Jesus’ Second Coming
“Ted, I’ve been hearing so much lately about the end of the world and Jesus’ Second Coming, that I’m beginning to wonder if there isn’t something to it.”
” I know what you mean, Kari, there’s that Left Behind series that my parents have been reading and they say it sounds like it might happen the way those books describe,” Ted answered, a little worried.
“But,” said Kari, “don’t you think that Christians should get their understanding of Bible teachings from the Bible instead of from fiction?”
“But those books are best sellers!” Ted said, defensively.
“So are many other books that don’t teach truth. Besides, do you remember that in English class we had this question: ‘What book has been the best seller every year since sales records have been kept?'”
“That’s right! The answer was, the Bible! But best seller, or not, I agree with you that the Bible is where we need to turn for answers to questions about Jesus and His second coming.”
“Good thinking, Ted. Let’s get started now!”
Can we be sure that Jesus is coming back?Yes. Jesus said to His disciples: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.
When Jesus returns, how many people will see Him? “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Revelation 1:7
To what in nature did Jesus compare His return? “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matthew 24:27.
His return will be powerfully audible as well as globally visible. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
When Jesus comes all the angels of heaven will be with Him. ” For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father, with His angels , and then He will reward each according to his works.” Matthew 16:27. “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.” Matthew 25:31.
When Jesus comes the earth will be shaken, but how will those who are not ready for Christ’s return feel?“Then the sky split apart as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'” Rev. 6:14-16.
Most people will be unprepared for this event because they have not given their hearts to Jesus, but those who have chosen to follow Christ will be delivered at that time. “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt. 24:30,31
God’s saved people are overjoyed to see Him come. “And it will be said in that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.'” Isaiah 25:9.
The righteous dead are raised from their graves glorified; they ascend to meet Christ in the sky. “For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:52-54. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first, and we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus shall we always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
His coming is called “the blessed hope” for those who love Him. ” Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13.
Jesus invites us all to prepare for His soon return. “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” “‘I, Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’ And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:11,12,17-20.
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