Topical Encyclopedia The concept of despair seizing the wicked at the appearing of Christ is a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the ultimate justice and righteousness of God. This despair is not merely an emotional response but a profound realization of the impending judgment and the eternal consequences of a life lived in opposition to God's will.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous references to the fear and despair that will grip the wicked at the return of Christ. In the Old Testament, the prophets often spoke of the "Day of the Lord" as a time of terror for those who have rejected God. Isaiah 13:6-9 declares, "Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man's heart will melt. Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another, their faces aflame." In the New Testament, the theme continues with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 24:30 , Jesus describes His return: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." This mourning is indicative of the despair that will seize those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior. The Nature of Despair The despair that will seize the wicked is rooted in the sudden and undeniable revelation of truth. At Christ's appearing, the reality of His lordship and the truth of the Gospel will be fully revealed. Those who have lived in rebellion against God will face the stark reality of their choices. Revelation 6:15-17 vividly portrays this moment: "Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?'" The Justice of God The despair of the wicked is a testament to the justice of God. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a righteous judge who will not allow sin to go unpunished. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 speaks to this justice: "And to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire. He will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." The Call to Repentance While the despair of the wicked is a sobering reality, it also serves as a call to repentance. The Scriptures consistently urge individuals to turn from their wicked ways and seek the Lord while He may be found. Ezekiel 18:30-32 exhorts, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!" Conclusion The despair that will seize the wicked at the appearing of Christ is a profound and sobering truth found in Scripture. It underscores the reality of God's justice and the urgency of repentance. As believers, it is a reminder of the importance of sharing the Gospel and living lives that reflect the hope and redemption found in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 6:16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Paul Before the Council. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Psalm LXXIII. Christ a Complete Saviour: Matt. xxi. 33-44. I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Christian Behavior Resources What does the Bible say about despair? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org How can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.org Despair: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Despair: Leads to Continuing in Sin Despair: Produced in the Wicked by Divine Judgments Despair: Saints Enabled to Overcome Despair: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Despair: Shall Seize Upon the Wicked at the Appearing of Christ Despair: Trust in God, a Preservative Against Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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