Behold, I Come Quickly

Title: BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 22:12

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Supporting Texts:

Matthew 24:42-44

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

2 Peter 3:10-11

Luke 12:35-40

1 Corinthians 15:52

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the return of Jesus Christ, highlighting that He will come quickly and unexpectedly. The promise of Christ’s return is both a warning and a comfort to believers, encouraging us to live ready, holy, and watchful lives. His imminent return should affect how we live, think, and relate to others. This study will explore what it means to live in anticipation of Christ’s coming and how we can be prepared for His return.

1. THE CERTAINTY OF CHRIST'S RETURN

The return of Christ is an essential part of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself repeatedly promised He would come again to establish His kingdom and reward the faithful.

a) Prophecies in the Scriptures

Both the Old and New Testaments speak of His coming (Isaiah 66:15-16; Matthew 24:30).

b) Christ’s Own Words

Jesus assures us of His return to bring believers to eternal life (John 14:3).

c) The Apostles' Teaching

The apostles taught that Christ's return was imminent, urging believers to live prepared (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

d) God’s Faithfulness

Just as all God’s promises have been fulfilled, so will the promise of Christ’s return (Hebrews 10:37).

Biblical Example:

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrates the need for readiness, as five were prepared and five were not.

2. THE IMMINENCE OF HIS COMING

Jesus emphasized the suddenness and unexpectedness of His return. As such, believers are to stay vigilant, for no one knows the exact time of His coming.

a) Coming Like a Thief in the Night

His return will be sudden, catching many off guard (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

b) Living in Constant Readiness

Believers are to stay spiritually alert, not allowing complacency to take root (Matthew 24:42-44).

c) The Importance of Watchfulness

Staying watchful in prayer and holy living is essential as we await His return (Luke 12:35-40).

d) Avoiding Distractions of the World

The cares of this world can cause spiritual slumber, so believers must remain focused on Christ.

Biblical Example:

The people of Noah’s time were unprepared for the flood, which came suddenly upon them (Matthew 24:37-39).

3. THE REWARD FOR THE FAITHFUL

Jesus promises to bring rewards when He comes, according to the works of each person. This reward should motivate us to live godly and fruitful lives.

a) Rewards According to Works

Each person’s faithfulness and obedience will be rewarded (2 Corinthians 5:10).

b) The Crowns of the Faithful

The Bible speaks of various crowns for believers, such as the crown of life, righteousness, and glory (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8).

c) The Joy of Being with Christ

Our greatest reward is eternal fellowship with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

d) Serving God with an Eternal Perspective

Living for eternity, rather than the temporary things of this world, brings eternal rewards.

Biblical Example:

Paul speaks of his anticipation of a reward, knowing he has fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

4. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE UNPREPARED

Just as Christ’s coming brings rewards for the faithful, it also brings consequences for those who are unprepared or reject Him.

a) Separation from God

Those unprepared face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41).

b) Judgment for the Wicked

Christ’s return will bring judgment upon the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

c) Eternal Regret

Many will experience regret for missed opportunities to accept and follow Christ (Luke 13:27-28).

d) The Need for Repentance

Those who are unprepared must repent and turn to Christ to escape judgment (Acts 3:19).

Biblical Example:

The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 faced eternal regret for a life lived without God, contrasting with Lazarus’s reward.

5. LIVING IN ANTICIPATION OF HIS RETURN

Knowing Christ is coming quickly should inspire us to live holy, purposeful lives, with our focus on pleasing God.

a) Living Holy and Godly Lives

Believers are called to live holy lives as we await His coming (2 Peter 3:11).

b) Spreading the Gospel

Christ’s return reminds us of the urgency to reach others with the gospel (Mark 16:15).

c) Growing in Faith and Obedience

We must continue to grow spiritually, walking in faith and obedience to God’s Word (Colossians 2:6-7).

d) Loving One Another

Living in love is essential as we prepare to meet Christ, for He commands us to love one another (John 13:34).

Biblical Example:

Simeon and Anna lived in anticipation of Christ’s first coming and were blessed to see Him (Luke 2:25-38).

CONCLUSION:

The message of “Behold, I come quickly” is a wake-up call to every believer. Jesus’ return is not only certain but also imminent, and it will bring both reward and judgment. We must be watchful, live holy lives, and keep our hearts focused on Christ, ready to meet Him at any moment. Let us live in the awareness that He is coming soon, ensuring we are found faithful and prepared when He returns.