When time ceases to be

(By Jay Yeager)

The inspired writers of the New Testament affirm throughout that Christ is coming again (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 3:13; et. al.). His coming will be as a thief in the night (I Thessalonians 5:2), simply meaning that no man knows when that will occur (Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). Christ will come suddenly, when least expected (Matthew 24:42; 50). He will come as he went in the clouds, heralded with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God (I Thessalonians 4:16). His coming will escape none, as every eye will see him (Revelation 1:7).

The word of God presents four portraits of that event, when time ceases as we know it:

1. The glad.   2. The sad.   3. The fearful.   4. The surprised.