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The Daily Word of Righteousness
The Appearing of Christ
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (I John 3:2,3)
A prior judgment and transformation of our spiritual nature is necessary if we are to participate in the first resurrection—the resurrection from among the dead that will occur when the Lord Jesus appears. The Bride must prepare herself to meet her Lord. Let us make certain we attain the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), becoming part of the appearing of the Lord Jesus.
The above verse (I John 3:2) often is used to mean every believer in Christ will be transformed in personality when Christ appears. It is our point of view that many Christians do not make a strong effort to practice righteous behavior in this world because they think when Christ appears they instantly and effortlessly will become like Him in personality.
It is true that a perfection in righteousness we were not able to attain during our pilgrimage on the earth will be given us in the Day of the Lord, provided we have lived a victorious life during our discipleship. The perfection in righteousness will not be given, at the coming of the Lord, to believers who have neglected the present opportunities.
To those who look for Him, Christ will appear without sin unto salvation (Hebrews 9:28). (It is possible this verse is not referring to the Lord's appearing in the clouds but to His personal appearing and cleansing of His saints, as set forth in Malachi 3:1-3 and John 14:18-23).
In any case, it seems likely that most of the transformation that will take place in the Day of Christ will occur in our body, in our external appearance. We shall receive righteousness, immortality, and glory.
We shall be able to behold the glorified Christ as He is because we will be given spiritual strength in that hour.
The problem in the current thinking is, we do not always understand the role of the prior judgment and transformation of our spiritual nature. A prior judgment and transformation of our spiritual nature is necessary if we are to participate in the first resurrection—the resurrection from among the dead that will occur when Jesus appears. The Bride must make herself ready. The way of the Lord must be prepared.
The verse that follows I John 3:2 points toward a prerequisite judgment and transformation:
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (I John 3:3)
We must, through God's grace, purify ourselves and our conduct. If we do not, it is not possible for us to participate in the first resurrection, in the revelation of Christ to the world.
Let us see why this is true.
When Jesus comes He will call forth from the grave those who belong to Him. He will cause them to stand on their feet in immortal life. His Glory will fill them causing great light to enter the darkness of the world (Isaiah 60:1,2).
Christ then will call up His saints to Himself. Christ's own Glory will shine in them so His coming will be as the lightning that shines from the east to the west. Christ will appear in and with His saints, being revealed in them. We shall be an integral part of His appearing.
To be continued.