Will His Coming Find Us Faithful?

It is interesting to note what entered the mind of Jesus, the original Adventist, when speaking of His Return: “…When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8.

Contrast this to what you often hear today when polite conversation turns to Second Coming readiness.  It is unfortunate how insufferably presumptuous we saints can become when broaching this intensely spiritual topic (how did you say one can disconnect from “the grid”?).   As if we were high-level tacticians from the War Department ginning up all possible contingencies for the next world war.  (No offence meant here; some of my best friends are survivalists, and when they speak, I listen and learn!).

But Jesus cuts to the chase.   He goes right to the eschatological nitty-gritty of end-time preparation.  From cradle to grave, Jesus worked 24/7 to plant something here on Earth, an element so powerful that just a dash of it can transform weak-kneed saints into indestructible super-Christians who cannot be defeated.  Jesus startled his listeners by flatly declaring that if you have any amount of this spiritual ingredient, however small, “nothing shall be impossible unto you” Matthew 17:20).   The Savior of the world went through great pains to produce this something, and He wants to reap the full harvest of it upon His Return.  He is the Author of it and He wants to be its Finisher. 

That “something”?  Yes, you guessed it:  Faith!  If He finds it in your possession, He will take it and you with it!  

Prophecy clearly predicts that end-time, translatable saints will evince two distinguishing characteristics which John the Revelator is happy to point out in his famous Revelation.  Look with me at chapter 14 and verse 12 of this last book of Holy Writ: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” 

Simply put, to be faithful is to keep faith in, and have the faith of, Jesus.  That faith of Jesus was keen on keeping the commandments of His Father.  If we have that same faith, and His Spirit operating within us, does it not follow that we will do the same?

My favorite writer waxes eloquent when addressing the invincibility of faith:

“Faith is the living power that presses through every barrier, overrides all obstacles, and plants its banner in the heart of the enemy’s camp.  God will do marvelous things for those who trust in Him.  It is because His professed people trust so much in their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf, that they have no more strength . . . God works mightily for a faithful people, who obey His word without questioning or doubt.”

Testimonies Vol. 4, pages 163 and 164.