End-Time Insights

Jesus warned of coming deceivers who will mislead many and spread false information about his return . Jesus began his final discourse with a sharp warning: Beware of the “ many deceivers ” who will come and spread false information about his return, including rumors about wars, earthquakes, and other calamities. They will “ deceive many .” Likewise, “ false prophets ” and “ false anointed ones ” will propagate lies about the whereabouts and the “ coming of the Son of Man .”

Paul does not provide detailed information about the times and seasons since the Lord will arrive like a thief in the night – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3. Paul continues discussing the “ arrival ” or ‘ Parousia ’ of Jesus Christ in Chapter 5 of  First Thessalonians , where he addresses the question of its timing and how it will affect the prepared and the unprepared. Rather than signs and timetables, the Apostle reminds his readers that “ the Day of the LORD ” will come like a “ thief in the night .”

Jesus will arrive to gather his people on the Day of the Lord, and in the New Testament, this event becomes the Day of Christ . In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul refutes claims that “ the Day of the Lord ” is imminent. That day will only arrive after “ the Apostasy ” and the “ revelation of the Man of Lawlessness ” occur. Jesus will destroy this deceiver at his “ Arrival ” or ‘ Parousia ’, an event the Apostle links to this final day.

The arrival of Jesus will mean vindication for the righteous, but judgment and punishment for the wicked . The Son of Man will arrive “ on the clouds with   great power and glory ” at the end of the present age. He will send his angels to gather his elect and “ render judgment to each man according to his deeds .” Those men found worthy will hear Jesus declare, “ Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world ” – (Matthew 24:27-28, 25:34).

The arrival of Jesus will mean vindication and rest for the righteous, but everlasting loss for the wicked - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. The “ revelation ” of Jesus from Heaven will mean vindication and reward to the faithful but loss and punishment for men and women who reject the Gospel. This will be especially so for those who have persecuted the saints. Christ’s return will result in “ just judgment ” for the righteous and the unrighteous.