We Believe: Who Is Jesus Christ?预览

COMING to JUDGE

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

You sense it every day. The feeling that things are not supposed to be this way. The anger and division. The deceit and striving. The sickness and hunger. The suffering of “good” people. The seeming success of corrupted leaders. As we look back at the work that Christ has done, we must not fail to understand what this means for us in the present and the future. Salvation belongs to us now. Yet, we wait. We wait for His glorious return. We wait for Him to bring justice- to make right what has been so wrong and to avenge the evils done against His people.

It is hard for us to comprehend the need for judgment of this magnitude. But do not forget- Jesus first came as a humble servant, to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), to suffer and die as a sacrifice so that to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). He does not rush toward judgment; instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). At just the right time, Jesus came down, born of a virgin. And at just the right time, He will come again with judgment. For all who believe, that will be a glorious day.

Ask Yourself:

-What does hope look like in your life? How can you wait patiently, as Peter writes, living holy and godly lives… spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him?

Pause to Pray: Lord, thank you for your patience. You have graciously forgiven me and given me a new life, a new hope, and a new future with you for eternity. Give me boldness to share your love and hope with those who are still far from you… Amen.

Looking Ahead: As you read through the Creed to end your week, be sure to look for the third part of this trilogy, “Who is the Holy Spirit?”

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.