Jesus is coming back to establish His kingdom on earth, thus joining the two kingdoms together. THAT we know for sure.

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8

As we continue our look at the Baptist Faith & Message, we turn now to:

X. Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.

Honestly, I had expected a more detailed description. What I like is that there is room for differences in interpretation concerning end times. There are several points on which we can all agree:

1. Jesus is coming back (Acts 1:10-11).
2. Jesus will bring everything to unity under Himself (Ephesians 1:10).
3. Everyone will rise from the dead, some to live and some to be condemned (John 5:28-29).
4. We are promised glorified bodies that are just like the one Jesus has (Philippians 3:21).

I have a friend who is a Pan-Millennialist while I am a Pro-Millennialist. He says, “Everything will pan out like Jesus wants it to,” while I say, “Whatever Jesus wants to do, I’m for it.” Our faith is in our Lord, and we are working to help Him grow His kingdom.

Abba, when I read passages that can be taken different ways, I trust You to know what they are actually saying, and that if it is important for me to know, that You would make it plain to me. When You don’t, I still trust You to know what You’re doing. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Amen.