Apocalipse 3

Apocalipse 3

Pink explains that "When we say that the Redeemer’s Return is an imminent event, we do not mean it will occur immediately, but that He may come back in our own lifetime, that He may come back this year; yet, we cannot say that He will do so." Imminency makes it impossible to know when He might come so the believer must remain constantly on the lookout in case the Lord were to return and find him unprepared (Mt. 24:43+; Luke 12:37-39+; 1Th 4:15-17+; Rev. 3:3+). Many passages which teach the imminency of events utilize phrases such as “soon,” “quickly,” and “is near.” These events are described from the perspective of God Who “declares the end from the beginning” (Isa. 46:10). From His perspective, these events are certain but their timing is unspecified. Imminency of Christ's return is the missing ingredient in evangelism in many pulpits today. As in Rev 2:16+; Revelation 22:7,12,20+ it is a "keynote of the book," the great incentive to persevering faithfulness, and the consolation under present trials. THOUGHT - Do you live daily with a Marantha Mindset? It will change your perspective on everything! Ask our Father that by His Spirit, He might place eternity in the front of our "spiritual radar," so that we might be energized to live every day as if we might see Him today, all for His glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Swindoll - He reminded them that His coming will be sudden, unexpected, and quick; this would motivate them to continue to hold their confidence firmly so nobody would rob them of their heavenly reward Hold fast (krateo) what you (present tense - continually) have, so that (hina - purpose clause) no one will take your crown (stephanos) - Hold fast (continually keep a grip on) is in the present imperative and the only way believers can continually hold fast is by daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. What is it that they were to hold fast? From the context it would seem to include their "deeds" (Rev 3:8+), their little power, their obedience to His Word, their continuing to confess His Name and His promise of coming quickly. The crown (stephanos) in John's day was the reward for winning in the Olympic games. Clearly it does not refer to salvation because we cannot lose our salvation (in fact we are "held fast"! Jn 10:28-29+; cf Eternal security) but we can lose our rewards at the Bema seat (2Co 5:10+, 1Co 3:10-15+).