Eagerly Awaiting Christ's Return: The Joy of Salvation

Christ, the Savior of Many

Have you ever wondered if you are included in the group of people whose sins Christ bore? Are you eagerly waiting for his second coming, knowing that it will bring salvation? These are important questions that we must grapple with in our faith journey.

In the book of Hebrews, we are given some insight into this matter. It says, "Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him" (Hebrews 9:28). This verse tells us that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was for the sins of many, and his second coming will bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

But what does it mean to eagerly wait for Christ? Is it simply a matter of believing in him to escape hell and secure our place in heaven? Or is there something more to it?

True faith in Christ goes beyond a mere fire insurance policy. It is a faith that is accompanied by a genuine desire for Christ and his return. It is a faith that longs for his coming, not because it will interrupt our plans or desires, but because it will bring us closer to him and fulfill the deepest longings of our hearts.

Think about it this way: imagine you are in a long-distance relationship with someone you deeply love. Every day, you eagerly await the day when you can be reunited with them. You long for their presence and the joy that comes from being with them. Your love for them is so strong that you are willing to endure the hardships and challenges of the present, knowing that one day you will be together again.

In the same way, our faith in Christ should produce a longing for his second coming. We should eagerly await the day when we will be reunited with him and experience the fullness of his love and glory. Our hearts should be filled with anticipation and excitement as we look forward to that day.

The Corinthians understood this longing for Christ's return. In 1 Corinthians 1:7, Paul writes, "so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the day when Christ would be revealed in all his glory. They understood that their hope and joy were found in him alone.

The Philippians also shared this longing for Christ's return. In Philippians 3:20, Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." The Philippians knew that their true home was in heaven, and they eagerly awaited the day when their Savior would come and take them there.

So, how can we cultivate this eagerness for Christ's return in our own lives? How can we develop a deep longing for his presence and salvation?

First and foremost, we must fix our gaze on Christ and his promises. We must meditate on the truth of his Word and allow it to fill our hearts with hope and anticipation. As we read the Bible, we will find numerous references to Christ's second coming and the joy that it will bring. These passages can serve as a reminder of the glorious future that awaits us.

Secondly, we must cultivate a love for Christ that surpasses our love for the world. We must recognize that the things of this world are temporary and fleeting, while Christ and his kingdom are eternal. We must be willing to let go of our attachments to this world and set our hearts on things above.

Lastly, we must live with a sense of urgency and purpose. We must recognize that our time on this earth is limited and that we have a mission to fulfill. We must be diligent in sharing the gospel and making disciples, knowing that every person we reach is another soul that will share in the joy of Christ's return.

In conclusion, our faith in Christ should produce a longing for his second coming. We should eagerly await the day when we will be reunited with him and experience the fullness of his love and glory. Let us fix our gaze on Christ, cultivate a love for him that surpasses our love for the world, and live with a sense of urgency and purpose. May our hearts be filled with anticipation and excitement as we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come again.