Articles
HE WILL RETURN
There are some things we often wonder about, especially when the unknown is involved. Places and situations we never have experienced can cause anxiety and concern. When we examine the inspired Scriptures God reveals many things to us. However, some things are kept secret, only known by Him. One of the things men have often tried to figure out is the time when Jesus will return. We know HE WILL RETURN (Hebrews 9:28; John 14:3) only when the Father decides the time is right.
"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah." (Matthew 24:36,37)
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.". (2 Peter 3:10)
"For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the COMING OF THE LORD, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught us together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall ALWAYS BE WITH THE LORD." ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
When Jesus returns again several things will take place simultaneously. The resurrection of the dead (John 5), the destruction of this creation as we know it, and also the judgment of all people. The destiny of all who have ever lived. God has revealed several facts about the JUDGMENT ON THAT FINAL DAY.
We know who the judge will be, we know the evidence (standard) which will judge us, and we know who will be there.
"For we must ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one MAY BE RECOMPENSED FOR THE DEEDS IN THE BODY, ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS DONE, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
",,,ON THE DAY WHEN ACCORDFING TO MY GOSPEL, GOD WILL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN THROUGH CHRIST JESUS." (Romans 2:16)
"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. ( 1 Corinthians 15:51,52)
"...and He gave Him authority to execute judgement, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which ALL WHO ARE IN THE TOMBS SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, and shall come forth; THOSE WHO DID THE GOOD DEEDS TO A RESURRECTION OF LIFE, THOSE WHO COMMITTED THE EVIL DEEDS TO A RESURRECTION OF JUDGEMENT." (John 5:27-29)
We know there will be A DAY (God will decide), we know who will judge, (The Son of God), and the standard of judgement (the Gospel of our Lord). And we know WHO WILL BE JUDGED!
It will be the END OF TIME, THE END OF OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CHANGES IN OUR LIVES, AND WHEN WE WILL BE TAKEN INTO ETERNTIY!
Although we don't know everything about the end of time, we know many things He has revealed; all we need to know in order to hear, and obey His plan for our salvation. We can be ready for that day. We need to be. Where are you in regards to eternity? Serious thoughts for us all. Thanks for listening.
Ross
