The concept of "Living in Light of His Coming" is a central theme in Christian eschatology, emphasizing the anticipation of Jesus Christ's return and its implications for the believer's life. This doctrine is rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where the return of Christ is presented as a future event that should influence the conduct, priorities, and hope of Christians.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament is replete with references to the second coming of Christ, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their anticipation of this event. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." This passage underscores the certainty and transformative nature of Christ's return.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Living in light of His coming calls for a life of holiness and godliness. In 2 Peter 3:11-12 , believers are exhorted, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God." This expectation of Christ's return serves as a catalyst for moral purity and ethical living, encouraging believers to align their lives with the teachings of Scripture.

Watchfulness and Readiness

The theme of watchfulness is prevalent in the teachings of Jesus regarding His return. In Matthew 24:42 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This call to vigilance is a reminder that the timing of Christ's return is unknown, and thus, believers are to remain spiritually alert and prepared at all times.

Hope and Encouragement

The anticipation of Christ's return is also a source of hope and encouragement for believers. In Titus 2:13 , Paul describes this hope as "the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." This expectation provides comfort amidst trials and tribulations, assuring believers of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Evangelistic Zeal

The imminent return of Christ also fuels evangelistic zeal. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul declares, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." The urgency of the gospel message is heightened by the awareness that the time is short, compelling believers to share the good news of salvation with others.

Stewardship and Responsibility

Finally, living in light of His coming involves faithful stewardship of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to believers. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and opportunities wisely in anticipation of the master's return. This stewardship extends to all areas of life, including time, talents, and treasures, as believers seek to honor God and advance His kingdom.

In summary, the doctrine of living in light of His coming is a multifaceted call to holiness, vigilance, hope, evangelism, and stewardship, all rooted in the anticipation of Christ's promised return.