Our Lutheran churches also teach that at the consummation [or final end] of the world Christ will appear for judgment and will raise up all the dead. To the godly and elect he will give eternal life and endless joy, but ungodly men and devils he will condemn to be tormented without end. Our Lutheran churches condemn those who think that there will be an end to the punishments of condemned men and devils. They also condemn others who are now spreading opinions to the effect that before the resurrection of the dead the godly will take possession of the kingdom of the world, the ungodly being suppressed everywhere.

The writer of the book of Hebrews began with these words: 'Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world' (Hebrews 1:1–2 ESV). The last days according to God's Sacred Word began in the first coming of Jesus. Jesus began His reign when He rose victoriously from the dead. Forty days later He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of His Father. The reference of 1,000 years reign symbolizes that Jesus reigns now until His one and only second coming.

When we pray in the Lord's Prayer these words: "Thy kingdom come." We are asking that God's kingdom would come to us, to others, to others through us. It comes to us, solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

This petition "Thy kingdom come" has a fourth request: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

For the believer in Jesus, we can hardly wait for His glorious return. I pray that you are ready and waiting as well, you are when you believe in Jesus as your Savior!

--Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,