End-Time Insights

The arrival of Jesus will mean vindication for the righteous, but judgment and punishment for the wicked . The Son of Man will arrive “ on the clouds with   great power and glory ” at the end of the present age. He will send his angels to gather his elect and “ render judgment to each man according to his deeds .” Those men found worthy will hear Jesus declare, “ Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world ” – (Matthew 24:27-28, 25:34).

The arrival of Jesus will mean vindication and rest for the righteous, but everlasting loss for the wicked - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. The “ revelation ” of Jesus from Heaven will mean vindication and reward to the faithful but loss and punishment for men and women who reject the Gospel. This will be especially so for those who have persecuted the saints. Christ’s return will result in “ just judgment ” for the righteous and the unrighteous.

The Beast from the Sea is authorized to wage war on the saints on behalf of the Ancient Serpent, the Dragon – Revelation 13:6-10. The “ Dragon ” sent his “ Beast from the Sea ” to destroy the “ saints ,” and the Beast received authority over the nations to do so. In the Book of Revelation , humanity is divided into two groups: The “ Inhabitants of the Earth , ” the men who “ give allegiance to the Beast ,” and those who “ Tabernacle in the Heavens ,” namely, the “ saints .”

Jesus nachzufolgen erfordert die Bereitschaft, für ihn zu leiden. Verfolgung zu ertragen ist die höchste Ehre in seinem Reich . Vergeltung und Gewalt sind für den Jünger Jesu keine angemessenen Reaktionen auf Feindseligkeiten. Stattdessen müssen wir Bedrohungen und Angriffen mit Demut, Barmherzigkeit und Vergebung begegnen. Das ist es, was es bedeutet, " sich selbst zu verleugnen ", " sein Kreuz auf sich zu nehmen " und dem Lamm zu folgen, " wohin es auch führt ". Wenn wir unseren Feinden Gutes tun, werden wir " vollkommen wie unser himmlischer Vater ".

Following Jesus requires the willingness to suffer for him. Enduring persecution is the highest honor imaginable for his disciples . Retaliation and violence are not appropriate reactions to hostility for the disciple of Jesus. Instead, we must meet threats and assaults with humility, mercy, and forgiveness. This is what it means to “ deny yourself ,” “ take up his cross ,” and follow the Lamb “ wherever he leads .” Doing good to our “ enemies ” is how we become “ perfect as our Heavenly Father .”