The second coming of our Lord is near and it shouldn’t scare you. The thought of being caught up in the air someday with our Lord should only bring us joy as believers. Before Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven, He left us with the comfort that He would be back for us soon. And as His children, friends, and servants, this should be exciting news to us. (Acts 1:9-11; Jhn. 14:1-3)

Jesus’ second coming should not take us by surprise. The scripture, in multiple places, gives us accounts of all we are to expect just before the return of our Lord. When we are observant and studious Christians, living ready, we would not get caught unaware. The problem with Christians today is that we prefer eye service to doing what is actually right. A servant who is always at his duty post will never be caught off guard should his master return suddenly. Likewise, we have been assigned a post as believers and we must be careful to stay on our guard till the Master returns. 

“…what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming…”

2 Pet. 3: 11,12 NIV

Another thing that could make a believer wary of Jesus’ second coming is sin. When we came to Christ, we received a new slate and a new life. And it didn’t stop there. We also received power over sin. The ability to say “no” to sin was given to us by the grace of God (Tit. 2:11-12). So, when a believer still persists in sin, it makes them fearful of judgment. However, for those who are [truly] in Christ Jesus, who walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh, there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1 KJV). 

Again, many believers have been made to think that only those who are perfect can make it. No. Nowhere in scripture says this. Rather, it is those who have believed and through the Holy Spirit are living as believers (holy) who will make it. Apostle Paul tells us that he strives for perfection, and though he knows he has not yet attained it, he keeps working towards it as if it were possible to perfect –in that sense (Php. 3:12 AMP). 

Many times, in a bid to force perfection, we become totally imperfect, resulting in self-righteousness. The truth is that none of us can attain perfection as long as we live in these earthly bodies. But, through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can keep working towards perfection (Php. 3:12 AMP).  As Max Lucado said; what makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness. The fear of the rapture becomes less when we realize that God does not demand perfection from us, our perfection is in Christ Jesus.  

N.B: The nearest we can get to perfection is by walking in love at all times. Love makes us perfect. Matt. 5:46-48

“What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness.”

Max Lucado

As believers, our disposition towards the matter should be anticipation and joy. Anticipation of being where He is, and the joy of salvation. Not only does this show our readiness, but it also reveals our faith. If you have truly believed and you are walking in the Spirit, then the thought of Jesus’ second coming should be a joyous anticipation, rather than a dreadful expectation.

A particular school of thought would say that Jesus’ second coming is a fallacy, as they’ve been hearing of it since the days of their grandfather. But, it is very far from fallacy. The thing is, God is full of grace and rich in mercy. That Jesus has not come back yet is an extension of His grace. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that He wishes that none would perish but that all would come into repentance. Do not take God’s grace for granted. 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Pet. 3:9 NIV

Jesus is alive and He is coming back soon. For believers, this is good news. For some others, worrisome news. If you are part of the latter, today, you can make a choice to be part of those who have the assurance of eternal life. Life in Christ is freedom from sin, death, and fear. If you would like to join the family of Christ, please say this prayer: Dear Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and I choose you today, tomorrow, and forever to follow, love, and serve. Amen. 

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“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Jam. 5:7-8 NIV