December 15 - Why?

December 15 – Why?

What is the purpose of Jesus’ return? Why would He come back?

I don’t know if I’ve ever actually asked myself that question, but when it came up this evening as I was studying, I realized that I wasn’t probably going to like the answer.

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:27

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:31-32)

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:” (2 Timothy 4:1)

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken about him.” (Jude 14-15)

Jesus’ return brings judgment. That’s the bottom line. There will be a day when everyone – no matter who, no matter when they’ve lived, no matter what they’ve done – everyone will have to stand before Jesus Christ as He sits on His throne in glory and await His judgment. He will separate the people standing before Him as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, as the wheat is separated from the chaff. One group will face an eternity separated from His glory, tossed into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15) and the others will find themselves in the Holy City, surrounded by the glory of the Godhead.

Personally, I am not afraid of this day. I was thirteen years old when I lost that fear. I have every confidence in the knowledge that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and that He will face down the accuser for me on that day of judgment. The thing I dread the most is knowing the fate of those who are lost because I didn’t have the courage to speak to them about Jesus Christ.

While judgment doesn’t frighten me for myself, it frightens me for so many people. This day is coming. Why is Jesus returning? To judge the world according to the laws set forth by God from the very beginning. The Creator of this world has dominion over everything. In His mery and grace, He has given us time to come before Him.

“He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b)

Who do YOU need to tell about Jesus today?