Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
IF it is true that the dead are asleep until the resurrection (the Bible teaches it crystal clear), and IF it is also true that the resurrection cannot take place until Jesus Christ returns (He alone is the Resurrection and the Life! John 11:25), then the commonest common sense can see that the judgment must take place BEFORE He returns.
Otherwise, how could any meaningful decision be made as to WHO should be resurrected glorified when He comes? Jesus seems to say it clearly: "Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every person according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12).
At the same time He says in Luke 21:34, 35 that "THAT day" (of judgment) may come upon us "unawares, for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." The "all them" will be the last generation on earth, all 6 or 7 billion, who "will be alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord," who will not die until they see Him coming in the clouds of heaven--happy or sad (1 Thess. 4:15; 2 Thess. 1:7, 8). A child can figure it out like making 2 + 2 to = 4.
The next big IF is whether Jesus is coming soon: He gave us "signs" to let us know when "it is near, even at the doors" (Mark 13:29). Pick up any newspaper, any news magazine, look around you. Rip Van Winkle, wake up: it's clear: the end is near.
The only conclusion possible: "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping" (vss. 35, 36). THAT coming is when He "comes" on our individual final judgment, and on a church's final judgment, too. Rather solemn. Sounds scary. But hang on to some Good News: that "Master" is more concerned that we be saved than even we are! He loves us.
What to do? Stop resisting His grace. "Whatsoever He saith unto you, DO IT" (John 2:5). He will prove His love to you by telling you what to do. On your knees!
Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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Daily Bread - Readings about life and the Word of God.
