The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians of that future day when Jesus will be revealed from heaven, giving rest to those who have fought “the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12), and to render the vengeance of judgment “on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10); he refers in this passage to “mighty angels” that will assist Jesus. That vengeance brings “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord”, these will be banished forever “from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power”. Everlasting in the Greek means “perpetual” and destruction means to “destroy” in “a prolonged form”, and also ruin that is death and punishment, therefore it is not annihilation, but a prolonged, eternal form of these. No matter what your theology about the flames of eternal punishment may be, perhaps the greatest agony will be that of being banished from the Lord’s presence with no hope of ever being admitted into His glory, remembering the opportunities you had and refused to accept! Regardless of whether you think the incident Jesus told of in Luke 19:19-31 is a parable or a real life account, the “bottom line” is the same, the future life is eternal. Again we see the angels present at the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:31-40. You do not want to fall into their hands, as you remember they excel in strength, heeding His voice, and doing according to His word (Psalm 103:20); and “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). So how do I “obey the gospel” seeing this judgment is on those who do not obey? Jesus Himself said, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repent and follow Jesus, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized …” (Acts 2:38). So repentance, receiving, and following Jesus is obeying the gospel.

Mighty Angels

-by Rose Hill

There is a day coming when mighty angels shall appear,

In a flame of fire upon the earth here.

They are coming with the Lord in power,

To deal out retribution at that hour.

To those who ignore God and refuse to obey

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ today.

You don’t want to see those angels strong,

For they will punish those who have done wrong.

When Jesus comes in all His glory, might, and splendor,

With holy angels judgment to render.

Yes, the King shall sit upon His throne,

And to all nations make Himself known.