There is a day of recompense - continued

It is at the coming again of Christ. Matt 24:30-31. At Christ's return, angels sent forth to reap the harvest, Matt 13.41.

The harvest is at the end of the age. In verses 38 and 39 is the word 'world'. But the underlying Greek word is different. One refers to the 'kosmos', which refers to creation, the universe. This is the word in verse 38.

The other word is in verse 39. It is a different Greek word. It is 'aion'. It refers to a period of time. We speak of the 'aeons of eternity'.

Consider its first appearance in the NT. Matt 6:13 "for ever." Our word is translated 'ever'. That is a reference to the period of eternity. Another appearance in Eph 2:7: "The ages," Our word is the word 'ages'. So it is in our verse 39. "The harvest is the end of the age."

It is to be noted that the wicked are dealt with first of all. Verse 41. It is believed by some that the saints will be gathered out from the world secretly 31/2 years before the visible return of Christ in power and glory. This shows it is not so.

What a terrible contrast in the destination of those who shared so much in life. THE WICKED - "Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them." THE SAINTS - "but gather the wheat into my barn," Matthew 13:30.

"Let both grow together," verse 30. Unique word, only appears here. Cain & Abel, Jacob & Esau, Judas & other apostles. Together yet so far apart! Totally different natures - one BORN AGAIN, a NEW NATURE, 2 Cor 5:17. " . . . he is a new creature."

It is Christ's kingdom that these activities are centred upon. "The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity," Matthew 13:41. His KINGDOM is IN the world.

Sinners may profess to belong. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, . . . . . . And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity," Matthew 7:22-23.

This purging of wicked professors is in preparation for the new age - The Millennial Reign of Christ.