Living Between the Comings: Christian Life in Expectation
Rev. Dr. Mathew Philip
Introduction:
Christian faith is basically influenced by two decisive events: the first coming of Christ, characterized by humility, and the second coming of Christ, marked by glory. The present age, in which the Church exists and operates, serves as the “in-between” period separating these significant events. This time is neither void nor ambiguous; rather, it is filled with meaning, purpose, and anticipation. Being a Christian means living in this space between the two comings, where you are anchored in what Christ has done and look forward to what He has promised.
The Tension of the “Already and Not Yet:”
The New Testament describes the Christian life as being in a “dynamic tension” known as the “already and not yet.” It says that Christ’s first coming has led to many important events, such as His crucifixion, which defeated sin; His resurrection, which conquered death; and the beginning of the Kingdom of God. However, these events have not yet fully come to pass; sin and suffering continue, and death is still something that believers must deal with. The Kingdom has started, but we are still waiting for its full revelation. This ongoing tension is a big part of the Christian experience. We live in a world that has started the process of redemption but is still waiting for it to be fully realized. This gives us both hope and a sense of responsibility.
Anchored in the Past: The Completed Work of Christ:
Living between the comings shows how important it is to be firmly rooted in what Christ has done. The cross means that our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is back on track, and we are saved. The resurrection assures that death has been overcome, that new life is now possible, and that hope will last forever. These important truths give us a strong basis for our faith, letting us move from doubt to the certainty of Christ’s finished work.
Oriented Toward the Future: The Promise of His Return:
Believers live their lives with a forward-looking attitude that is deeply influenced by the hope of Christ’s return. The New Testament refers to this hope as the “blessed hope,” which is a short way of saying what this hope is. The return of Christ means the completion of our salvation, the judgment of the world, and the beginning of His reign forever. People who believe in this promise don’t just think it’s a good idea; they know it’s true, and it gives them a strong sense of direction and purpose. We are excited to live in the time between Christ’s two comings because we believe that history is moving toward God’s destined conclusion.
Living in Watchfulness and Readiness:
Because Christ is coming back soon, believers are told to be on the lookout. Jesus stressed how important it is to be ready because His return will be unexpected. So, His followers need to stay spiritually aware. Being watchful means living a life of prayer, being aware of God’s presence, and being faithful in everyday life. It is not about waiting passively but about actively paying attention to God’s will.
A Life of Holiness and Transformation:
The expectation of Christ’s return emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers, suggesting that their conduct is significant given this future hope. The New Testament frequently highlights the connection between anticipation for the future and the way individuals live in the present. We are urged to turn away from sin, actively pursue righteousness, and reflect Christ’s character. Furthermore, holiness is framed not as a pursuit of perfection, but rather as a continuous transformation of life influenced by the grace and truth found in Christ.
Faithful Service in the Present:
Living between the comings emphasizes active engagement with the world rather than retreating from it. This is illustrated in Jesus’ parables, which highlight the significance of stewardship during His absence. In these narratives, believers are depicted as having varied gifts, responsibilities, and opportunities to serve. Key duties include preaching the gospel, making disciples, demonstrating love towards others, and engaging in acts of justice and kindness. Consequently, the Church is urged to remain both active and involved, underscoring the necessity of faithfulness and a rejection of passivity in its mission.
Hope in the Midst of Suffering:
Living between the comings of Christ involves navigating through various challenges, yet it is underlined by a profound sense of hope, even in the face of adversity. Believers encounter numerous difficulties—tests of faith, persecution, loss, and the inevitability of death. Nevertheless, the essence of hope transforms these hardships into meaningful experiences. The promise of Christ’s return serves as a reminder that current suffering is temporary, infusing it with significance and perspective. This understanding not only offers solace but also fortifies the conviction that God’s ultimate plan is steadfast and ultimately will prevail. Rather than eliminating suffering, hope contextualizes it, providing believers with strength and purpose in their struggles.
Community and Encouragement:
The Church is a place where Christians can grow and learn together, which is very important to the Christian life. This communal aspect is very important for keeping faith and hope alive in its members. Believers are encouraged to support one another, share their challenges, and strengthen each other’s faith. The journey of faith, which happens between the two comings of Christ, is shown as a group experience in which people help each other while looking forward to a better future.
Mission with Urgency and Purpose:
The expectation of Christ’s return also brings a sense of urgency to the Church’s mission. This time between His comings is very important for spreading the message of salvation. People see this time as an opportunity to reach people who haven’t met Christ yet and to share God’s grace with the world. This urgency comes from love, not fear, and it shows a real desire for others to accept the salvation that Christ offers.
Balancing Expectation and Faithfulness:
To keep things in balance while living between the comings, people need to avoid neglecting present responsibilities in anticipation of the future and Losing sight of the future by becoming consumed with the present. As a Christian, it is important to have both hope that Christ will return and faithfulness in following his teachings right now. This dual commitment makes sure that you are ready for Christ’s return while also living by Christian values right now.
Conclusion:
The Christian life involves existing between the two comings of Christ: recognizing his past arrival, living with purpose in the present, and anticipating his future return with hope. Believers are encouraged to live faithfully, serve diligently, and maintain confident hope until his return. This life is not solely about waiting; it emphasizes active hope and awareness that the narrative of redemption is progressing toward a glorious end in Christ.
