“But who can endure the day of His coming?” (Malachi 3:2)

The first time he came to Earth, most of those who looked for the Messiah to appear, rejected Him. After he was raised from the dead, on the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter blamed “devout men, from every nation under heaven” for crucifying Him (Acts 2:22–24). Out of that huge crowd, 3,000 repented of their sin, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved. The same question of guilt remains for our generation. It was your sin that put Him on that cross.

What will His second coming be like to sinners who know, but haven’t obeyed the Gospel? “He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4).

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” (Revelation 1:7). It will be too late to repent when He appears in His second coming.

Oh, that the terrors of the Lord would persuade them to forsake their sins now, while there’s still time. Though a lamb, He’s also the lion of the tribe of Judah, who will tear His enemies into pieces; and though in His first coming He wouldn’t break a bruised reed, In His second coming, “He shall rule them with a rod of iron” (Revelation 2:27).

None of His foes will be able to withstand His wrath, or hide themselves from His indignation, and only His blood-washed saints will rejoice at His appearing. He’s refining them now, and after He has tried them, they’ll be found innocent by His blood.

Let’s examine ourselves this morning and make our calling and election sure, so that the coming of the Lord will be an occasion of joy and not eternal sorrow.

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