It seems that I think about the LORD’S return often these days. Studying the gospel of Mark today I was reminded that we won’t know the day or hour of Christ’s return, but we will know the season (Mark 13:28-29). It sure seems that we are closer than we think. What a wondrous day it will be for those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. But it will not be good for those who will be judged someday because they do not know Jesus, and because the refused to believe His gospel. Just as the Lord has judged nations throughout history so He will judge the world at the Last Day. What a terrible time that will be.
Jesus often spoke of the judgment (Matthew 12:36-37) (Matthew 12:41-42) (John 12:47-48). Paul also spoke of the judgment coming upon man for his sin (Acts 17:30-31) (Acts 24:25) (Romans 2:3-6). Others as well (Hebrews 9:27) (1 Peter 4:5) (2 Peter 2:9) (2 Peter 3:7) (1 John 4:17).
(1 Thessalonians 1:3-10)…..We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to giveyou who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
Right now Jesus is in heaven, hidden from the world’s view, but one day He will be revealed by His appearing (Colossians 3:1-4). When that occurs He will come from heaven with His mighty angels, and He will be glorified (honored) in His saints. He will be admired, marveled at, wondered at, by those who believe (1:10). What a great day it will be for Jesus when He comes to be revealed, glorified, and admired, but it will also be a great day for another reason. He is coming in flaming fire (2 Peter 3:10-12).
Tribulation will come upon them, a righteous recompense (Romans 2:1-11). A time of vengeance on some because they persecuted Christians, on others because they do not know God, and on all who do not obey the gospel of Christ. Those who do not know God are those who lack of a personal relationship with Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13). What is the most important thing in this life (Jeremiah 9:23-24)? Yet many refuse to glorify Him as God (Romans 1:18-22).
Note well, the gospel must be obeyed. That is because the gospel contains commands such – believe – confess – repent – be baptized. How will God punish those who do not know Him or obey Him? With everlasting destruction, separated from the presence and power of the Lord
What will this Great Day bring you? Rest and glory? Or vengeance and punishment? The answer lies in how you answer two questions…….
- Do I know God?
- Have we obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?