September 23 2026

September 23 Wednesday

2 Thessalonians 1:8-10

“When Jesus Comes in Glory”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to one of the more sobering passages in 2 Thessalonians. Paul has been encouraging believers who were suffering persecution. He reminded them that Jesus Christ will one day be revealed from heaven. Now in verses 8–10, Paul tells us what that day will mean. Speaking of the return of Christ, he says: “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe.”

These are serious words. We love to talk about the love of God—and we should. The Bible tells us that “God is love.” We love to talk about God's mercy, grace, forgiveness, and compassion. But the same Bible that teaches us about God's love also teaches us about God's holiness and judgment. And we need both truths.

If there were no judgment, there would ultimately be no justice. Paul tells us that when Jesus returns, He will deal finally and completely with sin and unbelief.

Notice that he describes those who face judgment in two ways. They “know not God,” and they “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Gospel isn't simply information to be admired. It is good news that calls for a response. The Gospel tells us that we are sinners. It tells us that Jesus Christ, God's Son, came into this world. He lived a sinless life. He died on the cross for our sins. He was buried. And on the third day He rose again. And God offers salvation to everyone who will repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” But if we reject God's provision for salvation, there is no other provision.

That is why Paul's words here are so serious. He describes eternal separation “from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” My friend, hell is real. Judgment is real. Eternity is real. And that is exactly why the Gospel is so important. But then notice the dramatic contrast in verse 10. The same Jesus Who comes in judgment upon unbelief will: “Be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe.” What a day that will be! Today the world often misunderstands Jesus. Some reject Him. Some mock His name. Some simply ignore Him. But there is coming a day when Jesus Christ will be revealed in all His glory. Philippians 2 tells us that: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” And every tongue will “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

For those of us who know Christ, His coming is not something to fear. It is something to anticipate. We will see the One Who loved us. We will see the One Who died for us. We will see the One we have prayed to and trusted even though we could not see Him. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:8: “Whom having not seen, you love.” But one day we will see Him. And Paul says we will “admire” Him. I imagine that when we finally see Jesus in all His glory, we'll realize that He is infinitely more wonderful than anything we ever imagined.

But until that day, we have a responsibility. We have family members, neighbors, friends, and people all around us who need to hear the Gospel. The reality of eternity should never make us proud or harsh. It should make us compassionate and urgent. There is still time today. The invitation of the Gospel is still open. Jesus still says, “Come unto Me.” And everyone who comes to Him in faith can receive forgiveness and everlasting life.

Let's pray. Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son to die for our sins. Help us never to take the Gospel lightly. Give us compassion for those who do not know Christ and courage to lovingly share the good news with them. And help us live each day looking forward to that wonderful day when Jesus will be glorified in His saints and admired by all who believe. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!