p. 8 | Jesus is Coming Again by W. R. PETERSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1916

Jesus is Coming Again

By W. R. PETERSON

W. R. PETERSON

“Heavings of earth, tell the vast wondering throng; Jesus is coming again! Tempest and whirlwinds, the anthem prolong; Jesus is coming again!”

Yes, Jesus is coming, coming in power and glory, to establish his kingdom, a kingdom which shall never pass away. Nineteen hundred years ago he left this earth and ascended to heaven. Acts 1:9. Angels told the watching disciples that “this same Jesus” would come again. Our Saviour himself promised to return: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3. What a blessed assurance to those who are longing for the end of this reign of sin! How eagerly they watch the waymarks which tell them that his coming is near, even at the door! Soon the words of the poet will be fulfilled:—

“Attended by all the shining angels, Down the flaming sky The Judge will come, and will take his people Where they will not die.

“The loved of earth who have long been parted, Meet in that glad day; The tears of those who are broken-hearted Shall be wiped away.”

What a scene! All the power of God’s wrath will have been loosed upon a sinful world. Then the elements will melt with fervent heat, destruction will be rampant, and the wicked will cry for rocks and mountains to fall and hide them from the face of earth’s eternal King, from the vengeance of a just God. But those who have looked and waited for his coming will rejoice in that hour, saying, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.”

In that day earth and sea will yield their treasure, and the righteous dead will arise to greet their Lord, and to realize the fulfilment of the promise of eternal life. All the angels in heaven will accompany Jesus when he comes to reap the harvest of the world. He will then separate the wheat from the chaff, and will take the precious grain to the heavenly garner. How greatly we shall need strength from above to abide in that day! Earth’s millions, now careless and pleasure-loving, will suddenly become serious and concerned as they realize that they are not prepared to meet their God. Earthly wealth and fame and treasure will avail them nothing in that great day; it will be too late for them to find the only sure refuge. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.”

God is merciful and gracious. He has sought by means unnumbered, even sending his only begotten Son to die on the cross, to turn erring humanity from their sinful ways; and “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. Yet only a few have heeded the message, and now, with the day of final judgment rapidly drawing near, comparatively few from among earth’s teeming millions are preparing to meet their God. Shall we not redouble our efforts to warn our fellow men?

In our Father’s house are many mansions, and he wants all his children gathered home. Those who are not present at that glad reunion will have absented themselves by their own choice. Every one present will be heartily welcomed. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. There is danger in delay. Death’s angel may visit you before the dawn of another day. Will you not accept Christ now?

All earth’s treasures, compared with heavenly things, are mere baubles. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36. We bring nothing into the world, and we can take nothing away, therefore why spend so much effort in seeking the things of this life?

Let us all, as judgment-bound creatures, earnestly seek first the kingdom of heaven. Jesus has purchased us with his blood, shed on Calvary. He has paid the price of our redemption. Can we be honest and withhold that which is not our own? Soon, very soon, the fiat will go forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still;” and then the door of mercy will be forever closed, and from those who are not ready will come the bitter cry, “Too late, too late.” Will you be among this number?

Jacksonville, Ala.