So Much More to Come!
Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” . . . “I am making everything new!”
Jesus has removed the barrier to reconciliation with God, so we can enjoy fellowship with God and abundant life in his kingdom even now. And yet there’s much more to come! When a believer in Christ dies, we grieve their loss. But we know they are in the Lord’s presence in a greater way than we experience now. So while death brings sadness, it has become, through Christ, a bridge into God’s presence.
And there’s still more! When Jesus comes again, all believers—those who have died and those who are still alive—will be transformed physically and spiritually, with glorious, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-55).
God will bring his “New Jerusalem” to a renewed earth, where he will live with his people forever. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, because the Lord will make everything new.
What about Judgment Day? Yes, it’s coming (Revelation 20:11-15), but “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). So it’s crucially important that we surrender ourselves to Christ and accept his free gift of salvation.
Then we can serve him with our whole lives, urging everyone to turn to God in repentance and faith so that they too may have eternal life. In the Lord we can live in hope and anticipation and without fear.
Lord Jesus, transform us so that we may live fully for you, sharing your love and good news everywhere. Amen.
About the author — Stan Kruis
Stan Kruis graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1984 and began serving as a missionary in the Philippines, where he met his future wife, Bessie. Together they served in church planting and leadership training in the Philippines. After completing a Ph.D. in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, Stan returned with Bessie to the Philippines in 2014, where he taught missions at the Asian Theological Seminary in Manila. Now retired, they live in Michigan. Stan and Bessie have two married children and one grandchild.
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