We recently did an examination of what Christ accomplished in His earthly ministry (See the phrase, "I have" in John 17). Today we are taking some time to look at a few of Christ's promises, in which He tells us things that he will do - presently and in the future. These promises are connected to responsibilities that are given to us.

"I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28.
        Are you willing to take His yoke upon you and learn of Him?
        - Matthew 11:28-30 cp. Exodus 33:14

"I will in no wise (no way) cast out" - John 6:37
        Are you willing to come to Him and believe?
        - John 6:35-37 cp. 5:21-47

"I will; be thou clean" - Matthew 8:1-3 cp. Ephesians 5:25-27
        Are you willing to worship Him?
        - John 4:23-24; 5:23 cp. Revelation 5:8-14

"I will make you fishers of men" - Matthew 4:18-19
        Are you willing to follow Him?
        - Matthew 16:24-26 cp. II Corinthians 5:14-21

"I will not leave you comfortless (orphans). I will comfort you." - John 14:18
        Are you willing to love Him and keep His commandments?
        - John 14:15
        Are you willing to have the comfort, companionship and instruction of God's Spirit?
        - John 14:19-26 cp. Ephesians 4:30-21; I Thessalonians 5:16-23

"I will come again, and receive you unto myself…" - John 14:1-3 cp. 17:24
        Are you keeping your heart from worry and fear by trusting the Son of God?
        -John 14:27 cp. Philippians 4:4-9; I Thessalonians 4:13-18

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Note: John 14:3 is referring to an event called "the rapture of the church." This is the Christian's great hope. The Lord first comes to take us from the world and be with Him. We will receive new bodies. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:51-57). We will receive rewards for our labors (I Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:2-5; 15:58; II Corinthians 5:9-10). We will attend the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:6-10). We will return with Christ and be a part of His earthly kingdom. This is "The Day of the Lord" - Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16) when Christ subdues and conquers earth's kingdoms (Revelation 19:11 - 20:6; I Thessalonians 5:1-11; II Thessalonians 1:3-10). "The Day of the Lord" also refers to Christ's final judgment at the end of the world (Revelation 20:7 - 21:7; II Peter 3:10-13). These two events are 1000 years apart (II Peter 3:8).