The biblical account of the redemption of our fallen race takes many
twists and turns throughout the course of redemptive history. But the
story comes to a glorious resolution when we come to the final chapter
of the story. There is indeed coming a day when all injustices will be
made right, all human suffering will cease, and when every tear will be
wiped from our eyes. The great hope of the New Testament for the future
is that one day our blessed Lord Jesus will suddenly return from heaven
to earth to raise the dead, judge all men and women, and renew the
heavens and earth by removing every hint and trace of human sin. In
Revelation 21:3-4, John reminds us that the Lord’s return is the
culmination of God’s gracious covenant promise: “And I heard a loud
voice from the throne saying, `Behold, the dwelling place of God is with
man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God
himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear
from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have
passed away.” This is that glorious day for which every believer
longs–the day of Christ’s return.
Yet for those who know not Christ, the Lord’s return is a day to be
feared. It will be the most terrible day imaginable. In Revelation
6:15-17, John describes this day in terms of the manifestation of God’s
wrath: “Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals
and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid
themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to
the mountains and rocks, `Fall on us and hide us from the face of him
who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the
great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Those who are
not Christ’s, who are not washed in the blood of the lamb, nor clothed
with his righteousness, will face the full fury of God’s wrath on the
day of judgment. Continue at Kim Riddlebarger
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