viva (). And Paul termed it
St. John begins the book of Revelation with the warning, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.… ” “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (, ).
aguardando la esperanza bienaventurada y la manifestación gloriosa de nuestro gran Dios y Salvador Jesucristo,
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.… ” “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (, ).
How perfectly sweet this is!
The Scriptures shout that Christ is coming again. Peter called this a “living hope” (). And Paul termed it “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (). How perfectly sweet this is!
“the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (). How perfectly sweet this is!
At this point in the Gospel of Luke, we find the first extended teachings on the Second Coming as Jesus warned his followers to be ready. The positioning of this warning in the flow of Luke’s context is very natural and revealing. By recounting the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus warned against material greed. He followed this with the exalted warning not to worry over material things. And now Christ challenged his hearers to be ready for his return. Jesus saw readiness for his return as the antidote to greed and worry.
HOW TO BE READY (VV. 35–40)
Like a Faithful Servant
Jesus recommended a manner of readiness like that of faithful, devoted servants:
Estén ceñidos vuestros lomos, y vuestras lámparas encendidas;y vosotros sed semejantes a hombres que aguardan a que su señor regrese de las bodas, para que cuando llegue y llame, le abran en seguida.
A Hebrew wedding celebration could last several days, so that the time of a master’s return could be anyone’s guess. But the uncertainty did not put off these excellent servants. Though it was late at night, they were “dressed ready for service.” That is, they not only remained fully clothed in daytime wear, but they had their waists girded, with their long robes tucked under their belts, making it possible for them to move quickly to the door. They were prepared.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him” (vv. 35, 36).
A Hebrew wedding celebration could last several days, so that the time of a master’s return could be anyone’s guess. But the uncertainty did not put off these excellent servants. Though it was late at night, they were “dressed ready for service.” That is, they not only remained fully clothed in daytime wear, but they had their waists girded, with their long robes tucked under their belts, making it possible for them to move quickly to the door. They were prepared.
The night was also kept bright because they vigilantly replenished the oil in their lamps and trimmed the wicks for maximum light. They were awake and alert. These servants were remarkable. They did not give in to fatigue, they displayed no irritable grouchiness, they did not have an “attitude.” Rather, they kept a bright house and bare legs so they could spring up to give their master a joyous reception.
That is how Jesus’ followers are to wait for him. It is not to be a passive, lethargic wait adormecido, but one filled with active service, continual preparation, and joyous anticipation.
What a lovely scene greeted the returning master. Warm light streamed from the windows, breathless, smiling, eager servants bearing shining lamps gathered at the door, and no doubt there was a choice nocturnal snack on the table (my revisionist mind imagines peanut butter cookies and milk). “Welcome home, master! We’re all so glad you’re back. Here, give us your robe. Sit down. Let us wash your feet. You must be so tired.”
This was lovely indeed. But even better was what happened to the servants! Jesus went on:
Bienaventurados aquellos siervos a los cuales su señor, cuando venga, halle velando; de cierto os digo que se ceñirá, y hará que se sienten a la mesa, y vendrá a servirles.
The master was so moved by their faithfulness that instead of sitting down at the table, he dressed himself to wait on them (same word in Greek as when the servants were “dressed ready for service”), made them recline around the table que se sienten a la mesa, and served them! What joy is portrayed in this night feast! The girded, bare-legged master setting dishes before his servants, refilling their cups, happy—even uproarious—conversation floating from the well-lit house.
“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them” (v. 37). The master was so moved by their faithfulness that instead of sitting down at the table, he dressed himself to wait on them (same word in Greek as when the servants were “dressed ready for service”), made them recline around the table, and served them! What joy is portrayed in this night feast! The girded, bare-legged master setting dishes before his servants, refilling their cups, happy—even uproarious—conversation floating from the well-lit house.
Several months later in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, when the Lord stripped himself and wrapped a towel about his waist and washed the feet of the Twelve (cf. ), they were witnesses to an action that was both symbolic of his work in the Incarnation and prophetic of the messianic meal at the inauguration of the kingdom—the wedding supper of the Lamb. cena de bodas del cordero At that meal
Porque vendrán del oriente y del occidente, del norte y del sur, y se sentarán a la mesa en el reino de Dios. Y he aquí, hay postreros que serán primeros, y primeros que serán postreros.
Porque vendrán del oriente y del occidente, del norte y del sur, y se sentarán a la mesa en el reino de Dios.
The future celebration is described in Revelation in unstinted terms:
Y oí como la voz de una gran multitud, como el estruendo de muchas aguas, y como la voz de grandes truenos, que decía: ¡Aleluya, porque el Señor nuestro Dios Todopoderoso reina!Gocémonos y alegrémonos y démosle gloria; porque han llegado las bodas del Cordero, y su esposa se ha preparado.Y a ella se le ha concedido que se vista de lino fino, limpio y resplandeciente; porque el lino fino es las acciones justas de los santos.
Y el ángel me dijo: Escribe: Bienaventurados los que son llamados a la cena de las bodas del Cordero. Y me dijo: Estas son palabras verdaderas de Dios.
Apocalipsis 19:6–
That passage helps us understand Jesus’ words in verse 38:
“People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last” (). The future celebration is described in Revelation in unstinted terms:
That passage helps us understand Jesus’ words in verse 38: “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night” (v. 38). “It will be good” literally reads, “Blessed are those servants.” Those who have had to wait until the second watch (10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.) or third watch (2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.)—the world’s very last time period before the return of Christ—are nevertheless blessed!
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” ()
Y aunque venga a la segunda vigilia, y aunque venga a la tercera vigilia, si los hallare así, bienaventurados son aquellos siervos.
Those who have had to wait until the second watch (10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.) or third watch (2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.)—the world’s very last time period before the return of Christ—are nevertheless blessed!
That passage helps us understand Jesus’ words in verse 38: “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night” (v. 38). “It will be good” literally reads, “Blessed are those servants.” Those who have had to wait until the second watch (10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.) or third watch (2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.)—the world’s very last time period before the return of Christ—are nevertheless blessed!
“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night” (v. 38). “It will be good” literally reads, “Blessed are those servants.” Those who have had to wait until the second watch (10:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.) or third watch (2:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.)—the world’s very last time period before the return of Christ—are nevertheless blessed!
We will be blessed if we are “ready”—that is, serving and ready to serve—dressed for action, the lights on. Why? Because we are going to sit down at the feast of feasts as guests of the King of kings. Eternity is no sterile, plastic, nickel-plated existence. It is a sumptuous feast. It is laughter. It is jubilation and intimate fellowship eternally!
Those who are ready for Christ’s return are not lolling around lethargically, nor are they sitting on the church steps dressed in white robes. They are alive and active, serving Christ. Are you ready?
Like a Wise Homeowner
The other analogy Jesus employed to urge readiness for his return was that of a wise homeowner:
Pero sabed esto, que si supiese el padre de familia a qué hora el ladrón había de venir, velaría ciertamente, y no dejaría minar su casa.Vosotros, pues, también, estad preparados, porque a la hora que no penséis, el Hijo del Hombre vendrá.
Among all the sayings of Jesus, there are none that are more clearly evidenced in the writings of the apostles. Paul wrote,
“But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (vv. 39, 40).
Porque vosotros sabéis perfectamente que el día del Señor vendrá así como ladrón en la noche;que cuando digan: Paz y seguridad, entonces vendrá sobre ellos destrucción repentina, como los dolores a la mujer encinta, y no escaparán.Mas vosotros, hermanos, no estáis en tinieblas, para que aquel día os sorprenda como ladrón.
Among all the sayings of Jesus, there are none that are more clearly evidenced in the writings of the apostles. Paul wrote, “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief” ().
Peter used similar language:
“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief” ().
Pero el día del Señor vendrá como ladrón en la noche; en el cual los cielos pasarán con grande estruendo, y los elementos ardiendo serán deshechos, y la tierra y las obras que en ella hay serán quemadas.
Peter used similar language: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” ().
The risen Lord himself said.
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” ().
Acuérdate, pues, de lo que has recibido y oído; y guárdalo, y arrepiéntete. Pues si no velas, vendré sobre ti como ladrón, y no sabrás a qué hora vendré sobre ti.
The risen Lord himself said. “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (). And, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed” ().
And,
He aquí, yo vengo como ladrón. Bienaventurado el que vela, y guarda sus ropas, para que no ande desnudo, y vean su vergüenza.
The celebrated Scottish preacher of the last century, Robert Murray McCheyne of Dundee, who exercised so much influence during his brief twenty-nine years, used to ask groups of pastors the question, “Do you think the Lord is coming tonight?” The preachers would quietly respond, “No.” Then McCheyne would counter with a quote from our text, “The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” It was a trick question and a bit unfair because to say that this day, out of the three-quarters of a million since the Resurrection, is the day is quite bold. On the other hand, we live 750,000 days closer to the return, and indeed Christ’s return will always be on a statistically improbable day, when the world doesn’t expect him. There is a sense in which humbly saying, “I don’t think he will come back tonight” increases the likelihood that it will be tonight, though of course no one knows when he will return.
“Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (). And, “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed” ().
“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed” ().
The celebrated Scottish preacher of the last century, Robert Murray McCheyne of Dundee, who exercised so much influence during his brief twenty-nine years, used to ask groups of pastors the question, “Do you think the Lord is coming tonight?” The preachers would quietly respond, “No.” Then McCheyne would counter with a quote from our text, “The Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” It was a trick question and a bit unfair because to say that this day, out of the three-quarters of a million since the Resurrection, is the day is quite bold. On the other hand, we live 750,000 days closer to the return, and indeed Christ’s return will always be on a statistically improbable day, when the world doesn’t expect him. There is a sense in which humbly saying, “I don’t think he will come back tonight” increases the likelihood that it will be tonight, though of course no one knows when he will return.
The point is, Jesus’ return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night, and the world will not be prepared! The networks will not be prepared, the world’s leaders will not be prepared, the false religions will not be prepared, and most of the church will not be prepared. But the faithful will be ready because they will see the signs of the times (; ). They will be ready because they have obeyed the Word and
aguardando la esperanza bienaventurada y la manifestación gloriosa de nuestro gran Dios y Salvador Jesucristo,
They will be ready because their sleeves are rolled up and the lights are on as they labor for Christ.
“wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (). They will be ready because their sleeves are rolled up and the lights are on as they labor for Christ.
Jesus could come today, and perhaps he will!
THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S STATE OF READINESS (VV. 41–48)
This was electrifying teaching, and the disciples’ minds were reeling at the implications. So Peter asked a question they were all thinking:
Entonces Pedro le dijo: Señor, ¿dices esta parábola a nosotros, o también a todos?
Jesus’ subsequent answer revealed that the parable was for the Twelve—and then for others who would subsequently exercise authority over God’s people.
“Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” (v. 41). Jesus’ subsequent answer revealed that the parable was for the Twelve—and then for others who would subsequently exercise authority over God’s people.
Reward for Wise and Faithful Servants
The Lord said reward would be given to the ready, the wise, and the faithful:
Y dijo el Señor: ¿Quién es el mayordomo fiel y prudente al cual su señor pondrá sobre su casa, para que a tiempo les dé su ración? Bienaventurado aquel siervo al cual, cuando su señor venga, le halle haciendo así. En verdad os digo que le pondrá sobre todos sus bienes.
In simplest English, the servant of Christ who has been faithful in his temporary earthly responsibilities will at Christ’s return be given vast permanent authority in the eternal state. This principle is again highlighted in the Parable of the Ten Minas in :
“Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” (vv. 42–44)
Aconteció que vuelto él, después de recibir el reino, mandó llamar ante él a aquellos siervos a los cuales había dado el dinero, para saber lo que había negociado cada uno.Vino el primero, diciendo: Señor, tu mina ha ganado diez minas.Él le dijo: Está bien, buen siervo; por cuanto en lo poco has sido fiel, tendrás autoridad sobre diez ciudades.
In simplest English, the servant of Christ who has been faithful in his temporary earthly responsibilities will at Christ’s return be given vast permanent authority in the eternal state. This principle is again highlighted in the Parable of the Ten Minas in :
As to the nature of the enlarged eternal authority, we do not know. But we can be sure it will be joyous, because to do his bidding will be the delectable food and drink of the redeemed.
Lucas 19:15
“Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ ”
As to the nature of the enlarged eternal authority, we do not know. But we can be sure it will be joyous, because to do his bidding will be the delectable food and drink of the redeemed.
I am reminded of the earthly servanthood of John Broadus, the faithful president of Southern Baptist Seminary during the Civil War. At war’s end the seminary had four professors and seven students, and one of those was blind. Only the blind student took Broadus’s course on preaching. Under such circumstances, many teachers would have been tempted to give less than their best. But not Dr. Broadus, who gave painstaking care to every lecture. Those magnificent lectures became the substance for the most famous and influential of all books on homiletics in American history, The Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. Broadus’s authority was increased because he was a faithful servant. But that is only the beginning of the story. The final story is being written now, as Broadus serves Christ in the final estate.
Punishment for Foolish and Unfaithful Servants
Of course, not all servants are faithful and wise, so Jesus addressed their plight as well:
Mas si aquel siervo dijere en su corazón: Mi señor tarda en venir; y comenzare a golpear a los criados y a las criadas, y a comer y beber y embriagarse, vendrá el señor de aquel siervo en día que éste no espera, y a la hora que no sabe, y le castigará duramente, y le pondrá con los infieles.
The “servant” here has not simply been lazy or indolent but monstrously unfaithful—a drunken glutton glotón borracho who beats not only men but women—an abuser of both divine trust and human life. His life is a grotesque perversion. When the master (Jesus) returns, the cruel servant suffers a grisly end, and Christ pronounces him to be an “unbeliever.”
“But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and womenservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (vv. 45, 46)
“But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the menservants and womenservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (vv. 45, 46)
The “servant” here has not simply been lazy or indolent but monstrously unfaithful—a drunken glutton who beats not only men but women—an abuser of both divine trust and human life. His life is a grotesque perversion. When the master (Jesus) returns, the cruel servant suffers a grisly end, and Christ pronounces him to be an “unbeliever.”
Those in Christian leadership may profess what they will. They can use every Christian cliché, hold the Bible like Billy Graham and say “The Bible says,” build a following in wide Christian circles, but if that man or woman consistently behaves in an unchristian way, he or she is not a true believer. Paul told the Ephesians:
Porque sabéis esto, que ningún fornicario, o inmundo, o avaro, que es idólatra, tiene herencia en el reino de Cristo y de Dios. Nadie os engañe con palabras vanas, porque por estas cosas viene la ira de Dios sobre los hijos de desobediencia. No seáis, pues, partícipes con ellos.
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And listen to St. John:
En esto se manifiestan los hijos de Dios, y los hijos del diablo: todo aquel que no hace justicia, y que no ama a su hermano, no es de Dios.
“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them” (). And listen to St. John: “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother” ().
Everything will be revealed when Jesus returns, so we must make sure our life matches our profession. Everything will be put right, and the truth will be known at last! There will be justice on earth.
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother” ().
Everything will be revealed when Jesus returns, so we must make sure our life matches our profession. Everything will be put right, and the truth will be known at last! There will be justice on earth.
Just Punishment
Jesus tells us that ultimate justice will be exquisitely meted out:
Aquel siervo que conociendo la voluntad de su señor, no se preparó, ni hizo conforme a su voluntad, recibirá muchos azotes. Mas el que sin conocerla hizo cosas dignas de azotes, será azotado poco; porque a todo aquel a quien se haya dado mucho, mucho se le demandará; y al que mucho se le haya confiado, más se le pedirá.
[end with …azotado poco…]
Some people by virtue of their greater knowledge, age, experience, and influence in the church will suffer far greater penalty for the same sin than an ignorant person will. James rightly warned,
Hermanos míos, no os hagáis maestros muchos de vosotros, sabiendo que recibiremos mayor condenación.
“That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows” (vv. 47, 48). Some people by virtue of their greater knowledge, age, experience, and influence in the church will suffer far greater penalty for the same sin than an ignorant person will. James rightly warned, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (). Equity at the end of this unfair world is a delectable thought. Praise God that he is such a judge that nothing will get by him. Praise him for his fairness. And, of course, praise him for his grace—our only hope.
Equity at the end of this unfair world is a delectable thought. Praise God that he is such a judge that nothing will get by him. Praise him for his fairness. And, of course, praise him for his grace—our only hope.
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (). Equity at the end of this unfair world is a delectable thought. Praise God that he is such a judge that nothing will get by him. Praise him for his fairness. And, of course, praise him for his grace—our only hope.
A Just Proverb
Jesus summed it all up in a famous proverb:
Mas el que sin conocerla hizo cosas dignas de azotes, será azotado poco; porque a todo aquel a quien se haya dado mucho, mucho se le demandará; y al que mucho se le haya confiado, más se le pedirá.
Lucas 12:
[start with…porque a todo aquel…]
We have so much. We have the word of the Old Testament, the word of the prophets, the word of the covenants. We have the word of the New Testament, the revelation of the Incarnation, the gospel of grace, the life and teachings of Jesus, the apostolic witness and teaching. We have 2,000 years of the church’s testimony. We have abundant preaching. We have Christian education. We have thousands of books. We have a wealth of opportunities. Consequently, much is required of us!
CLOSING REFLECTIONS
The thrust of Jesus’ message can be summed up in two words: Get ready! His return is as sure as his Incarnation. The Second Advent of Christ is as sure as the First Advent. He will come when least expected. CNN will not expect it. Wall Street will have no hint. The nations will have no clue. The world’s religions disbelieve it. To these, he is coming like a thief in the night! Revelation closes with Jesus’ promise,
El que da testimonio de estas cosas dice: Ciertamente vengo en breve. Amén; sí, ven, Señor Jesús.
How can we be ready?
“Yes, I am coming soon.” And we say with the people of God, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” ().
How can we be ready?
By living a godly life that reflects the abundant truth God has given us.
Porque la gracia de Dios se ha manifestado para salvación a todos los hombres, enseñándonos que, renunciando a la impiedad y a los deseos mundanos, vivamos en este siglo sobria, justa y piadosamente, aguardando la esperanza bienaventurada y la manifestación gloriosa de nuestro gran Dios y Salvador Jesucristo,
By joyful service.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” ().
Estén ceñidos vuestros lomos, y vuestras lámparas encendidas;y vosotros sed semejantes a hombres que aguardan a que su señor regrese de las bodas, para que cuando llegue y llame, le abran en seguida.
By joyful service. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him” (, ).
Roll up your sleeves, turn the lights on, get ready—Jesus is coming soon!
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him” (, ).
Roll up your sleeves, turn the lights on, get ready—Jesus is coming soon!
Hughes, R. K. (1998). Luke: that you may know the truth (pp. 58–66). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.