From the desk of Pastor Ben
The Parousia

“The Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.”     (Matthew 16:27)

Parousia is a noun form of the Greek verb behind “to come” and is often used to refer to Christ’s second coming. A day of judgment is coming. Jesus reminded the disciples and the crowds that He will return with His angels and “repay every man according to his deeds.” He will raise “those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life” and “those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29).

This general truth had been complained long before by the psalmist, “You recompense a man according to his work” (Psalm 62:12). It was also echoed by Paul in his letter to the church at Rome: “Each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Those whose works are pleasing to the Lord are those who, by God’s sovereign grace and power, have trusted in Christ as Savior & Lord, while denying self, taking up their crosses, and following Him. They will receive everlasting life and the blessings of heaven. Those whose works are rejected by the Lord are those who put their hope and trust in the worldly things of this life. They will receive eternal damnation and all the torments of hell.

Ask Yourself:
When was the last time that, coming to the end of a day, you felt really good about the way you had honored Christ, submitted to His leadership, and availed yourself of His victory over sin? What are the main obstacles that keep you from feeling that way more often?