The Second Coming of Christ

JESUS NEXT APPEARS

The Son of Man will be seen “coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” But before his coming, a great work will be done for his people. Should he suddenly burst upon them now, they could not endure “the power and great glory” of the scene. This subject is well illustrated by the following words of the prophet: “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord, his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain; as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3. The morning is a beautiful figure of the opening glory of the day of God. The day-star first appears, then the dawn of day. And as the light of day increases, our eyes are enabled to endure it, and view the sun shining in his strength. But, should the light of the sun burst upon the world suddenly at midnight, no human eye could endure it. SCOC 45.1

So will the people of God be prepared to meet their coming King. They must first break away from the love and cares of this world, and consecrate all to the Lord. Then will they, in due time, share the outpouring of the holy Spirit “as the rain, as the latter and the former rain upon the earth.” The day-star will arise in their hearts. 2 Peter 1:19. Those who have taken heed to the sure word of prophecy through the dark, watching night, will then raise their heads in triumph. They are filled with faith, and with the Holy Spirit. Glory is poured upon them till they can gaze on Christ and angels. The trumpet sounds. The angels are dispatched to the graves’ mouths. The voice of the Son of God awakes the sleeping saints of all ages. They come forth in immortal perfection; and as they leave the earth, the living saints are changed. The “elect from one end of heaven to the other,” each with an angel bright and strong to lead the way, are all caught up to meet the Lord, who waits in mid-heaven to receive the purchase of his blood. As language would fail to describe what follows, dear reader, we leave you here to contemplate it, praying that we may be prepared to participate in the meeting scene. SCOC 46.1