The Doctrine Of The Immanency Of Christ's Return Series

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD

www.mycrossway.org

This evening we are going to Revelation 22 and we are on the next to last study of this marvelous book. I am going to warn you, that tonight is not the complete study of verses 6-9, but just the examination of what is known as the Doctrine of Imminency, meaning the scriptural truth that the return of Christ and these events that are associated with his physical return to earth will happen quickly and suddenly. This is a fundamental doctrine of the Church that has tragically been set aside by many. Nevertheless, it is critical. Next Sunday, I am going to preach this text again.

I am doing this because God is burning something inside of me that the Church needs to hear. And this isn’t anything new, but it has been largely forgotten or overlooked by Christians today. It’s been tossed aside by well-meaning but cynical or uninformed believers who are more interested in drawing crowds, entertainment, and worldly thinking instead of the whole counsel of God found in this book. And I’m not any more superior to anyone else, but the Spirit of God is gnawing on my heart and I believe part of the reason why is because so few pastors and churches are listening.

And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His slaves the things which must soon take place. 7 “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 8 I, John, am the one who was hearing and seeing these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow slave with you and your brothers the prophets and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” (Revelation 22:6–9)

The New Testament is consistent in its anticipation that the return of Christ might occur at any moment. That pervading perspective of imminence prompts three questions. The first question pertains to whether the Tribulation will precede Christ’s coming for the church. The answer to that question is that it will not be because the church is never asked to look forward to the tribulation, but they are asked to look forward to Christ’s coming. The second question revolves around how the return of Christ could have been imminent in the early church. The answer here is that no one but the Father knows when the coming will occur so Christians including the early church must always be ready. The third question asks why Christ’s imminent return is so important. This answer relates to the motivation it supplies for believers to purify their lives and thereby progress toward the goal of sanctification and Christlikeness. The threefold call of the imminence doctrine is to wake up and obey right now, to throw off the works of darkness, and to put on the garments of holy living. (Article by John MacArthur)

From the very earliest days of the Church, the return of Christ was known to happen imminently and suddenly. When Christ said, behold I am coming quickly, that word, is ta???? (tacheos), where we get our word tachometer. It means more than just speed, but it also means suddenly, without delay. There are over 22 verses in the New Testament that clearly speak of the imminency of the end times and Christ’s return. Three times in Chapter 22, does Jesus use this word to describe his return. (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20).

When his disciples asked about his return, Jesus said, Mark 13:32-33

“But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 33 “See to it, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. (Mark 13:32–33)

“You too, be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

So we are instructed repeatedly throughout the New Testament to be watchful and ready for Christ’s return, not knowing the exact time, but aware of the signs, and remaining steadfastly ready for when it does happen.

For the anxious longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we eagerly wait for it. (Romans 8:19–25)