19. Has the exact time of Christ's coming been revealed?
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matt. 24:36.
20. In view of this fact, what does Christ tell us to do?
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Verse 42.
Note.—“In the Scriptures, the constant note, the continually recurring exhortation, is to be prepared for the Lord's coming.”—Dean Alford. “The proper attitude of a Christian is to be always looking for his Lord's return.”—D. L. Moody. See “How Christ Came to Church,” by A. J. Gordon, pages 49, 50.
21. What warning has Christ given that we might not be taken by surprise by this great event?
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34-36.
22. What Christian grace are we exhorted to exercise in our expectant longing for this event?
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8.