Jesus and Resurrection

            There are many conflicting and confusing teachings floating around today concerning Jesus’ return and final judgment.  This is unfortunate because the Bible provides plenty of information to help us get ready for it and to stay ready every day.  These instructions may not be as exciting and dramatic as many people seem to require, but they are sufficient.  And since we will all (righteous and unrighteous) participate personally in a resurrection of the dead (righteous to eternal reward; unrighteous to . . .), it serves us best to ensure that we understand and prepare for this great event.

 

First of all, Jesus WILL return one day (Matthew 24 & 25; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 20:10).

Second, His return will be sudden and without warning “signs” (Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:6-7; 2 Peter 3:3-4).

Third, it will take place on a particular day – not on a sequence of many days (Acts 17:31).

Fourth, Jesus’ return will be a world-wide, public event – everyone will see it, hear it, recognize it and be involved in it (Matthew 24:26-30; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 1:7; 1Thessalonians 4:16).

Fifth, All Christians will be gathered to Jesus and protected from the evils of that day (1Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 7:1-3).

Sixth, Death and Evil will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:22-28).

Seventh, time (as we know it) will end and the universe will be dissolved (2 Peter 3:1-14).

Eighth, a universal judgment of all who ever lived will occur (Matthew 25:31-32; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 11:18; 20:12-13); the evil ones will be cast away from God’s presence forever (Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:14-15) and the righteous will be brought into God’s presence for eternity (Matthew 25:34, 46; Revelation 21:27; 22:3-5).

            Paul considered the resurrection of Jesus (and later our own) as the foundational doctrine of the Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).  He states that Jesus’ resurrection proves the certainty of our own. He wrote of his joy and anticipation of this event. In his mind it was going to be such a thrill that he just couldn’t wait (Philippians 3:10-11).

            Let’s take our cue from Paul and work to prepare for Jesus’ return as soon as possible so that we too can participate in good result of that great event (resurrection to life in heaven with God).  God promises that those who put on Christ in baptism (Romans 6:5; Galatians 3:27) and continue to live with Him in holiness (1 John 1:7) will be spared from all of the terrible and frightening events of the bad result of this sure resurrection (eternal banishment from God – hell).  Get into Jesus, live for Him daily, and be ushered right into His presence when it’s your turn for resurrection.

Doug