When Christ, who is our' life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.

-Colossians 3:4-5

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

-Revelation 22:20

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth

-Matthew 13:49-50

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

-Matthew 3:2,10

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But He answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

-Matthew 25:11-13

These events picture the rapid succession of victorious events which shall take place at the close of the history of this present world. The study of these important events should produce:

For believers

• Hope and comfort (Colossians 3:4)

• Encouragement for personal sanctification (Colossians 3:5)

• Anticipation for Christ's return and the complete restoration of His kingdom (Revelation 22:20)

For unbelievers

• Fear for the approaching judgment day (Matthew 13:49-50)

• Repentance from sin (Matthew 3:2,10)

• A seeking for God's saving grace (Matthew 25:11-13)

The study of eschatology urges both believers and unbelievers to be ready and watching: "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Watch ye therefore" (Mark 13:32,35a); "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).

This state of urgency is not only true regarding our public judgment day, but also our personal judgment day -the day of our death. The sentence given by God at our personal judgment is irrevocable throughout all eternity. We are to have "oil in our lamps" that we are ready to meet the "Bridegroom when He comes." Those seeking to buy oil after the Bridegroom arrives will be too late and will be shut outside forever.

The greatest contrast the world has ever witnessed shall be seen on the great day of Christ's return. The true Church shall rejoice with joy unspeakable. The Jesus they have come to know and love has returned for them!