End Time Insights

The day of “wrath” is coming when the wicked will pay the ultimate price for their disobedience to God   –   Romans 2:5 .  According to Paul, the proclamation of the gospel unveils two forces that are at work in the world - “ righteousness ” and “ wrath .” But they will produce two very different results - “ salvation ” and “ destruction .” Which result anyone reaps will depend on his or her response to the gospel, for  it is the “ power of God for salvation to everyone who believes .” - [ Photo by  Presentsquare  on Unsplash ].

The ‘Parousia’ of Jesus will mean nothing less than the resurrection of the dead, the commencement of the New Creation, and the final judgment .  The Apostle Paul used several terms to refer to the same final event, the “ coming of Jesus ,” but one that is especially prominent in his letters, “ arrival ” or ‘ parousia .’ In using it, he provided his understanding of what will occur on that day. The Greek noun signifies the “arrival” of someone or something, and not the process of its or his “coming” ( Strong’s  - # G3952 ). - [ Photo by  Aaron Burden  on Unsplash ].

When Jesus “appears” again, faithful believers will rejoice exceedingly and participate fully in the glories revealed on that day .  In his first epistle, the Apostle John exhorted his congregations to “ abide ” in Jesus so that “ when  he shall appear , we may have boldness and not be shamed away from him at his  arrival .” This was his summons to believers for holy living in consideration of the inevitable “ arrival ” of Jesus and the rewards that he will bring with him – ( 1 John 2:28–3:3 ) . - [ Photo by  Will van Wingerden  on Unsplash ].

At the “revelation of Jesus” on the “day of the Lord,” the saints will experience glory, but the wicked will receive “everlasting destruction.”  Most often, Paul labels the future return of Jesus as his ‘ parousia ’ (“ arrival ”), ‘ erchomai ’ (“ coming ”), or ‘ epiphaneia ’ (“ manifestation ”), but on two occasions, he also calls it his ‘ apocalypsis ’ or “ revelation .” By comparing how he applies these terms, it quickly becomes apparent that, in each case, the same final event is in view - [ Photo by  Jonny Gios  on Unsplash ].

Peter exhorted Christians to persevere in sufferings and to live holy lives in the knowledge of Christ’s impending return .  In his first epistle, Peter wrote to Christians in Asia Minor who were under pressure to conform to the expectations of the larger pagan society. Their situation was not unique, for they were members of a worldwide suffering community. One of the letter’s key themes is the summons for believers to remain steadfast through trials and persecution - [ Photo by MissMushroom on Unsplash ].