As followers of Christ, our earthly sojourn is preparation for the age to come. This age is a time of training. Training for reigning. This age will soon close and another will dawn. Paul observed that the night was far spent; that the Day was at hand. (Rom 13:12). He observed this some two thousand years ago! Brothers and sisters, are you ready for the age to come? Have you seen your life on earth as training and preparation for a Day yet to arrive?
...those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead ... are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:35,36
After the close of this age, Christ and His radiant Bride will rule on the earth for a thousand years. What a Day that will be. (2 Pet 3:8). While many have been called to participate, few will be chosen. Many are called but few submit themselves to the process of cleansing and purification that must precede ruling and reigning. "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him..." (2 Tim 2:12).
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Rev 20:6
Just as Esther submitted herself to an extended season of purification (Est 2:12), so too we have been called to willingly submit ourselves to a purification process in readiness for our King and the full manifestation of His Kingdom.
What a moment it will be, brothers and sisters, when our King appears and we behold Him! Are you ready? Are you eagerly looking for the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ?
So 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. Heb 9:28
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1
There is much in the 'beholding'. It is through beholding Christ that we are completely transfigured and assume the heavenly bodies needed for ruling and reigning.
... when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3
Holiness is essential for beholding. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. (Heb 12:14). Purity precedes seeing. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Matt 5:8). Christ is about to appear to those who are looking for Him; to those who have purified themselves, even as a bride purifies herself for her husband.
... the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Matt 25:10
The sons of God are hidden in this present age. (Rom 8:18-19; Col 3:3-4). But when Christ who is our life appears, then we also shall appear with Him in glory! It will happen in the twinkling of an eye; it will overtake many as a thief in the night. It is close now. Let us learn from the parable of the wise and foolish virgins...
Watch therefore, for you ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matt 25:13
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