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10. The doctrine of future things
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10. The doctrine of future things
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10. The doctrine of future things549. How do we know about the events of the future?
The doctrine of those things that will come to pass in the future (eschatology) has its basis in Holy
Scripture. Many references to the future of salvation history are contained in the gospels and in the
letters of the Apostles. Some pivotal statements can also be found in the Revelation of John, which
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speaks of these future events in figurative language.
Eschatology: see explanation of Question 40.
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550. What future event is the goal of faith of New Apostolic Christians?
Jesus Christ is coming again—that is a central statement of the gospel. Since His ascension into
heaven the Apostles have proclaimed the return of the Lord. It is the goal of faith of New Apostolic
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Christians to be accepted by Him on this occasion.
551. Who promised the return of Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ Himself promised His Apostles: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
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again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14: 3).
This promise of Jesus was reinforced by angels at His ascension into heaven: “This same Jesus, who
was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven”
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(Acts 1: 11).
552. Who knows the exact point in time when Christ will return?
Neither angels nor men know the day or the hour of Jesus Christ’s return. Only the triune God knows
this.
553. What follows from the fact that no man knows the moment in time of Christ’s return?
, Since no man knows the moment in time of Christ’s return, the believer is called upon to remain
prepared for this event every day. The Son of God summarises this into the admonition: “Watch
therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24: 42). Jesus also made it
clear in parables that believers are to be watchful in faith and expect His return at any hour.
Parables concerning the return of Christ: see Question 157.
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to
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meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [...] But while the bridegroom
was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom
is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish
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said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [...] And while they went to
buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door
was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also [...] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor
the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
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Mathew 25: 1-13
cf. also Matthew 24: 43-51; 25: 14-30
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554. How did the early Apostles treat the promise of Christ’s return?
The promise of Christ’s return played a great role in the preaching of the early Apostles. Next to the
sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, it was among the most important contents of their faith.
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They were convinced that Jesus would return in their lifetimes: “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall
not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15: 51).
Apostle Paul addressed the congregation in Corinth with the early Christian call of prayer:
“Maranatha”, which means “O Lord, come!” (cf. 1 Corinthians 16: 22).
The call to be ready for the return of Christ at all times also comes to expression in the Revelation of
Jesus Christ in the words of the Lord: “Behold, I am coming quickly!” (Revelation 3: 11; 22: 7, 12, 20).
555. What does the promise of Christ’s return mean for us?
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