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Second Sunday of Advent (1881)

Luke 21:25-36 The doctrine of the second coming of Christ for judgment is a scandal, a folly, an object of ridicule to the world. There are also people who displace the idea of the last day from their hearts as much as humanly possible because they are afraid and horrified of it - as well as death perhaps. The doctrine of Judgment Day is a comforting, etc. doctrine for believing Christians; Judgment Day, a day they can expect with joy: "Let me expect dear Judgment Day with longing and pleasure."1 The waiting of believers for the dear Day of Judgment; 1. they should wait for this day, a. look forward to it as a certain day, . on what do they base it? On Christ's true prophecy confirmed with His oath.2 There is a waiting through and from faith in the Word. Without faith there is no waiting, faith is not without waiting; . whereupon do they become aware of it? On signs in general, on the Jewish people in particular. This "see" and "remember" serves to strengthen patience in waiting; b. be aware of it every moment; they should . not ignore it, whether or not the day seemingly tarries long3, . but remain mindful of the prophecy of Christ, that namely the day is certain - that it comes quickly4, . keep themselves prepared according to God's will5, . willingness ("are worthy") consists in faith in the mediation of the one who is the future Judge "the Son of Man"6, . it is demonstrated in holy living and godliness - the fight against the lusts of the flesh, guarding, praying, not apart from and without, but with and in the right use of the means of grace;

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Arndt's Morning Prayer. Luke 21:25-27, 32-33. 3 Luke 12:36; Matthew 24:48. 4 Luke 21:34-35. 5 Luke 21:34, 36. 6 Luke 21:36 (v. 27), cf. Titus 2:11-14.

2. they should wait for it with longing and joy7, a. why? . Christ's great power and glory will be made manifest before the entire world on that day8, they should long for this revelation, rejoice over it in advance, . Judgment Day brings total redemption to them.9 The redeemed should long for this redemption and rejoice over it in advance10, because then all consequences of sins, together with the last enemy, death, will be removed.11 "By this we are delivered." Complete renewal of the image of God.12 b. The fulfillment of this ardent waiting is certain: . it is a desire worked by the Word ("lift up your heads!") in the power of the Holy Spirit13, . the promise of the Lord Jesus of His glorious revelation and of our full redemption cannot deceive.14 We always hope on the future of Christ. Judgment Day is not far off. What chiliasts teach about a millennial kingdom yet to come before the Day of Judgment, belongs to Jewish dreams.15 He is also a fraudulent prophet who claims to be able to determine the day, etc. Whether we shall or will see the day is up to God alone. This we know: whether or not we fall asleep before the downfall of the world, we will, be raised from the dead, see the Son of Man in His power and glory and, free from the bonds of death and corruption, are awakened with a sinless body according to His image - we will see Him, etc. etc. There we, who wait for His grace, will "live in His kingdom under Him -- salvation." This is most certainly true! G.R.

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Cf. Revelation 22:20; KELG 432:16. Luke 21:27. 9 Luke 21:28. 10 Romans 8:23. 11 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 21:1-5. 12 1 John 3:2. 13 Proverbs 10:28a. 14 Luke 21:35; Hebrews 9:28. 15 AC XVII.

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