Page 324 - Bible Writers Theology Original

308 ♦ Bible Writers' Theology Chapter Ten
life, light, and blessing from Him, and we shall see Him as He is. Therefore, the sons of God know that their Lord is holy and pure; as they hope to live with Him, they must be separated from sin, flesh, and the world. In order to maintain the utmost purity, saints must grow in grace and holiness, for we know our God and Father is the high and holy one.
The most important doctrine of the Church is the teaching of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, (I Corinthians 15:55; II Corinthians 5:4). It is also the most overwhelmingly preached subject in the Church. "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha"
(I Corinthians 16:22).
B The Hope of His Coming Gives Comfort to One Another
The hope of His coming enables us to comfort one another, especially when our loved ones pass away before us to go on to the glorious place of rest in the bosom of Jesus (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
C The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a Lively Hope
Those born again saints who have gone on before us, and we, partakers of His divine nature that are living on earth, will be caught up together some day to be with the Lord. On that day, our lively hope will be fulfilled. Until that happens, we are to broadcast the good news and blessed hope, that is every one may join us to meet the Lord (1 John 3:3; II Peter 1:2-4).
D The Hope of His Coming Enables us to Purify Ourselves
For John says, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth him self,evenasheispure"(IJohn3:3). Longingwithgreatanticipationhelps purification.
E Our Earthly Tabernacle will be Cast Away
Philippians 3:20-21 reads, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, accord ing to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto him self." (See also II Corinthians 5:1-3,16-17; I Corinthians 15:39-52.)