*He is coming back for His own*
> “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” — John 14:3 (KJV)
Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, is not in the grave. He is alive, and He has promised that He will return. In *John 14:3*, He said, _“I will come again and receive you to Myself.”_ What He began through His death and resurrection, He will complete at His coming.
The return of Christ is personal. Scripture teaches that He is not coming merely for a general crowd, but specifically for those who belong to Him. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, it says that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven, and those who are His will be caught up to be with Him. Therefore belonging to Christ is essential. It is not enough to know about Him outwardly; a person must be inwardly transformed, marked by His life, and surrendered to Him.
Those who truly belong to Christ are those who have died to self and are living in Him. As written in *Galatians 2:20*, “ _I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me._” This reflects a life of surrender, where self-will, pride, and personal ambition are no longer in control. Instead, Christ becomes the center of life. Such people will recognize His coming and will be ready to go with Him.
The same Jesus who came in mercy will return in righteousness to judge the world. According to Acts 17:31, God has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. This is a fixed and unavoidable event. Likewise, *James 5:9* warns that the Judge is standing at the door.
Time is short. Life is temporary, and every person is moving toward an eternal encounter with God. In *2 Peter 3:9*, we are told that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but this patience has a limit. There will come a moment when the opportunity to respond will end. Therefore, this present time is given for repentance, transformation, and preparation.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin