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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
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The Gathering Beyond the Grave
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
There is absolutely no doubt that one day it will be my turn and yours to leave behind family, friends, foes and fortunes to keep our appointment with death. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The greatest assembly to have ever assembled will be gathered together that day! “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him…” (Matthew 25:31–32a). The Judge of all the earth (Hebrews 12:23) will be on the bench, and the decisions and choices we have made in this life will determine our unending outcome in eternity. “Only one life, and it will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last”! According to Scripture, this gathering beyond the grave will be quite an event! It will be…
A Sudden Gathering
The Holy Spirit was clear that “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). For the saint, this gathering is a time in which he has been longing (Philippians 3:20–21). It will be a gathering full of excitement as we see our Savior and begin our eternal stay (1 Thessalonians 4:17). However, this sudden gathering will be a surprise for the sinner (1 Thessalonians 5:1–6; Matthew 24:42–44). For the sinner, this gathering will be a time of destruction and regret (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Matthew 25:8–10).
A Serious Gathering
Paul’s inspired quill reminds, “For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:11–12). So serious is this gathering beyond the grave that every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:11). Now for those who have excitedly and willingly already confessed this truth, it will simply be just another opportunity to affirm what they have already believed and in what they rested. However, for those hardhearted, stubborn folks who have failed to confess Jesus on earth, they will be wishing they had made that confession earlier! So serious is this gathering that at that time eternal consequences based on the earthly choices we have made will be handed out. For some it will be a time of reward, but for others, it will be a time of retribution.
A Separating Gathering
Jesus warned us to prepare everyone for that gathering where, “All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:32–33). Contemplate for a moment the fact that Jesus has invited all to come to Him (Matthew 11:28–30), and yet, some refuse. At this gathering beyond the grave, no one will have a choice as to whether to come or not! All will be there, and all will be in one of two groups! It will not matter which group you “think” you should be in, it will be based upon God’s thoughts (Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10; Hebrews 4:12).
A Sentencing Gathering
Society is so “anti-judging” today. “Don’t judge me” is the current societal watch phrase. To even mention the fact that not everyone, in fact only few (Matthew 7), will enter Heaven is anything but kind and politically correct. However, God is clear to remind us that the gathering beyond the grave will be the final sentencing of every person. For those who have made the choice to obey God, being covered by the blood of the Lamb, their sentence will be happiness and eternal joy. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). It will be a time to hear those grace-filled words, “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:31b). What a “rich welcome” will be ours (2 Peter 1:11). However, the opposite is equally true. Those who have made the choice not to obey God, thus failing to be covered by the blood of the Lamb, will be sentenced to “…the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8b). Heartbreaking, though, “…the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night…” (Revelation 14:11b).
As you read these words, there is still time to prepare for that gathering! Hear and heed the angel’s warning to those in John’s day, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water” (Revelation 14:7). Truly, today is a day of preparation. We may not have another! We must obey and endure from this moment onward, and those who do will be rewarded richly (2 Timothy 4:7–8; Revelation 2:10). There is absolutely no doubt that one day it will be my turn and yours to leave this life and attend the gathering beyond the grave. Your response today will determine your reward tomorrow. Choose prayerfully, scripturally and obediently so that the gathering will be for you an eternal joy!
