This devotion is a monthly ministry of the Pee Dee Baptist Association, comprised of 31 Southern Baptist churches in Dillon and Marlboro Counties. For more information call 774-8062.
Featured this month is Dr. Greg Hyler, the pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Dillon.
“So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, and will throw them in to the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Matthew 13:49-50
Jesus, the Son of God, died on a cross to pay humanity’s sin debt. He then conquered death after three days in a grave. After He arose from death, He appeared to hundreds of people before ascending into heaven. He has promised to return and usher in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.
Jesus’ return will end the current age and, when that happens, the world as it is known will dramatically change. Have you ever wondered what will happen at the end of the age? In the passage above, Jesus explains some of the circumstances that will ultimately occur.
When Jesus returns, He will be accompanied by an angelic army. These powerful warriors will be used to gather together all of mankind. Once the gathering is completed, the angels will then be the agents through which a separation will take place.
Humanity will be placed into two distinct groups. One group will be those who have repented and trusted in Jesus for salvation. These will possess the righteousness of Jesus and be safe from judgment.
The second group will not be safe. The angels will cast this group into a furnace of fire. There they will experience conscious torment of body and soul for all eternity. These are the people who have not turned by faith to Jesus. Instead, they have gone their own way and will enter a Christ-less eternity.
God has provided only one way for everyone to escape this future judgment. Jesus said, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” If you have never turned by faith to Jesus, I urge you to surrender now and become a true follower. The following is a prayer to help you:
Jesus, I am a sinner, and I need to be saved. I believe You are the Son of God, You died to pay my penalty for my sin, and You are alive forevermore. I am sorry for the things I have done. I want to turn and follow You. I ask You to come into my heart, forgive me for my sin, and help me to follow You. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
