Previous | Next 

WHAT WE BELIEVE
Come, Lord Jesus

Reuben Pauls

This Article gives a unique answer to “end times” questions. Where other Confessions of Faith may include sections on “the rapture”, “the tribulation” and “the millennium”, we stay with biblical categories and resist the temptation to predict and overanalyze world events in the last days.

We introduce the last days with statements about Jesus Christ’s “imminent return”, agreeing with saints through the ages that His second coming may be at any time. We stop short, however, of making any link to current events which “fulfill a carefully crafted timeline anchored in Daniel and Revelation”. All Scriptures listed at the end of our Article are New Testament verses. This reflects the priority Mennonite Brethren place on Jesus’ teaching, rather than on the apocalyptic literature of the Old Testament. Nowhere does this Article attempt to say more than what is given in the teachings of Jesus. While current opinion in many evangelical circles reflects the “dispensational” teaching first presented by John Nelson Darby in the 1800s, that teaching has not found its way into our Mennonite Brethren Article 18. This is refreshing.

Many a conversation in the workplace or a home Bible study group may include questions about “how the world will end”. Jesus did not give clear answers on this issue. Instead, He focused on what is important: He will return, and when He does, He will welcome those who believe in Him to glory. He will rule over everything for eternity. Those who have been redeemed will be with Him forever. Those outside His rule will experience judgment and eternal separation from Him. Until then, our mission in the world continues. This will be accomplished in a world where trials and suffering are present.

What is crucial in this understanding is this: Through His grace we enter into a relationship with God on earth, and this same grace becomes the key to enjoying His presence forever. If ever there was a motivation to share the good news of Jesus with others, anticipation of eternity in God’s presence provides it.

As I spend time with those older than me, and as I reach into my mid-50s personally, the idea of a future in God’s presence, with my Saviour nearby, knowing that pain, suffering and death are all gone, gives me something in which to hope. John the Apostle closes the book of Revelation with a ringing declaration of faith in the One who secures the future and controls the end of the world. With John, I can say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Reuben Pauls is pastor of River of Life Church in Sorrento, B.C. and former executive minister for the Canadian MB Conference.

CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES Article 18

Christ’s Final Triumph We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will return visibly and triumphantly at the end of the present age. The church must always be prepared to meet the Lord, living in expectation of His imminent return. The Last Days In these last days, between the first and second coming of Christ, the church carries out its mission in the world. Believers often endure suffering and persecution because of their witness to Christ. In spite of opposition by evil powers, the church is assured of the final victory of Christ’s kingdom. These last days come to an end with Christ’s return. Death Since Christ destroyed the power of death by His resurrection, believers need not be afraid of death, the last enemy. Christ’s followers go to be with the Lord when they die. When Christ returns they will be raised and receive new bodies. Believers who are alive at Christ’s coming will be transformed and will also receive new and glorious bodies, fit for life in God’s eternal kingdom. Judgment When Christ returns He will destroy all evil powers, including the Antichrist. Satan and all those who have rejected Christ will be condemned to eternal punishment in hell, forever separated from the presence of God. Believers must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to have their lives examined and their labors rewarded. By God’s grace they will enter into the joy of God’s eternal reign. The New Creation All God’s children will be united with Christ when He appears, and they will reign with Him in glory. Pain, sorrow and death will be abolished, and the redeemed will be gathered into the new heaven and new earth where together with the angels they will worship God forever. God will make all things new, and God will be all in all. This is the blessed hope of all believers. Matthew 24:29-31; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 16:9; Luke 23:43; John 14:1-3; Acts 2:17; Romans 8:18-22; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:26; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26-28; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 John 2:18; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 19:17-21; Revelation 20:7-15; Revelation 21-22. View complete Confession of Faith

 
In this series: Previous Article

Previous | Next 

Last modified August 13, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.