The Return of Christ (2)

Christ will appear in glory as certainly as he appeared in his first coming; and we will appear with him in glory. Why should we doubt it? Has not that which is even greater been already done? Has not God himself become man? Has not God humbled himself in his first coming and died? Is not that more wondrous than that a man should become like God in his second coming? What is greater, for God to become man, or for men to be raised out of their graves and become glorious? Certainly, the latter is the lesser. Let us encourage our hearts with this, that as verily as he came in humility to work our salvation, so verily he will come and raise us to glory.
We would never be lacking in grace nor comfort if we often thought of and applied this truth to our hearts. Let us bring ourselves to this light; let us often think of the blessed times to come: in so doing could we be unfruitful? This made Paul charge the Thessalonians, ‘I beseech you, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Tim. 4:1, 2). Further, 'I need no greater argument to press you, than as verily as Christ will come in glory, you will be gathered to him, so hear what I say' (2 Thess. 2:1). This promise will move a man's conscience and carry him to his duty. Let us think seriously on this, Christ will come with thousands of his angels in glory and majesty; glorious in his company, glorious in himself, glorious in his enemies. And we will come to the same glory. Let us think of this, it will quicken and inspire all our courses and actions with a spiritual kind of light, making them acceptable to God. All should be done in sincerity, constancy, abundantly, cheerfully, readily, and willingly; for God requires these qualities in what we do. What makes a man sow his seed, that he scarcely can spare, but the hope of a harvest? Be constant, 'for in him you will receive the reward if you faint not' (Gal. 6:9).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Hidden Life, Works, vol. 5, pp. 214-15
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