How do we know the Jesus we hope for is how He is?

[Ernie]

I often think I really hope Jesus will be giving me a hug and welcoming me when The time comes, or that when I am in a horrible mental spot, He is smiling down knowing everything will be ok and comforting me... however not all believe that He will be smiling and ultra forgiving....Specifically I would love to think that Jesus is the compassionate, forgiving, and welcoming smiling Jesus many believe who when we sin smiles and says it's ok...rather then the stern judgemental "get away from me, I never knew you".Jesus that other portray. I know ultimately He is both, however how are you confident He is what you believe?

 

[Lambano]

I often think I really hope Jesus will be giving me a hug and welcoming me when The time comes..

 

[Matthias]

... how are you confident He is what you believe?

I became fully persuaded by the New Testament writers and by personal relationship with him.

 

[Lambano]

I often think I really hope Jesus will be giving me a hug and welcoming me when The time comes...

* This one is part of a series called "Welcome Home", and I have a print hanging on the bathroom wall. The artist's name is Danny Halbohn, and I met him at a show in Pompano Beach, Florida. I used to use this as my avatar. I was struck by the welcome from the Father and Holy Spirit as well as the Son.

 

[Lambano]

Specifically I would love to think that Jesus is the compassionate, forgiving, and welcoming smiling Jesus many believe who when we sin smiles and says it's ok...rather then the stern judgemental "get away from me, I never knew you".Jesus that other portray. I know ultimately He is both, however how are you confident He is what you believe?

Ernie, I've gone through the Gospels many times, and Jesus doesn't seem to do what I think He will do. He confused His own disciples, He confounded the Pharisees, and the powers-that-be didn't know what to make of Him. I hope I see the Jesus who had compassion for "the lost and the least", because that's the one who inspires me - but I have to be emotionally prepared for anything.