How should we live in anticipation of Christ's return?

I. Understanding the Promise of Christ’s Return

The conviction that Christ will return is grounded in the consistent testimony of Scripture. As recorded in Acts 1:11, angelic messengers affirmed to the disciples, “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” This promise forms a foundational hope that spans both Old and New Testament prophecies (see Daniel 7:13–14; Revelation 1:7) and has sustained believers through every era.

Archaeological discoveries reinforce the reliability of these biblical claims. The Dead Sea Scrolls, found at Qumran in the mid-twentieth century, contain portions of Isaiah and other prophetic books that highlight the awaited Messiah’s kingdom, mirroring the same anticipation later echoed in the New Testament. These scrolls, predating Christ’s birth, confirm the consistency of the ancient texts we hold today.

II. Watchfulness and Readiness

Living in anticipation of Christ’s return involves an attitude of vigilance. Scripture encourages believers to remain spiritually awake:

• *Matthew 24:42*: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.”

• *1 Thessalonians 5:2*: “For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

This vigilance does not foster fear. Instead, it promotes a mindful approach to daily life, recognizing that history is purposeful and heading toward the culminating event of Christ’s second coming. Outside of biblical texts, the prevalence of “end-time” language in early church writings (e.g., the Didache) aligns with Scripture’s exhortations, demonstrating how the first believers practically guarded their faith by constant expectancy.

III. Pursuing Holiness and Pure Living

An awareness of the returning King should inspire personal holiness. The Bible repeatedly connects belief in Christ’s advent with moral and spiritual transformation:

• *1 John 3:2–3*: “Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed… And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

• *Titus 2:12–13*: “[Grace] instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Throughout Scripture, God’s holiness is emphasized, and His people are called to reflect it (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). Focusing on Christ’s return heightens our resolve to resist sin, practice forgiveness, and cultivate qualities like patience, love, and integrity.

IV. Faithfulness in Service and Stewardship

Expectation of Christ’s return leads naturally to a life of service. Believers are called “fellow workers” (3 John 1:8) who labor diligently until He comes. Jesus’ parables consistently encourage faithful stewardship:

• *Matthew 25:14–30* describes the Parable of the Talents, where servants are entrusted with resources and must account for how they have invested them.

• *Luke 12:42–44* illustrates a faithful and wise manager who serves responsibly in his master’s absence.

In the modern context, this service can include caring for the environment, since the world was designed by God with purposeful intelligence, as evidenced by scientific markers like the information-rich nature of DNA. Research by proponents of Intelligent Design (including the fine-tuning of cosmic constants) affirms the purposeful origin of creation, reinforcing the biblical call to be good stewards of God’s handiwork (Genesis 1:28).

V. Comfort and Encouragement in Difficult Times

Scripture repeatedly presents Christ’s return as a source of comfort, especially amid trials and uncertainty:

• *1 Thessalonians 4:16–18*: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command… And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

• *James 5:7–8* counsels believers to be patient, steadfast, and trusting in the impending arrival of the Lord.

Historically, Christians undergoing persecution have clung to the promise that present sufferings are temporary compared to the coming glory (Romans 8:18). Today, many find strength through preserved ancient manuscripts—thousands of Greek New Testament texts, for instance, corroborate the message of hope found in passages like John 14:1–3, “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I go to prepare a place for you.”

VI. Responding to Doubt and Skepticism

Skeptical challenges often question the reality of Christ’s return. However, such questions echo those of prior generations. In 2 Peter 3:3–4, scoffers express doubt, asking, “Where is this promise of His coming?” Scripture counters skepticism by emphasizing God’s transcendence over time and by reminding believers of historical examples of fulfilled promises (2 Peter 3:8–9).

Outside the biblical text, credible historical documentation provides reasoned support for trust in the Bible’s veracity. Archaeological finds such as the *Tel Dan Stele* (attesting to the “House of David”) and the *Pilate Stone* (confirming Pontius Pilate’s governorship mentioned in the Gospels) demonstrate the historical backdrop against which biblical prophecies are rooted. These tie in with the manuscripts’ consistency, as studied extensively by textual critics, reinforcing confidence in the Scriptures’ accuracy.

VII. Hope Grounded in the Resurrection

The Bible’s central event—Jesus rising from the tomb—certifies His promised return. Credible historical evidence, including multiple attestations in the Gospels and early creed statements (1 Corinthians 15:3–7), demonstrates the resurrection’s authenticity. Early eyewitnesses, including prominent converts like Paul, maintained Christ rose bodily, bolstering the trustworthiness of His words (Matthew 28:18–20). The vacant tomb, attested by early church proclamations in Jerusalem, cannot be adequately explained apart from a genuine miracle.

This resurrection hope undergirds confidence in Christ’s promise to come again, providing the foundation for all Christian eschatological anticipation (Acts 17:31).

VIII. Practical Applications for Daily Life

1. Prayer and Devotion: A regular commitment to prayer fosters intimacy with God and cultivates peace while awaiting Christ’s return (1 Peter 4:7).

2. Proclamation of the Gospel: Sharing the good news aligns with Christ’s command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20). Expectation of His return fuels urgency and compassion in evangelism.

3. Community Involvement: Gathering with other believers preserves encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), fosters accountability, and strengthens resilience against cultural pressures.

4. Ethical Living: Differences in moral conduct become notable evidence for genuine faith. Integrity in business, family, and social relationships demonstrates the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in preparation for Christ’s arrival (Ephesians 4:22–24).

5. Long-Term Perspective: Recognizing an eternal timeline places earthly hardships in context (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). A patient, hopeful attitude emerges while awaiting the culmination of divine history.

IX. Conclusion

Living in anticipation of Christ’s return involves vigilant watchfulness, moral integrity, faithful service, and enduring hope. This perspective is reinforced by both biblical and extrabiblical evidence that confirms Scripture’s reliability and highlights the reality of a Creator who established a purposeful, intelligently designed cosmos.

When believers remember that Jesus rose from the dead—an event documented and affirmed by the earliest witnesses and preserved in reliable manuscripts—they can stand firm in the assurance that His promise to return will be fulfilled. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 urges, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Such steadfastness, marked by deeper devotion, sacrificial service, and abiding hope, reflects the heart of how one should live in anticipation of the glorious return of Christ.