If This is True, Then...

Today we will discuss the major truths discussed throughout the week. The things we discussed this week are big truths and can be difficult to grasp because they have yet to happen. Reflect on these truths throughout the day. What resonated with you? What are you still trying to understand? How will your life be different if you believe these things are true?

If we believe that Christ will return one day, how does this truth change our lives? We can trust that Christ has not forgotten about us. We can know that Christ cares about us, because He is coming back to get us. We can trust that Christ is a just God, because He will restore the earth upon His return by making all things wrong, right. As Luke mentions, we must be ready for Christ’s return, for we do not know the hour of His return; and we want to be prepared, because “blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes” (Luke 12:37,40).

How does Christ’s return impact our view of the world? As the Lord’s Prayer proclaims, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). We have an opportunity to usher in the kingdom of God to earth as we accomplish His will on earth and share the good news of Jesus with all people. Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Today, let us restore the earth by living like Christ. Let us usher in His kingdom by preaching the Word in and out of season with a readiness to give a defense for the hope of Christ within us (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15).

If there will be a day of judgment with Christ as the judge, how does this truth impact your life? The thought of standing before Jesus one day should motivate us to give our lives for Him. How do we give our lives for Him? We surrender all things to Him—our time, money, resources, family, friends, and career. All things. We give our lives away for the sake of Jesus.

The truth of the final judgment can positively impact us in several ways. First, at the final judgment, Jesus will make all things wrong, right. Our desire to see justice accomplished will be fulfilled. Second, we can forgive others freely, since Jesus is the final and fair judge who will deal with all things impartially. Third, the truth of the final judgment and the reality of hell motivates us to share the good news of Christ, as we echo God’s desire that none should perish. Why is the final judgment necessary?

When Christ returns, He will usher in a new heaven and earth. Our bodies will be resurrected and restored, and we will live with God forever in His everlasting kingdom. If this is true, how will our lives be changed now? We have the greatest hope for the future. We have something to live for. When things are difficult, we can be encouraged by remembering that this world is not our end or our final home. We have hope!

John speaks of this hope in Revelation 19–22. He says it is a place with no death, mourning, crying, or pain. It is an enormous city with precious jewels, vibrant colors, and shiny gold. God will dwell with us and we will be His people. The glory of God will be the light for the city. From the throne of God will flow the river of the water of life. At the marriage supper of the Lamb, we will eat the best foods and drink the finest wines. We will see the face of our Lord and sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8). Rest in this future glorious reality today!

As you reflect on the truths discussed throughout the week, which truth has impacted you the most? Why?