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Finding Jesus in the Bible…So We Can Follow Him in Life

Bible Reading Plans

• Plan One: New Testament Only
• Plan Two: New Testament + Psalms
• Plan Three: New Testament + History
• Plan Four: The Entire Bible – Year 1 of 3, Year 2 of 3, Year 3 of 3

Don’t know which plan? Go to A Christ-Centered Bible Reading Plan: Quick Start.

Extras

Verse of the Day, Audio Capsule, and Video Minute

Overflow

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(Today’s Reading)

(audio version)

The Implications of the Second Coming as Accomplished Fact

(Book Installment 49)

The Scope of the Second Coming

Chapter 3 – Themes of the Second Coming

Eternal Life

As you have seen, the Second Coming theme of judgment is sobering, but also accompanied by blessings. One of the more notable ones is the promise of eternal life. John the Baptist makes clear that this blessing would come in the midst of wrath on the world.

John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

The apostle Paul spells out this contrast in the effects of the Second Coming in his own way. Keep in mind that the word “eternal” means constant – whether it’s describing “life” (as it does in the passage above) or “destruction” (as it does in the passage below).

2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.
2 Thessalonians 1:6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
2 Thessalonians 1:8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
2 Thessalonians 1:10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed–for our testimony to you was believed.

And the apostle Peter sums up the process in this way:

1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1 Peter 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
1 Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

For it is the One who Himself brings eternal life who is “the consuming fire.”

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Therefore, we live a long life through a succession of deliverances from wrath.

Psalm 68:20 God is to us a God of deliverances;
And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.

And for this reason, we cannot afford to neglect the salvation given us in Jesus Christ because it’s through Him and His righteousness that we find the escapes.

Hebrews 2:3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?…

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