2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brothers, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to him, I. THE COMING OF CHRIST TO JUDGMENT IS A TRUTH — 1. Well known by all the saints (Jude 1:14; Psalm 96:13; Psalm 98:9; Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14). 2. Firmly believed (2 Peter 3:3-5; Titus 2:11-13). 3. Earnestly desired (Song of Solomon 8:14; Revelation 22:20). Why? (1) In respect of Him who is to come — that we may see Him who is our great Lord and Saviour. All who believed anything of Christ before He came desired to see Him (John 8:56). And now Christians (1 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 2:3). (2) In respect of the persons desiring — there is that in them which moves them to it. (a) The Spirit of Christ (Revelation 22:17). The Holy Ghost creates this desire: it is His great work to bring Christ and us together. (b) The graces planted in us — faith, which takes Christ at His word (John 14:2); hope, which is faith's handmaid (1 Peter 1:3); love, which is an affection of union (Philippians 1:23). (c) Christian privileges; believers then find the fruit of their interest in Christ, and have their reward (Revelation 22:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). II. WHEN CHRIST SHALL COME ALL THE SAINTS SHALL BE GATHERED WITH HIM. There shall be — 1. A congregation (Matthew 25:32; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Adam will then meet all his posterity at once. All distinctions of age, quality, wealth, nation, etc., will disappear. 2. A segregation (Matthew 25:32, 33). There may be some confusion now, but there shall be a complete separation then (Matthew 13:49). 3. An aggregation: believers are gathered together for several ends. (1) To make up the number of Christ's attendants (Jude 1:14; Zechariah 14:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). (2) To be presented to God by head and poll. We were given to Christ to be preserved for glory (John 17:6). Christ is to give an account (John 6:40). The form of presentation (Hebrews 2:13). (3) To be brought in one troop to heaven (John 14:3). Conclusion: There is much comfort in this. 1. Real Christians seem few (Luke 12:32): but when there assembled they shall be a multitude that no man can number (Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:9). 2. Christian friends are now separated — then they shall meet to part no more (Matthew 24:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). 3. The Church seems in a degenerate state — then it shall be without spot. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, |
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