Let’s look at brother Peter’s words in II Peter 3, as he speaks so forcefully of the coming of the day of the Lord. In the terminology of this debate, I think it is conceded that here is being discussed the final coming of Jesus. Peter here is looking toward the ultimate judgment and destruction of our earth, and he tells his people to live holy, knowing that these things are coming. Nevertheless, he exults in the fact that there will be a new heaven and a new earth once the destructive acts are past. Here is an example of one event that comes last outshining events that must come first. Peter’s readers had no less anticipation for the new world simply because the old world must be burned up to get to it.

I ask you, why can we not look for both antichrist and Christ at the same time? A child whose father has been long in the military is promised: in 2 weeks Daddy will be home! But in one week, the same child has a dentist’s appointment. There’s no way to get to Dad’s coming without that painful time in between. Even knowing of the discomfort of the Dentist’s chair, the boy’s heart is filled only with the bright prospects of Daddy’s return.

There is no contradiction here.

Trouble is coming to the planet. Incredible trouble. But we look for the Solution, Who will come in the Person of Jesus. He will lead us through the trouble to Himself. We don’t know exactly when He will come, but He will come and deliver us!

Why, even those whom God knew would have no connection to the end time are told to watch (Mark 13:37)! Why tell us all to watch when God the Father knows Jesus is not coming until that certain Day?

Oh how excited many have been through the years about the possible appearing of Jesus. But all of them died. The odds are that all of us living today will also face death before we see Jesus coming in glory to the planet. Are we then “looking for death” simply because He may not come in our “life time”? No, all of us continue to look for Jesus’ appearing, whether on this side of the grave or the other, whether on this side of antichrist or the other. It is Jesus who is the center of all the church’s attention.

Brother __________, am I looking for antichrist? Yes, I believe he shall precede Jesus, but I am looking for Jesus! Will I die before He comes? Quite possibly, but still I look for Jesus! We who are told to watch, know that some negative thing may indeed stand in the way, but we still watch. Watching is an attitude of the heart. It’s the prayer mindset of a true believer. It’s not a fearful Damocles’ sword hanging over us, it’s an awareness of hope. No matter how bad things get, whether we must suffer or die or watch antichrist rise, whether the world goes crazy or nature fails, we still have the blessed hope that Jesus will come and set all in order.

Distinction 8. The next suggestion is that it is not proper to pray with John, “Come Lord Jesus,” if we know He is not coming for seven years (at least). This seems to make ____________imply, in my estimation, that when we pray, we are changing God’s plans. No, rather, when we pray, it must be in accord with God’s will. That is, Jesus, I know you are coming, and you are welcome here! Your will be done, Come as you plan to come, Lord Jesus!

Anyone who has prayed that prayer over the last 2000 years, including John the Revelator, understood that it might not be answered physically and immediately. But the prayer went up anyway, and continues to rise to Heaven. To suggest that a prayer is invalid because God has a fixed moment for its answer is to suggest that our desires should supersede His.

When we pray for healing, He hears us. Or for financial blessing. Or for deliverance. Or for the salvation of family members. He hears. But the answer may be down the road. Our knowing that we must wait upon God does not stop us from crying out to Him, yea, day and night ( Luke 18:1-5).

The Spirit and the Bride call out for these many years, Come, Lord Jesus. But He doesn’t come. But He will. When it is time. For now, the world is in a mess, the world needs the Saviour. O come, O come, Emmanuel! Keep praying it saints!

Distinction 9. ______________ assumes, lastly, that the judgment seat of Christ and the marriage of the Lamb must take place in Heaven and with the Church present, and before His coming to earth. Yet he can offer no proof of the location and timing of these events, for, of course, such proof does not exist. Romans 14:10 and II Corinthians 5:10 simply state that there will be a time when saints stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Revelation 19:7-8 describe the wedding, or at least the announcement of same. The marriage has come. The wife is ready. Blessed are those invited. But wait! Some serious work to do first, following this announcement. Now the church descends with Jesus (Revelation 19:7-21) to the earth, taking its first step toward the announced supper. There, as described by prophets and apostles, the Kingdom is set up after Christ’s victory over His enemies. Then Jesus keeps His promise to drink the fruit of the vine with His followers (Matthew 26:29). It seems to me that this is a more logical arrangement of details. But for a “proof text” that this will happen, neither the pre– or post– people can find one. It simply is not there.