Waiting for the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ

Narrator: Ivona Gentwo
 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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Q. “W. T.” If the “appearing” of the Lord Jesus be not the immediate hope of the saints (instead of His descent into the air), in what sense could the Corinthians be said to be “waiting for” His “revelation,” 1 Corinthians 1:77So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1 Corinthians 1:7)?
A. There are three words used in Scripture when speaking of that event — the Lord’s coming The “coming” or “presence” — (παρουσια) is one of large import, embracing the whole thing, from the rapture to His revelation, when every eye shall see Him. Hence, this word is used generally, and with reference at times to the first action of it — the taking up of the saints; or the subsequent details of it until He appears.
The “appearing” (επιφανεια) is used for the closing action of that event when He shines forth and is seen to every eye. The former word is used generally, as I have said; the latter not so but for that closing point of His coming.
The word used here (1 Cor. 1:77So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1 Corinthians 1:7)) in this sense, (as also in Rom. 2:6;8:196Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (Romans 2:6)
19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19); 1 Peter 1:7,13;4:137That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7)
13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)
13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13); Rev. 1:11The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: (Revelation 1:1)), might rather be translated “revelation” (αποκαλυψις), than by “appearing.” It is a well-chosen word (if we may so say) of the Spirit in this passage; for at that “revelation” all things will be made manifest — declared by the day. Even the use which the Corinthians were making of the manifold gifts of Christ, of which they came short in no respect, as Paul says. The manner of their use of them would then became the subject of the appraisal of the Lord Jesus Christ. How much more suitable then was the Spirit’s choice of this word, than that of His “coming” or of His “appearing,” which referred to that moment which would reveal all that passed now. He would bring their consciences under its power, while comforting them at the same time with the thought that God would preserve them blameless at the day of the Lord Jesus. If he would do this at such a time, they could rejoice that he would, in love, blame them for all and everything unsuited to Him now.