On the Coming of the Lord
The coming of the Lord has a profound effect on the conscience of a saint, bringing joy and bliss, but also subjecting them to the Lord's will.
John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting its impact on the conscience of believers and the joy it brings to their hearts. He explains that while Christians share the same flesh as the world, their relationship with Christ ensures they do not fall away. Darby encourages believers to align their consciences with the anticipation of Christ's return, reminding them that even in moments of bliss, they remain accountable to their conscience. Ultimately, he reassures that when the Lord comes, believers will be united with Him.
Text
Notes taken at a meeting of brethren in London, July, 1841.
(extracted from Simple Testimony, 1845)
The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ has an aspect, as to conscience, toward the whole world. As to conscience, we stand here in the world; but it has its joys for the heart of a saint, and these things the world can know nothing about.
You act upon the conscience of a saint, as in the world, because he has the same flesh as the world. You would act on his conscience as to falling away, and he never falls away. I would subject my conscience to the Lord's coming, as to the things here; but when He comes I shall come with Him.
We never should forget that while down here we never get out of the region of conscience, however high we get into the region of bliss.
Sermon Outline
- The Coming of the Lord
- Aspects of the Coming
- Conscience towards the World
- Joy for the Heart of a Saint
Key Quotes
“You would act on his conscience as to falling away, and he never falls away.” — John Nelson Darby
“We never should forget that while down here we never get out of the region of conscience, however high we get into the region of bliss.” — John Nelson Darby
Application Points
- As believers, we must subject our consciences to the Lord's will, trusting in His timing and plan.
- The coming of the Lord brings joy and bliss, but also requires us to be mindful of our conscience and behavior.
- We must not forget that our conscience remains with us even in the highest regions of bliss.