Introduction
Jesus is coming again! This is the great expectation of all Christians. Nothing is more clearly taught in the New Testament. However, the manner of Christ’s return has long been a subject of controversy, largely because of speculation about certain prophetic passages.
Since the purpose of this course is not speculation, we shall confine ourselves to those Scriptures which are plain statements of fact. Of these there are so many that it will not be hard to determine how Christ will return.
WHEN CHRIST WILL RETURN
In every age some have boldly predicted the exact time of our Lord’s return. Always they have been mistaken. The Bible clearly teaches that no man knows when Jesus will come again, Matthew 24:36 / 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 / 2 Peter 3:10. Therefore, none can possibly know when He will come.
Paul declared that the second coming would be preceded by a falling away from the truth, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. Peter said that before Christ’s return scoffers would ask, ‘Where is the promise of his coming?’ 2 Peter 3:4.
As a result many will be totally unprepared when He does come. Since we cannot know when He will come again, the important thing for every person is to be fully prepared.
The second advent will be seen by all. Some teach that Jesus returned a few years ago but many did not see Him. They ignore the Scripture, ‘Look, he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.’ Revelation 1:7.
Jesus said, ‘For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.’ Matthew 24:27.
Christ will be accompanied by His angels when He returns. ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.’ Matthew 16:27. Jude adds that He will come back with ten thousand of His saints, Jude 14.
At the second coming the dead will arise from the grave, 1 Corinthians 15:23. Some teach that the unrighteous will never rise from the grave. Others contend that the righteous and unrighteous will be resurrected at different times.
Jesus proves both ideas wrong, John 5:28-29. So we learn that both the righteous and unrighteous will be resurrected to face the judgment at the same time.
Perhaps the clearest explanation of the second coming is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
Notice the sequence of events:
1. Christ will descend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God.
2. The dead in Christ will arise from the grave.
3. After the dead have arisen the living will be caught up with them into the clouds.
4. They will meet the Lord in the air.
What will happen to the earth when Christ returns? Peter answers our question, 2 Peter 3:10-12. No man will be left to live on this earthly sphere.
The premillennial theory, which asserts that Christ will reign on the earth in the flesh for a literal thousand years, is clearly erroneous.
1. No passage teaches that Jesus will set foot on earth again. Rather, the disciples of Christ will meet Him in the air.
2. The premillennial theory requires that the righteous and unrighteous arise at different times. As noticed, John 5:28-29 contradicts this.
3. Since the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns, no thousand-year reign will be possible.
The great judgment will follow the return of Christ. None shall be able to escape it, Hebrews 9:27 / 2 Corinthians 5:10. As they appear before Christ the judge, the righteous will be set on the right hand, the unrighteous on the left. The righteous will be rewarded with an everlasting home in heaven; the unrighteous will be consigned to the eternal punishment of hell, Matthew 25:31-46. Nothing in the Scriptures teaches that man will receive a second chance.
After the judgment Christ will deliver up the kingdom to God. Every enemy, including death, will have been overcome, and Jesus, who has been reigning, will deliver up His authority to God, the Father, and will Himself be subject to Him. The righteous will dwell with God in the eternal home of unspeakable beauty.
In the next and last lesson, we will discuss the places of reward and punishment which are called heaven and hell. It is the hope of heaven that impels the Christian to cry out with John, ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus.’ Revelation 22:20.
WHY JESUS IS COMING AGAIN
1. To raise the dead. John 5:25 / John 5:28-29.
2. To judge all men. Jude 14-15.
3. To reward the righteous. Matthew 25:31-34.
4. To punish the unrighteous. Matthew 25:31-33 / Matthew 25:41.
5. To destroy the world. 2 Peter 3:10.
6. To deliver the kingdom to the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24.
SENDING YOUR ANSWERS
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