We hate to think of the violence that must be exercised against the wicked when the Lord returns, but the wicked must be destroyed and cast out of the earth if we are to bring the Holy Spirit to the nations of saved people.

The creation, perhaps without realizing it, is anxiously awaiting the saints who will appear with Jesus Christ at His return to earth. The creation was subjected to frustration and decay with the hope that one day it can be released into the freedom of the children of God.

It reminds us of the story of Gideon, when a small group of people won a battle on behalf of a much larger population.

Truly a marvelous day is coming to the earth at the hands of the sons of God, but first there will be the violent onslaught of Armageddon.

Called, Chosen, and Faithful

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. (Revelation 17:14—NIV)

The only saints who will appear with Christ in the Day of the Lord are those who are called, chosen, and faithful.

Our calling as saints originated when God formed the world.

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:30—NIV)

We have been called to be saints, holy ones of God.

To be chosen requires that we take our calling very seriously and seek God with our whole heart. Only a few Christians do this. This is why the Lord said many are called but few are chosen.

For many are invited, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14—NIV)

Jesus was referring to the fact that some who were invited to the wedding did not bother to dress properly. Numerous Christians of our day are not dressing for the wedding. They still are wearing their old worldly clothes and expect to be received "by grace." Either we dress for the wedding or we will be thrown into the outer darkness, as in the case of the man who buried his talent.

Jesus chose those who remained with Him after the thousands left.

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know you are the Holy One of God." Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (John 6:68-70—NIV)

So if we are to ride behind the Lord in that Day we must have been called and then demonstrate we are worthy to be chosen. We must dress for the occasion. The marriage of the Lamb is not a come-as-you-are party.

But what about being faithful?

After we have been called and chosen we must be proven faithful. Faithfulness is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Faithfulness is another name for integrity. To be faithful is to do what we say we are going to do.

We Americans used to place a high value on faithfulness, on integrity. Not any more. From the government on down people get away with what they can. They give their word, and then if what they promised proves to be uncomfortable or inconvenient they go off in another direction. This happens often in marriages.

To be continued.