INTRODUCTION

Revelation 1:7
God’s Word teaches that the Second Coming of Christ will be just as literal and visible as His going away, and He is coming to execute judgment upon the ungodly. He will also set up His Kingdom and reign on this present earth for a thousand years (Zech. 14:3–4; Matthew 25:31–46; 26:64; Mark 13:24–37; II Thessalonians 1:7–10; 2:8; Jude 14–15).

SUB TOPICS:

1. CERTAINTY OF CHRIST’S COMING

   The Holy Spirit through the apostles confirmed that Christ shall appear “the second time” (Hebrews 9:28), and would then reward His faithful servants with crowns of glory, praise, and honor, and His adversaries with fiery indignation (I Peter 5:4; 1:7; Hebrews 10:27). James the apostle encouraged believers: “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth near.” The angel of God confirmed: “This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

   The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 that the government (of the whole world) would be on Christ’s shoulder is yet to be fulfilled. Some prophecies in Isaiah 61 concerning Christ were only partially fulfilled at His first coming. Christ Himself confirmed in Luke 4:21 that “this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” The rest of the prophecies will be fulfilled after His second advent.

   The exact fulfillment of prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ points to the certainty of those prophecies concerning His second advent. Prophecies about His virgin birth, earthly life, death, and resurrection were all fulfilled to the letter, and so will those relating to His second coming.

   Other divine purposes for the Second Advent include:

   • The comfort of the Church (John 14:1–3; 16:20–22)
   • The restoration of Israel to her sovereignty (Isaiah 32:18; 33:20–24)
   • The judgment of the earth (Revelation 20:11–15; John 5:22)
   • The renovation of the earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Revelation 21:1–5)
   • The restoration of all things according to God’s desire (Romans 8:20–23; Jeremiah 12:4,11)
2. SIGNS OF HIS COMING

   The scriptures abound with evidence of Christ’s second coming. Jesus spoke of His return several times, leading the disciples to enquire about the signs. Certain prophecies concerning Christ and God’s future program are not yet fulfilled and will only occur after His second advent.

   All the signs preceding the Second Advent are being fulfilled daily. In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25), the following signs are clear:

   • Deception, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, anti-Semitism (Mark 13:9,13)
   • Offences, betrayals, hatred, false prophets, lawlessness, and martyrdom (Matthew 24:4–13,24)
   • The impact of the second coming will be universal, like “the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth unto the west,” making “all the tribes of the earth to mourn” (Matthew 24:27,30,37)
   • Spiritual lethargy and indifference will prevail, similar to Noah’s flood
3. VICTORY AT HIS COMING

   The greatest event preceding the second coming is the Rapture, which lies between the first and second coming. This mystery, not revealed in the Old Testament, was revealed in the New Testament to “His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”

   The Rapture is distinct from the Second Coming. The Rapture takes place in the air, where only believers meet Christ and are taken to heaven during the Great Tribulation. The Second Coming occurs on earth with Christ and the previously raptured saints. Whereas the Rapture can happen without warning, the Second Coming occurs after both the Rapture and the Great Tribulation.

   During His Second Coming, Christ will reign on earth for one thousand years (Millennial Reign) with unprecedented peace, prosperity, and blessing (Isaiah 11:1–9). Satan and his forces will attempt to resist Christ’s reign (Revelation 20:2–3), culminating in the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11–21; 20:1–4; 17:13–14), but they will be defeated.

   The world is called to repent (John 3:1–8). The Church is called to remain ready, holy, spotless, watchful, prayerful, and busy preaching God’s Word (Hebrews 12:14; I John 3:1–3; II Timothy 4:1–2; Ephesians 5:25–27).

   “Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him” - Revelation 1:7