Christ's Return: Vindication, Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.—The Second Coming of Christ will accomplish four sovereign purposes, as revealed through Scripture.

First, Christ will return with inexpressible dignity and grandeur to vindicate the honour of the Divine administration, demonstrating the admirable wisdom and justice with which Yahweh has governed creation. Second, the resurrection of the dead will occur—that glorious event when all flesh shall rise to meet the Judge. Third, the dissolution of this globe itself will accompany His reappearance, as the heavens pass away with a great noise. Fourth, the eternal separation of the virtuous from the wicked will be effected, with equitable and unerring distribution of eternal rewards and punishments.

Four states of mind characterize humanity's response to this Day. Some remain indifferent, as the antediluvians before the Deluge. Some scornfully deny it, as the infidels in Peter's day. Some are horror-stricken, as the demoniacs before Christ. Yet some—like John—welcome it with yearning conviction.

This last state of mind implies three convictions: that such a day will assuredly dawn; that the soul stands prepared to enter upon that trial; and that the results will prove fraught with personal good. The veil which hides Christ from us suggests His reality. Hope nurses energy. Our souls yearn for the fulness of fellowship with Jesus, for He alone can resolve the discord which now divides us from perfect communion with Elohim.