2Thess. 1:10

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,

Books have been written, movies have been produced and discussions galore have focused upon the return of Jesus Christ. Christ’s birth was profound, his death and resurrection life changing, but his return is going to be glorious. At this time, “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15). Kingdom control will transfer from man to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will visibly rule on this earth with a rod of iron for one thousand years (Rev. 20:4,6). Glorious peace, wonderful prosperity and pervading health will mark this era (Isa. 11:1-9; 65:17-25).

Though this is great news for the world, there is an hope for every individual who has placed their confidence in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Paul, seeking to encourage the persecuted Christians at Thessalonica, wrote to them about the future return of our Savior. He mentions two events occurring. One will be the destruction of the wicked. Christ will take “vengeance” on the unsaved (2Thess. 1:8) and punish them with “everlasting destruction” (2Thess. 1:9). This will be devastating to those who have ignored the call to salvation in Christ.

The second happening is for those heeding Christ’s call to salvation. “He shall come to be glorified in his saints…” (2Thess. 1:10), Paul triumphantly affirms. Christ in all his glory and splendor (Rev. 1:12-17; Rev. 19:11-16) reproduces that glory in his faithful people. Immediately, they are transformed (1Cor. 15:51,52), they realize the full concept of “adoption” and “redemption” (Rom. 8:23) and appreciate full conformation to Christ’s image (Rom. 8:29). This is our great Christian hope (1Jn. 3:2,3).