The first thing you should be assured about is that God has a time fixed for Jesus' coming. You need not worry about when the appearing of Jesus will happen. Only be assured that the promise is sure, for God will keep His word. The word to remember is ``soon!'' Even though ``soon'' does not communicate to us the exact year, month, date or time, God knows the exact split second when it is scheduled to happen.

You may ask then, ``Why does not God reveal that time to us?'' That is a question only God knows the answer to. Jesus Himself said: ``No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father'' (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32 NIV). He also said: ``Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come'' (Mark 13:33 NIV). But Jesus was very specific about the fact that God has a time fixed for His appearing when He said: ``It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority'' (Acts 1:7 NIV).

Therefore may you be sure about the four thoughts that have become clear about the time factor:

1. God has a time fixed for Jesus' second coming
2. That time is ``soon'' to happen
3. You are not given any knowledge about the exact time
4. But you are commanded to be alert and on guard

The Bible nevertheless gives one important reason why there is a ``delay'' in His coming: ``The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance''. What a merciful God! He is delaying to show you mercy. He wants to give everyone a chance to hear His gospel and be saved. That is the one supreme reason for the delay.

But the ``soon'' of God will become a reality in a split second any coming day. The door of mercy and grace shall not stand open forever: ``But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare''. And again, ``Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,'' says the Lord Almighty.

So what should be our appropriate response to the coming of the Day of the Lord. Its unannounced arrival and the warnings should make us tremble even as we look forward to the Blessed Hope of His coming:

``Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives, as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming''.

If you believe in the second coming of Jesus and still live as if this truth has not affected your life and lifestyle; then you are deceiving yourself. In other words you are telling the world that you don't believe much in the truth that Jesus is coming soon. Therefore, take warning today. Order your lives in such a way so that others might know that you are looking forward to the soon coming of Jesus. Yes, speed the coming of the Day of the Lord. It is coming ``Soon!''

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