of Christ’s second coming was ever to be kept fresh
in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus would come again
to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His
service; His voice would welcome them to His kingdom.
As in the typical service the high priest laid aside his pontifical
[20] robes and officiated in the white linen dress of an ordinary priest; so
Christ laid aside His royal robes and garbed Himself with humanity
and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As the
high priest, after performing his service in the holy of holies, came
forth to the waiting congregation in his pontifical robes, so Christ
will come the second time, clothed in His own glory and in the glory
of His Father; and all the angelic host will escort Him on His way.
Thus will be fulfilled Christ’s promise: “I will come again, and
receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3. The righteous dead will come
from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with
them, “to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). They
will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than music, saying, “Come, ye
blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world.” Matthew 25:34.
[21] Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope
