The Last Homecoming

Do you look at the Second Coming as a moment to be dreaded or a more like a homecoming?

God doesn’t tell us everything there is to tell about the Second Coming of Jesus and the final judgment of mankind. So, it is not surprising (and not helpful) that some people use their imagination to answer questions of curiosity.

So, what are some things the Bible tells us about that great day?

One verse tells us that everything which is hidden will be judged, whether good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Another says that we will give an account for every careless word (Matthew 12:36). Yet another tells us that our deeds are recorded in books and we will be judged by the things written in those books (Revelation 20:12). These and similar passages can give us a sense of dread thinking that God will dredge up all of our past sins.

In contrast, we read other passages that tell us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Quoting the psalmist, Paul reminded us, “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account” (Romans 4:8). Looking forward to the new covenant, a reference to Christianity, God has said, “I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Then, the Apostle John recorded the words of Jesus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (John 5:24) These and similar passages give Christians hope and assurance.

The bulk of passages about divine judgment are negative because they are directed to individuals, cities and nations that had left the path of righteousness. These were God’s warnings of harsh discipline, punishment or destruction if people did not turn from their wickedness. Many of the things written about the final judgment of mankind are similar.

Isn’t it wonderful that God gives warnings?!

Now, what are we to do with all the negative and positive passages? Is there harmony?

It is instructional to understand what it means to give an account. In a parable in Matthew 18, Jesus told of a king who called in his slaves to give an account. The picture was that of the slaves presenting to the king the result of their work. Later, in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) we see something similar. Three slaves had been entrusted with sums of money by their master. Upon his return from a trip, he called the slaves forward to settle accounts. They did not enumerate every transaction but simply presented to their master the results of their business dealings. The master had entrusted each slave with his money. Each one was expected to use the master’s money to carry out his will.

Judgment Day is the day that God will settle accounts with us. He has given us life and various abilities. His expectation is that we let our light shine in such a way that those around us may see our good works and glorify God.

We are now alive in Christ and purified from sin. Remember that confessed sins are not hidden sin, but forgiven sins (1 John 1:9). And forgiven sins will not be remembered (Jeremiah 31:34).

Homecomings are events that we enjoy and anticipate with gladness, whether it is a family event for the holidays or a community or church celebrating an anniversary. Our spiritual homecoming will begin when Jesus returns. It will be the greatest homecoming of all; it will be the last homecoming because we will be home...forever.


Mark Stinnett

October 2, 2022