We Believe In Jesus: The ChristSample

Jesus’ Return: 1 Corinthians 15:23

The New Testament teaches that because Jesus is the Christ, he will return visibly in his glorified body to consummate God’s kingdom on earth. The return of Christ is a central affirmation of Christian faith, and is taught in passages such as Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, and 1 Corinthians 15:23. 

As Christ and King, one of Jesus’ roles is to act as judge on the last day, giving each angel, demon, and human being its due. As Jesus himself said in Matthew 25:31-46, every human being who has died will be resurrected, and then all humanity will be judged on the basis of their works. Those who have done good works will be rewarded with eternal, blessed life. But those who have done evil works will be condemned to everlasting torment. The judgment is also mentioned in places like John 5:22-30, Acts 10:42, (17:31), and 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Now, of course, the Bible also teaches that people can only do good works if the Holy Spirit indwells them with power. And if it weren’t for the fact that believers have been justified in Christ, even these would be of no value. There’s absolutely nothing about believers themselves that makes them superior to unbelievers. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-10:

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10).

On our own, all humanity is guilty before God. But in the last judgment, those of us who have faith in Christ will be counted as having died for our sins in the death of Christ. So, instead of being condemned, we’ll be rewarded for the good works God has done through us. 

In our blessed state, we’ll be completely free from the fear of death. Our glorified bodies will be like the one Jesus already has. And we’ll live forever in peace and prosperity, free from the guilt, corruption, and presence of sin. Above all, we’ll see our God and Savior face to face, and rest in his favor.