The Day of His Revelation

When Jesus is revealed from Heaven, the saints will experience glory, but the wicked will receive everlasting destruction.

In his introduction to First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul describes the members of the congregation as those who are “eagerly waiting for the Revelation of our Lord Jesus.” The Apostle connects this event to the “Day of the Lord.”

Paul refers to this glorious event as the ‘Parousia’ (“arrival”), the ‘erchomai’ (“coming”), and the ‘epiphaneia’ (“manifestation”) of Jesus, as well as his “revelation” or ‘apocalypsis.” By comparing how he applies these several terms, it becomes clear that the same event is in view in each case.

[Sun - Photo by Faith McDonald on Unsplash]

The Apostle points to this future hope to encourage the believers in Corinth to progress further in their faith:

• “So that you come short in no gift of grace, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - (1 Corinthians 1:4-9).

Paul thanks God for enriching the Corinthians in knowledge and “gifts.” However, rather than overvalue spiritual “gifts,” they must remember that they are still waiting for the fuller glories that will be received at the revelation of Jesus.

The Apostle’s reference to this day introduces the theme of righteous conduct since Paul does take the Corinthians to task in his letter for tolerating unacceptable behavior in the congregation. It is vital to be found “blameless on that day.” Obedience and conformity to the example and teachings of Christ are not optional.

The English term “revelation” translates the Greek noun ‘apokalypsis’, which means “revelation, disclosure; an unveiling.” What was previously obscure or hidden from the world will be revealed fully on that day, namely, Jesus Christ in all his glory, and it will be clear beyond all doubt who belongs to the Lord and who does not.

Moreover, God will “confirm” the Corinthians “until the end.” The Greek term translated as “until” means that God will continue confirming believers until the very last moment. Among other things, this indicates that some believers will still be alive when Jesus appears.

The English word “blameless” translates the Greek term applied to persons against whom legal charges can no longer be made (‘anegklétos’). They are “unimpeachable, guiltless, irreproachable.”  No one will bring accusations against the saints when they stand before the Lord Jesus Christ.

“The Day of our Lord Jesus Christ” is Paul’s adaptation of the term and idea of “the day of the Yahweh” from the Hebrew Bible, the day when the God of Israel will deliver his children, judge His enemies, and conclude the existing age. By adding the name “Jesus Christ” to this phrase, Paul centers this ancient hope on the Nazarene. It is through him that God will consummate all things. The phrase “revelation of our Lord” echoes the saying of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke:

• “And Jesus said to the disciples, The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it” – (Luke 17:22).

Likewise, Christ’s followers are “eagerly awaiting” that day and his presence. It will be a day of unveiling – nothing will be hidden any longer - not only because the world will see Jesus, but also because the blameless status of the saints will be confirmed and disclosed for all men to see, including the accusers of the brethren.

IN THESSALONICA

Paul expresses this idea in his first letter to the Thessalonians when he declares his hope that God will increase their love for him and others. By doing so, their faith will become complete, enabling them to stand “blameless” before God when Jesus “arrives” at his ‘Parousia’ - (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages the congregation to persevere in their faith despite ongoing “persecutions and tribulations.” In the interim since his first letter, persecution has increased. However, persecution by the world becomes:

• “Evidence of the just judgment of God, so that you be considered worthy of the Kingdom of God on behalf of which also you are suffering” - (2 Thessalonians 1:2-10).

For the disciple, suffering for the sake of Jesus and his Gospel is a matter of rejoicing rather than despair. It demonstrates that God honors the faithfulness of His saints. It is a great privilege in His Kingdom to be found worthy of suffering for the Kingdom:

• “Blessed are you when men will hate you, and when they will separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy! For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same manner did their fathers to the prophets” – (Luke 6:22-23).

Persecution also demonstrates God’s justice. Just as faithful believers will be rewarded on that day. They will receive “just judgment” from God:

• “It is just for God to requite affliction to those who are afflicting you <…> at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them who know not God, and to them who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus” – (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

For the moment, Jesus remains “in heaven” where he reigns hidden from human eyes until he will be “revealed” on that last day.

The Greek clause translated as “in flaming fire” refers to the fire of destruction that will befall the wicked on that day, “everlasting destruction,” and banishment from the presence of the Lord. His “revelation” will mean glory for those who believed the Gospel, but destruction will be the fate of the men and women who rejected it.

The English term “destruction” translates the Greek noun ‘olethros’, the same word Paul applies in 1 Thessalonians to the “unexpected destruction” that will fall on the unprepared on that final day:

• “When they are saying, peace and security, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they will certainly not escape” - (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

For us, that day will mean our being gathered and assembled before Jesus, “when he comes to be made all-glorious in his saints and to be marveled at in all who believed.” His arrival will result in our “salvation” and the “obtaining of the glory of Jesus,” because we believed the Gospel and faithfully endured afflictions – (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-14).

Before the Day of the Lord arrives, the “Apostasy” must occur along with the “revelation of the Man of Lawlessness, the Son of Destruction.” The unveiling of this deceiver will also mean his downfall since Jesus will destroy him at the “manifestation of his arrival.” The unrighteous and apostates will be judged, because they “received not the love of the truth,” and they will likewise “perish – (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

Paul’s several descriptions demonstrate that the single return of Jesus at the end of this age will affect believers and unbelievers. It will be a day of great finality. The saints will be vindicated and rewarded, but the wicked will be condemned and punished. Christ’s “revelation from heaven” will coincide with “the Day of the Lord.” Indeed, the terms are now synonymous, and this is why the Apostle Paul labels this event, “the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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SEE ALSO:

• Just Judgment - (The arrival of Jesus will mean vindication and rest for the righteous, but everlasting loss for the wicked - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)

• Sudden Destruction - (Paul continued his discussion about Christ’s arrival by addressing what will occur on the Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)

• The Great Day - (The arrival of Jesus will mark the end of the present order, the resurrection of the dead, and the start of the New Creation)

• El Día de Su Revelación - (Cuando Jesús sea revelado desde el Cielo, los santos experimentarán gloria, pero los malvados recibirán destrucción eterna)