The One Coming Again

Jesus isn't just the One Who Came.  He is also the One Coming Again.  When He came the first time, almost 2,000 years ago now, it was to be our salvation.  John 3:17 says, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  It also says in John 3:36, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."  

God the Father made a way for rebellious mankind to be saved from their sin.  He sent His Son to die for us.  But many are too rebellious to accept the Son.  They desire to go their own way still.  Isaiah 61:1-2 is another prophecy about what Jesus would do in saving people from their sin, but there is something else there as well.  "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn."

God the Father is immeasurably patient.  But His patience will still one day wear out.  There will be a day of vengeance of our God, a day when His wrath is poured out on mankind and His Son is sent once again, but this time in judgment.  The book of Revelation describes Christ's second coming.  The images it contains are terrifying.  The devastation will be global.  And at the end of it all Revelation 20 shows that all mankind, alive and dead, will be brought before Christ's judgment thrown.  Justice will rule the day, and all, based on what they did in life, will be found guilty and sentenced to the eternal lake of fire.  They followed Satan in life and will follow him to his fate.  However, Jesus will also open a special book called the Lamb's book of life.  In it are the names of all who trusted in Him for their salvation.   Jesus is the judge and since He already pronounced them forgiven when they expressed faith in Him, He will pronounce them innocent on that day and gladly welcome them into the Heavenly Jerusalem where they will dwell with Him forever.

For those who do not know Jesus, His second coming will be the greatest catastrophe in human history, a frightful event of dread hanging just around the corner.  It will be the end.  But for those who are trusting in Him, following Him, His second coming will prove that their faith in Him is not in vain.  He will return to punish the rebellious, and take home those who are His.