Depth of the Heart of God Part 3

Noel Merrick

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The Heaviness of the Redeemers Heart.

John 11:45–57 KJV 1900

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER (Scripture Portions: 1 Peter 1:18-21; Job 19:25-27)

1 Peter 1:18–21 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Job 19:25–27 KJV 1900

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, Yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And mine eyes shall behold, and not another; Though my reins be consumed within me.

1.REDEMPTION-----THE PRICE

In this letter Peter makes three clear statements concerning the fact and significance of the death of Christ, each of which emphasizes

1. a different aspect of His death: 1 Peter 2:24

1 Peter 2:24 KJV 1900

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

2. declares the sacrificial nature of His death; 1 Peter 3:18

1 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

3. states the substitutionary nature of His death;

4. and 1 Peter 1:18-19 presents the redemptive nature of His death.

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900

There is a great significance in the names of our Lord.

1. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21);

Matthew 1:21 KJV 1900

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

2. Shepherd (John 10:11);

John 10:11 KJV 1900

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

3. Master (John 13:13 KJV);

John 13:13 KJV 1900

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

4. Friend (Proverbs 18:24);

Proverbs 18:24 KJV 1900

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

5. but at least 3400 years ago the patriarch Job gave a glorious testimony in which he spoke of

his Lord as ‘my Redeemer’ (Job 19:25-27).

Job 19:25–27 KJV 1900

What is meant by

‘redeemer’ or ‘redemption’?

To redeem means:

(1) to buy back, to purchase something that has been temporarily forfeited;

(2) to set free, to liberate, as setting a slave free from slavery;

(3) to deliver from some great danger, as the Children of Israel were delivered from slavery to Pharaoh.

When our Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross He redeemed us in this three-fold sense.

By the shedding of His blood:

(1) He bought back that which had been temporarily forfeited,

for by nature we were sold under sin (Romans 7:14),

sold into Satan’s bondage (2 Timothy 2:26),

shut up under condemnation (John 3:18),

and He died to pay the ransom price to free us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Romans 7:14 KJV 1900

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

2 Timothy 2:26 KJV 1900

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

John 3:18 KJV 1900

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV 1900

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

(2) He set us free from slavery and bondage,

for by nature we were slaves of sin and of Satan (John 8:34).

John 8:34 KJV 1900

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

(3) He delivered us from a very great danger.

By nature we faced death and judgment – look up John 3:36; our destiny was Hell, but Christ died to deliver us from this.

John 3:36 KJV 1900

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

In our key-verses Peter tells us four things about our redemption.

1. THE PLAN OF OUR REDEMPTION

In 1 Peter 1:20, we are told that redemption was planned by God in eternity.

1 Peter 1:20 KJV 1900

20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

It is very comforting to know that the Lord is working to a plan, and here we learn that before Creation He planned our redemption - compare Acts 2:23.

Acts 2:23 KJV 1900

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

This means that the atoning, redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ was no afterthought in the mind of God.

It was His eternal purpose and plan.

2. THE PURPOSE OF OUR REDEMPTION

What object did God have in view when He planned redemption in eternity and when Christ came to redeem us?

A. His object was to redeem us from eternal death and from Satan’s grip;

a. to recover us from the enemy (2 Samuel 14:14), to translate us (Colossians 1:13),

2 Samuel 14:14 KJV 1900

14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

Colossians 1:13 KJV 1900

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

b.to forgive us (Mark 2:10),

Mark 2:10 KJV 1900

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

c. to cleanse us (1 John 1:7),

1 John 1:7 KJV 1900

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

d. and at last to take us to Heaven (John 14:2).

John 14:2 KJV 1900

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

B. But much more than this, His purpose was to make us holy, Christ-like men and women here and now.

Notice that in verse 1 Peter 1:18 we are told that Jesus died to redeem us ’from’ - what?

1 Peter 1:18 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

From the old, empty, worthless behaviour of our unregenerate life - compare Ephesians 2:2-3.

Ephesians 2:2–3 KJV 1900

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

We have been redeemed in order that we might be holy - look up and compare 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Titus 2:13-14.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 KJV 1900

Titus 2:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

So, if Christ died for this, is His purpose being fulfilled in us?

Are we being saved from the old, empty life?

Are we glorifying God in our bodies and with our spirits, and are we a purified, zealous people?

One day our bodies will be redeemed - look up Romans 8:22-23, and compare Philippians 1:20-21; but in the meantime we are to be redeemed from the power and the impurity of sin and set free to live Christ-like and holy lives.

Romans 8:22–23 KJV 1900

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Philippians 1:20–21 KJV 1900

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

3. THE PRICE OF OUR REDEMPTION

If we have been redeemed by the payment of a ransom, what was the payment?

1 Peter 1:18 -19 tell us it was “the precious blood of Christ” - look up Acts 3:6.

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900

Acts 3:6 KJV 1900

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

In order to secure our redemption it cost Christ not silver and gold but His precious blood - it cost Him His life!

The expression the blood of Christ is a graphic phrase used to convey the fact of the giving of a life wholly in death.

No corruptible thing, no works of ours, no prayers, tears or merit could redeem us -

a. look up Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; we could be redeemed only by faith in the precious blood of Christ, the Lamb who was slain -

Ephesians 2:8–10 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:5 KJV 1900

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

b. look up John 1:29; the sinless One -

John 1:29 KJV 1900

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

c. look up 2 Corinthians 5:21; God’s Paschal Lamb -

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

d. look up Revelation 13:8; and when we see the cost of our redemption we long that the purpose that Christ had in dying for us should be fulfilled in us.

Revelation 13:8 KJV 1900

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

4. THE PROOF OF OUR REDEMPTION

II. THE PROOF OF OUR REDEMPTION

How do we know that all this is true, that we really are redeemed, that the precious blood of Christ was and is sufficient for a ransom and that divine justice has been fully satisfied with the work that Jesus did upon the cross?

In 1 Peter 1:20- 21 Peter gives us a three-fold proof that the work of redemption is complete, accepted by God and sufficient for men:

1 Peter 1:20–21 KJV 1900

20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

A. There is the HISTORICAL proof.

Notice the end of verse 20. Jesus actually came 2000 years ago and He said that He was going to die to redeem us - “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Mark 10:45 KJV 1900

45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

B. There is the FACTUAL proof.

The Lord Jesus not only came and shed His blood, but He rose again (verse 21). The resurrection of Christ is the best attested fact of history, and the resurrection was the proof that God was satisfied with the price paid for our redemption - look up Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 8:34.

Philippians 2:6–8 KJV 1900

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

C. There is the EXPERIMENTAL proof.

See the first four words of verse 21.

Not only did Christ come 2000 years ago and die and then rise again, proving that He had accomplished this work, but we believe and have proved this in our own experience; we are redeemed and we can say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”

We know the Redeemer Himself - He has freed us, He is freeing us and, as verse 21 goes on to say, our faith and our hope are in God!

A Christian lay dying, and his loved ones heard him repeating one word - ‘Redeemed!’ Can you say this in relation to yourself?

This is the watchword for living or for dying - redeemed!

111. RETURN------------

THE PROMISE.

John 11:24–27 KJV 1900

24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

9 Reasons We Know Christ Is Returning

Scripture is neither vague nor equivocal on the promise of Christ's return.

A large portion (by some accounts, as much as one-fifth) of Scripture is prophetic, and perhaps a third or more of the prophetic passages refer to the Second Coming of Christ or events related to it.

It is undeniably a major theme in the prophecy of both Old and New Testaments.

And regardless of what the scoffers say, Jesus is coming (2 Peter 3:3-10).

2 Peter 3:3–10 KJV 1900

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

World history is barreling toward the conclusion that God ordained.

It isn't an end that will come as a result of nuclear war, environmental irresponsibility, or alien invasion; it is the one that comes by the purpose and plan of God, foretold in Scripture.

Make no mistake--Christ will return!

Here are nine reasons from Scripture by which you can know that Christ is coming again. 1. The Promise of God Demands It

The Old Testament is full of Messianic promise--that promised is its main focus. From beginning (Gen 3:15 ) to end (Mal 4:2 ), the entire Old Testament is filled with prophecies of the coming Deliverer--at least 333 distinct promises, by one count.

Genesis 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Malachi 4:2 KJV 1900

2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise With healing in his wings; And ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Of the more than 100 prophecies dealing with the first advent of Christ, all of them were fulfilled precisely, literally.

His riding on a donkey, the parting of his garments, the piercing of His hands and feet, and the vivid prophecies of His rejection by men in Isa 53 --all these might have been interpreted symbolically by Old Testament scholars before Christ.

Isaiah 53 KJV 1900

1 Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

But the New Testament record repeatedly reports that such things were fulfilled in the most literal sense, so "that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled" (Matt 26:56, 2:15; 4:14-16; 8:17; 12:17-21; 13:35; 21:4-5; 27:35; John 12:38; 15:25; 19:24, 28). Scripture says God "cannot lie" and that He will not change His mind (Numbers 23:19 ; Titus 1:2).

Matthew 26:56 KJV 1900

56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Matthew 2:15 KJV 1900

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Matthew 4:14–16 KJV 1900

14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Matthew 8:17 KJV 1900

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Matthew 12:17–21 KJV 1900

17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. 19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Matthew 13:35 KJV 1900

35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 21:4–5 KJV 1900

4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

Matthew 27:35 KJV 1900

35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

John 12:38 KJV 1900

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

John 15:25 KJV 1900

25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

John 19:24 KJV 1900

24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

John 19:28 KJV 1900

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Numbers 23:19 KJV 1900

19 God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Titus 1:2 KJV 1900

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

What He has promised, He will do.

The truthfulness of the Bible is at stake in the Second Coming. 2. The Teaching of Christ Demands It

Christ's earthly teaching was filled with references to His Second Coming (Matthew 24; Luke 21).

When He was on trial for His life, Jesus defended His own deity with a bold declaration of the Second Coming in the most triumphant terms.

He told the High Priest, "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). On the night of His betrayal, Christ told the disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you.

Mark 14:62 KJV 1900

62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself" (John 14:2-3).

John 14:2–3 KJV 1900

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Not only is the credibility of God at stake in the Second Coming, but so is the credibility of His Son.

If Jesus doesn't return, He's a liar. 3. The Testimony of the Holy Spirit Demands It

Since "God ... cannot lie" (Titus 1:2), His promise guarantees Christ's return.

Titus 1:2 KJV 1900

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Jesus is truth incarnate ( John 14:6 ); so His teaching also infallibly confirms the fact of the Second Coming.

John 14:6 KJV 1900

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And the Holy Spirit, who is called "the Spirit of truth" ( John 14:17 ; 15:26), also testifies of the Second Coming of Christ through the New Testament writers.

John 14:17 KJV 1900

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 15:26 KJV 1900

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Whether the apostle Paul (1 Cor 1:4-7 ; Phil 3:20 ; Col 3:4 ; 1 Thess 4:16-17 ; etc.), the apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 3), or the apostle John (1 Peter 3:2), again and again, through the inerrant Scriptures, the Holy Spirit adds His witness to that of the Father and the Son--Jesus is coming.

4. The Program for the Church Demands It

God is currently "taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name" (Acts 15:14) and gathering His elect into one great body, the church.

Acts 15:14 KJV 1900

14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

The church's role is to be like a pure bride for God's own Son, ready to be presented to Him at His Second Coming.

Paul uses that wedding imagery in 2 Cor 11:2: "I am jealous for you with godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin."

2 Corinthians 11:2 KJV 1900

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Marriage is a beautiful metaphor that pictures Christ's love and care for His church (Matt 25; Eph 5:25-27; Rev 19:6-9).

Matthew 25 KJV 1900

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Ephesians 5:25–27 KJV 1900

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Revelation 19:6–9 KJV 1900

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

And that's why we can be certain He will return to claim her, just as He promised (John 14:2-3).

John 14:2–3 KJV 1900

He will come back to get His bride. 5. The Corruption in the World Demands It

The world is a very wicked place, and when the "Son of Man [comes] in the glory of His Father with His angels ... [He] will recompense every man according to his deeds" (Matt 16:27).

Matthew 16:27 KJV 1900

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

"An hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment" (John 5:28-29).

John 5:28–29 KJV 1900

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

That blessed hope of every believer (Titus 2:13) is the terror of the world.

Titus 2:13 KJV 1900

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

For unbelievers, His coming means immediate, impartial judgment (1 Thess 1:7-10; Jude 1:14-15; Rev 19:11-16); for believers--unmitigated joy!

1 Thessalonians 1:7–10 KJV 1900

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Jude 14–15 KJV 1900

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Revelation 19:11–16 KJV 1900

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Jesus must return in order to execute just retribution on sinners and carry out the judgment He has promised. 6. The Future of Israel Demands It

In Paul's day Gentiles were coming into the church in greater numbers than Jewish converts, and in Rom 11, Paul reminded them, "You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree" (Rom 11:17).

Romans 11 KJV 1900

1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Romans 11:17 KJV 1900

17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

But the time is coming when the natural branches will be grafted back into the olive tree (Rom 11:23-24 , a phenomenon that Paul expressly connected with the return of Christ (Rom 11:26).

Romans 11:23–24 KJV 1900

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

Romans 11:26 KJV 1900

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

That is the day when Israel will mourn over the One whom they pierced (Zech 12:10), and God will save them all (Rom 11:26). 7. The Vindication of Christ Demands It

It is inconceivable that the last public view the world would have of Jesus Christ would be that of a bleeding, dying, crucified criminal, covered with blood, spit, and flies, hanging naked in the Jerusalem twilight.

Did you realize that after His resurrection, He never appeared in a public venue before unbelievers?

Plenty of believers saw Him, touched Him, spoke to Him, and gave unanimous testimony that He was risen from the dead.

But there is no record that unbelievers ever saw Him.

But the unbelieving world will see His glory displayed to everyone.

Scripture says, "Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him" (Heb 9:28 ; cf. Matt 24:27).

Hebrews 9:28 KJV 1900

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Matthew 24:27 KJV 1900

27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

The Savior who was humiliated, taunted, and put to death in a public display of humanity's hatred of God will return as conquering Lord in view of the entire world (Luke 21:25-27). And every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7). 8. The Destruction of Satan Demands It

Satan, though an already-defeated foe as far as Christians are concerned, still exercises a kind of dominion over this world (John 12:31; 14:30 ; 16:11; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 6:12; 1 John 5:19).

John 12:31 KJV 1900

31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

John 14:30 KJV 1900

30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

John 16:11 KJV 1900

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV 1900

4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Ephesians 2:2 KJV 1900

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 John 5:19 KJV 1900

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

But Christ is the only rightful ruler of this world, and when He returns, He will overthrow and destroy Satan completely.

In Rev 5 , when Christ receives the seven-sealed scroll, the title deed of the earth, He unleashes judgment with the crack of each seal (Rev 6).

Revelation 5 KJV 1900

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 6 KJV 1900

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. 3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. 5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. 7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. 9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. 12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The seal judgments give way to the judgment of the seven trumpets (Rev 8); the trumpet judgments lead to the judgment of the seven bowls (Rev 16).

Revelation 8 KJV 1900

1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. 8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. 10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. 13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Revelation 16 KJV 1900

1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. 8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. 10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, 11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. 12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Finally, after one last-ditch effort by Satan to retain his unlawful dominion over the earth, Christ Himself returns to vanquish the foe--He chains him, casts him into a bottomless pit, and finally confines him to an eternal lake of fire (Rev 19).

Revelation 19 KJV 1900

1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

With that, Christ's victory over Satan the usurper is complete. 9. The Hope of the Saints Demands It

Only Christ's glorious, triumphant return can fulfill the hope of the saints--every true believer longs for that day.

Paul characterizes Christians as those who "love his appearing" (2 Tim 4:8).

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV 1900

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The apostle John says, "Now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).

1 John 3:2 KJV 1900

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The return of Christ will instantly usher in the fullness of our glorification.

John then adds these words: "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:3 ).

1 John 3:3 KJV 1900

3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

This is the test of a healthy eschatology: Is your hope a sanctifying influence on your soul?

Are you looking beyond the commotion of this world with the realization that you could soon meet Christ face to face, and are you preparing your heart and soul for that?

Are you eager and watchful? Are you filled with joyful hope and expectation?

That is the attitude to which Scripture calls us.

The Second Coming is not supposed to make you stop what you're doing to wait for the Lord's return.

And neither should it motivate you to focus all your attention on the events and political developments of this world.

Instead, it should prompt you to holiness as you direct your heart toward Christ, whose coming every believer anticipates with joy.

Luke 21:25–27 KJV 1900

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Revelation 1:7 KJV 1900

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Zechariah 12:10 KJV 1900

10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, The spirit of grace and of supplications: And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, And they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, And shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Romans 11:26 KJV 1900

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

1 Corinthians 1:4–7 KJV 1900

4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:20 KJV 1900

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Colossians 3:4 KJV 1900

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 KJV 1900

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Peter 1:13 KJV 1900

13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 5:4 KJV 1900

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

2 Peter 3 KJV 1900

1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

1 Peter 3:2 KJV 1900

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING

All unfulfilled prophecy in the Word of God is bound up with the personal, bodily and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in this study we shall consider the urgent question asked in 2 Peter 3:3-4.

2 Peter 3:3–4 KJV 1900

This is the question of the scoffer, but we shall ask it earnestly and reverently, and as we do so we shall be impressed with the weight of testimony which scripture gives to the certainty of our Lord’s second coming.

It will be well, however, for us to look at the context in which this question is found. In 2 Peter 3:3-4, we read of something we are to know and be sure about, and it is something which relates particularly to the last days, the closing days of the dispensation of grace, the period immediately prior to the Lord’s return.

2 Peter 3:3–4 KJV 1900

We are to expect that there will be scoffers in the last days.

Why?

Because everyone who scoffs at the glorious truth of the return of Christ is fulfilling this prophecy!

Peter tells us exactly what the scoffers say, but let us ask this question: “Where is the promise of His coming?” and supply seven answers to it.

1.The Promise of His Coming is found in the Old Testament.

There are 39 books included in the Old Testament: these can be divided into the five books of Moses, called the Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy); twelve historical books (Joshua to Esther); six books of poetry (Job to Song of Solomon and Lamentations); and the sixteen books of the major and minor prophets (Isaiah to Malachi).

Concerning all these books we read - 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21, and in each of these five groups we find the promise of His coming. Here are a few selected examples:-

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Peter 1:21 KJV 1900

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Genesis 3:15: “You will strike his heel” refers to the first advent, and this was fulfilled at Calvary, where our Lord Jesus was crucified for us.

Genesis 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

“He” (the seed of the woman, the Lord Jesus) “will crush your head” refers to the second advent and to our Lord’s final overthrow of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 20:1-3). Genesis 5:24: Compare Hebrews 11:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV 1900

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Revelation 20:1–3 KJV 1900

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Genesis 5:24 KJV 1900

24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Hebrews 11:5 KJV 1900

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Genesis 22 23 24: Abraham (a type of God the Father); Eliezer, Abraham’s servant (a type of the Holy Spirit); Isaac (a type of the Lord Jesus); and Rebekah (a type of the Church, the Bride). Genesis 41:45: Joseph (a type of Christ) during his rejection took a Gentile bride (compare Genesis 42:8).

Genesis 22:23 KJV 1900

23 And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.

Genesis 41:45 KJV 1900

45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 42:8 KJV 1900

8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

Genesis 49:10: No comment needed!

Genesis 49:10 KJV 1900

10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

1 Samuel 16:11: A picture of “Great David’s greater Son”.

1 Samuel 16:11 KJV 1900

11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

2 Kings 2:11: Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Job 19:25: Compare Zechariah 14:4 and Acts 1:11.

2 Kings 2:11 KJV 1900

11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Job 19:25 KJV 1900

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Zechariah 14:4 KJV 1900

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, Which is before Jerusalem on the east, And the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, And there shall be a very great valley; And half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, And half of it toward the south.

Acts 1:11 KJV 1900

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.

Psalms 22,23 and 24: Psalm 22 was prophetic of His death; Psalm 23 is true of the believer now; Psalm 24 awaits fulfilment.

Psalm 22 KJV 1900

To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; And in the night season, and am not silent. 3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in thee: They trusted, and thou didst deliver them. 5 They cried unto thee, and were delivered: They trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people. 7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8 He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: Let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. 9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. 10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: Thou art my God from my mother’s belly. 11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; For there is none to help. 12 Many bulls have compassed me: Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. 13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, As a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture. 19 But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth: For thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. 22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. 23 Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; And fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. 24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard. 25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: They shall praise the Lord that seek him: Your heart shall live for ever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. 28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s: And he is the governor among the nations. 29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: And none can keep alive his own soul. 30 A seed shall serve him; It shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness Unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 22 KJV 1900

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

Psalm 24 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, Nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, That seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

The prophecies of Isaiah to Malachi are full of the promise of His coming.

These prophecies were not fulfilled at His first advent; they await fulfilment when He comes again - compare Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18-19.

Isaiah 61:1–2 KJV 1900

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; Because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all that mourn;

Luke 4:18–19 KJV 1900

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

How full the Old Testament is of His second coming!

2. The Promise of His Coming is found in the Four Gospels.

In the four Gospels we have the inspired and authoritative record of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; over and over again He spoke of His second coming.

For example, look up the following:-

Matthew: 16:21,27; 24:3,27,35,36,37,44 ; 25:1-13. Mark: 13:24-27. Luke: 19:11-27 ;21:25-28. John: 14:1-3 ; 21:21-22.

Matthew 16:21 KJV 1900

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 16:27 KJV 1900

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 24:3 KJV 1900

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:27 KJV 1900

27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 24:36 KJV 1900

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 24:37 KJV 1900

37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Matthew 24:44 KJV 1900

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 25:1–13 KJV 1900

Mark 13:24–27 KJV 1900

24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Luke 19:11–27 KJV 1900

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Luke 21:25–28 KJV 1900

John 14:1–3 KJV 1900

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 21:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Thus, in many of the clear statements made by our Saviour, as well as in many of His parables, we have the promise of His coming.

3. The Promise of His Coming is found in the Acts of the Apostles.

There are two particularly important references:-

Acts 1:9-11. The testimony of the angels is very important because their prophecies were right in relation to His birth (Luke 1:28-33; 2:8-14), and to His resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8). Acts 15:14-17. Verse 14 is what God is doing today. Verses 16 and 17 await fulfilment.

Acts 1:9–11 KJV 1900

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.

Luke 1:28–33 KJV 1900

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 2:8–14 KJV 1900

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men.

Matthew 28:1–8 KJV 1900

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Acts 15:14–17 KJV 1900

14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

4. The Promise of His Coming is found in the Epistles of Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude.

Paul: 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:51-52; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Titus 2:11-13 and Hebrews 9:24-28. James: James 5:7-8 Peter: 1 Peter 1:10-11; 5:4 and 2 Peter 3:3-4. John: 1 John 2:28 ; 3:1-2. Jude: Jude 14.

1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV 1900

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Corinthians 15:51–52 KJV 1900

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Colossians 3:4 KJV 1900

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 KJV 1900

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Titus 2:11–13 KJV 1900

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Hebrews 9:24–28 KJV 1900

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

James 5:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

1 Peter 1:10–11 KJV 1900

10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1 Peter 5:4 KJV 1900

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

2 Peter 3:3–4 KJV 1900

John 1 KJV 1900

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Jude 14 KJV 1900

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

5. The Promise of His Coming is found in the Apocalypse.

The Book of Revelation does not make sense if you take from it the promise of His personal return. The whole message of the Book is summed up in Revelation 1:7 ; 22:7,12 , 20.

Revelation 1:7 KJV 1900

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Revelation 22:7 KJV 1900

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:12 KJV 1900

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:20 KJV 1900

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

6. The Promise of His Coming is found in the Lord’s Supper.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and notice the last three words. Whenever we take the bread and the wine we are reminded of the promise of His coming.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 KJV 1900

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

7. The Promise of His Coming is found in the heart of every true Believer.

Please look up and read Revelation 19:10. What is “the testimony of Jesus” which we, as believers, have within us?

Revelation 19:10 KJV 1900

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

In this particular connection, it is the promise of His coming again.

The Holy Spirit places in our hearts the assurance and the expectation of His near return, and it causes us to cry out, “Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” - look up Revelation 22:20.

Revelation 22:20 KJV 1900

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose

The three appearings mentioned in

Heb 9:24-28

Hebrews 9:24–28 KJV 1900

are connected with the three aspects of the great Salvation of our Lord, the past, the present, and the future.

I. The Past. “He hath appeared to put away sin”—Redemption.

II. The Present. “He now appears in the presence of God for us”—Intercession.

III. The Future. “He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation”—

Transformation.

This same threefold deliverance is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:10 , and corresponds with the threefold character of Christ, as prophet, priest, and king.

2 Corinthians 1:10 KJV 1900

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

The second coming of Christ has not much prominence in the preaching of to-day, although it has a very large place in the Word of God.

There are 260 chapters in the New Testament, and over 300 references to this great coming event.

STUDY I

THE MANNER AND TIME OF HIS APPEARING

When He comes for His people they shall be caught up to meet Him in the air ( 1 Thess 4:17 ), but those in the earth see Him not.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

When He appears with His saints every eye shall see Him.

As He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and showed Himself, so shall He appear the second time and manifest His glory.

To put the truth in order, let us ask—

I. What will be the Manner of His Appearing? It will be—

1. CERTAIN. “If I go, I will come again” John 14:3 .

John 14:3 KJV 1900

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

His coming again, then, is as certain as His departure.

“If I go, I will come.”

This is not the coming of death, but Himself.

“The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven”

( 1 Thess 4:16 ).

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV 1900

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

2. PERSONAL. “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go” (Acts 1:11).

Acts 1:11 KJV 1900

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 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.

A spiritual coming, or the coming of the Holy Ghost, is not “this same Jesus.”

3. SUDDEN (Mal 3:1-3 ).

Malachi 3:1–3 KJV 1900

1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, Even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: Behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. 2 But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: And he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

“Watch, lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping” (Mark 13:35-36 ).

Mark 13:35–36 KJV 1900

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

His coming will be as quick as lightning (Matt 24:27).

Matthew 24:27 KJV 1900

27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

4. VISIBLE. “Behold He cometh, and every eye shall see Him” (Rev 1:7).

Revelation 1:7 KJV 1900

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

“Hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man” (Matt. 26:64).

What a sight for this pleasure-loving, Christ-rejecting age!

“All kindreds of the earth shall wail” (Isa 2:19).

Isaiah 2:19 KJV 1900

19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, For fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, When he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

5. GLORIOUS. “The glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Titus 2:13 KJV 1900

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

When first He came He made Himself of no reputation, and became the “Man of Sorrows,” but when He appears the second time it will be in “great power and glory” (Mark 13:26).

Mark 13:26 KJV 1900

26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

His Name now is above every name.

6. WITH HIS SAINTS. “Behold He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones” (Jude 14.,).

Jude 14 KJV 1900

14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

“When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:4).

Colossians 3:4 KJV 1900

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

By that time we shall have been made “like Him” (1 John 3:2

1 John 3:2 KJV 1900

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

This is the fruit of grace. Blessed be the Lord who hath made us partakers of such an high and holy calling (Eph 1:16).

Ephesians 1:16 KJV 1900

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

7. TO ESTABLISH RIGHTEOUSNESS. “He will convince the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and speeches against Him” (Jude 15).

Jude 15 KJV 1900

15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

He will “judge with righteousness and equity” (Psa 98:9).

Psalm 98:9 KJV 1900

9 Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: With righteousness shall he judge the world, And the people with equity.

He will “bless the earth with prosperity and peace” (Psa 72:7).

Psalm 72:7 KJV 1900

7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; And abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

STUDY II

THE RESULTS AND SIGNS OF HIS APPEARING

Let us keep in mind the difference between His coming for His people and coming with them.

I. Some of the Results when He comes FOR His People. There will be—

1. THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD IN CHRIST. “The dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thess 4:16).

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV 1900

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection” (Rev 20:6).

Revelation 20:6 KJV 1900

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

This was Paul’s desire (Phil 3:11).

Philippians 3:11 KJV 1900

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Called the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14, and of life (John 5:29).

Luke 14:14 KJV 1900

14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

John 5:29 KJV 1900

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

2. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE LIVING. “We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed (all those who are alive at His coming) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye; this corruptible shall put on incorruption” (1 Cor 15:50-57 ).

1 Corinthians 15:50–57 KJV 1900

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Then shall we be “clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven” (2 Cor 5:4 ).

2 Corinthians 5:4 KJV 1900

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Enoch, by his translation, did not taste death (see Matt 16:28 ; Phil 3:20-21).

Matthew 16:28 KJV 1900

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Philippians 3:20–21 KJV 1900

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

3. THE TRANSLATION OF ALL SAINTS. “We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (those raised from the dead) to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess 4:16-17). This will be the fulfilment of John 14:3.

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 KJV 1900

John 14:3 KJV 1900

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

II. Some of the Results when He appears WITH His People. He will—

1. MANIFEST HIS OWN. “When Christ who is our life shall be manifested, then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory” (Col 3:4.).

Colossians 3:4 KJV 1900

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

“When He shall appear we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2).

1 John 3:2 KJV 1900

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Hidden ones shall then be revealed.

The world shall then see the blessedness of being a Christian.

2. TAKE VENGEANCE ON THE DISOBEDIENT. “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel” (2 Thess 1:7-9).

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 KJV 1900

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

The mighty angels mentioned in this passage are the “messengers of His might.”

They may execute this terrible judgment upon the so-called Gospel hardened and unbelievers (Isa 2:19).

Isaiah 2:19 KJV 1900

19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, For fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, When he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

3. RESTORE HIS ANCIENT PEOPLE. When He appears “they shall look upon Him whom they have pierced, and mourn” (Zech 12:10).

Zechariah 12:10 KJV 1900

But “in that day a fountain shall be opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Zech 13:1).

Zechariah 13:1 KJV 1900

1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened To the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem For sin and for uncleanness.

When the “Deliverer comes out of Zion and turns away ungodliness from Jacob, then all Israel shall be saved” (Rom 11:25-29).

Romans 11:25–29 KJV 1900

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

4. JUDGE THE NATIONS. This is clearly taught in Matt 25:31-46.

Matthew 25:31–46 KJV 1900

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

The great image of the world’s power and unrighteous rule is broken in pieces at the coming of that stone, over which the “hands” of men have no control (Dan 2:31-35 , and which “shall fill the whole earth” (Psa 2:7-9; Rev 19:11).

Daniel 2:31–35 KJV 1900

31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

Psalm 2:7–9 KJV 1900

7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Revelation 19:11 KJV 1900

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

5. DESTROY THE ANTICHRIST. “Then shall that wicked be revealed (as the light of the rising sun draws the poisonous weeds into a fruitfulness that reveals their true character) whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth” (2 Thess 2:7-9; 1 John 4:3).

2 Thessalonians 2:7–9 KJV 1900

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

1 John 4:3 KJV 1900

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

6. RULE THE NATIONS. “In His days the righteous shall flourish; He shall have dominion from sea to sea; all kings shall fall down before Him, all nations shall serve Him” (Psa 72 :7-11).

Psalm 72:7–11 KJV 1900

7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; And abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the river unto the ends of the earth. 9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; And his enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: All nations shall serve him.

“The Lord shall be King over the whole earth” (Zech 14:9).

Zechariah 14:9 KJV 1900

9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: In that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.

Wars shall cease and peace shall be on earth when He comes, “whose right it is to REIGN.” Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

The whole creation is groaning for that Day (Rom 8:22).

Romans 8:22 KJV 1900

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

7. REWARD THE FAITHFUL. A perfect outline or programme of these coming events is found in Luke 19:11-27, given by the Lord Himself.

Luke 19:11–27 KJV 1900

His servants are rewarded according to their works at His coming.

This is certainly the judgment spoken of by the apostle in 2 Cor 5:10.

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 1900

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The rewards will differ according to the measure of faithfulness.

“As one star differeth from another star in glory, so also in the resurrection” (1 Cor 15:41).

1 Corinthians 15:41 KJV 1900

41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

III. Some of the Signs of His Appearing. As we saw from our last reading, the Scripture does not teach that the world will be converted before He comes, but there are certain signs given to indicate the nearness of His approach.

1. THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS. “This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations (not creatures), and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14). Even overlooking the fact that this was really done in the days of the apostles (Rom. 10:18; Col. 1:5, 6, 23), we cannot but believe that it is being accomplished now. (SEE ALSO Rev 14:6+).

2. THE BUDDING OF THE FIG TREE. It is a natural and legitimate inference that our Lord in this parable referred to the Jewish nation (Luke 21:29-31).

Luke 21:29–31 KJV 1900

29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

That they are showing signs of fresh life, and that Ezekiel’s vision of the bones is being fulfilled before our eyes in a manner never yet hitherto approached, must be more or less apparent to all.

3. THE PERILS OF THE TIMES. We are warned that “in the last days perilous times will come” 2 Tim 3:1 ).

2 Timothy 3:1 KJV 1900

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“Many falling away from the faith, distress of nations, men’s hearts failing them for fear, looking at the things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:25-28 ).

Luke 21:25–28 KJV 1900

This is not the view of a pessimist, but of a believer in God.

4. THE CRY OF THE BRIDEGROOM’S FRIENDS. “At midnight there was a cry made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh” (Matt 25:6 ).

Matthew 25:6 KJV 1900

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

At midnight He came. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” ( 2 Peter 3:10 .

2 Peter 3:10 KJV 1900

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

This cry is being raised in these days, “Behold He cometh.”

No time is fixed, but the fact of His near approach is being heralded all over the world, although many believe it not.

The condition and state of the world now has constrained many to “lift up their heads,” knowing that their redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21: 28 ).

Luke 21:28 KJV 1900

28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

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Depth of the Heart of God Part 3

The Heaviness of the Redeemers Heart.

THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER (Scripture Portions: 1 Peter 1:18-21; Job 19:25-27)

1.REDEMPTION-----THE PRICE

In this letter Peter makes three clear statements concerning the fact and significance of the death of Christ, each of which emphasizes

1. a different aspect of His death: 1 Peter 2:24

2. declares the sacrificial nature of His death; 1 Peter 3:18

3. states the substitutionary nature of His death;

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4. and 1 Peter 1:18-19 presents the redemptive nature of His death.

There is a great significance in the names of our Lord.

1. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21);

2. Shepherd (John 10:11);

3. Master (John 13:13 KJV);

4. Friend (Proverbs 18:24);

5. but at least 3400 years ago the patriarch Job gave a glorious testimony in which he spoke of

his Lord as ‘my Redeemer’ (Job 19:25-27).

What is meant by

‘redeemer’ or ‘redemption’?

To redeem means:

(1) to buy back, to purchase something that has been temporarily forfeited;

(2) to set free, to liberate, as setting a slave free from slavery;

(3) to deliver from some great danger, as the Children of Israel were delivered from slavery to Pharaoh.

When our Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross He redeemed us in this three-fold sense.

By the shedding of His blood:

(1) He bought back that which had been temporarily forfeited,

for by nature we were sold under sin (Romans 7:14),

sold into Satan’s bondage (2 Timothy 2:26),

shut up under condemnation (John 3:18),

and He died to pay the ransom price to free us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

(2) He set us free from slavery and bondage,

for by nature we were slaves of sin and of Satan (John 8:34).

(3) He delivered us from a very great danger.

By nature we faced death and judgment – look up John 3:36; our destiny was Hell, but Christ died to deliver us from this.

In our key-verses Peter tells us four things about our redemption.

1. THE PLAN OF OUR REDEMPTION

In 1 Peter 1:20, we are told that redemption was planned by God in eternity.

It is very comforting to know that the Lord is working to a plan, and here we learn that before Creation He planned our redemption - compare Acts 2:23.

This means that the atoning, redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ was no afterthought in the mind of God.

It was His eternal purpose and plan.

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2. THE PURPOSE OF OUR REDEMPTION

What object did God have in view when He planned redemption in eternity and when Christ came to redeem us?

A. His object was to redeem us from eternal death and from Satan’s grip;

a. to recover us from the enemy (2 Samuel 14:14), to translate us (Colossians 1:13),

b.to forgive us (Mark 2:10),

c. to cleanse us (1 John 1:7),

d. and at last to take us to Heaven (John 14:2).

B. But much more than this, His purpose was to make us holy, Christ-like men and women here and now.

Notice that in verse 1 Peter 1:18 we are told that Jesus died to redeem us ’from’ - what?

From the old, empty, worthless behaviour of our unregenerate life - compare Ephesians 2:2-3.

We have been redeemed in order that we might be holy - look up and compare 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Titus 2:13-14.

So, if Christ died for this, is His purpose being fulfilled in us?

Are we being saved from the old, empty life?

Are we glorifying God in our bodies and with our spirits, and are we a purified, zealous people?

One day our bodies will be redeemed - look up Romans 8:22-23, and compare Philippians 1:20-21; but in the meantime we are to be redeemed from the power and the impurity of sin and set free to live Christ-like and holy lives.

3. THE PRICE OF OUR REDEMPTION

If we have been redeemed by the payment of a ransom, what was the payment?

1 Peter 1:18 -19 tell us it was “the precious blood of Christ” - look up Acts 3:6.

In order to secure our redemption it cost Christ not silver and gold but His precious blood - it cost Him His life!

The expression the blood of Christ is a graphic phrase used to convey the fact of the giving of a life wholly in death.

No corruptible thing, no works of ours, no prayers, tears or merit could redeem us -

a. look up Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; we could be redeemed only by faith in the precious blood of Christ, the Lamb who was slain -

b. look up John 1:29; the sinless One -

c. look up 2 Corinthians 5:21; God’s Paschal Lamb -

d. look up Revelation 13:8; and when we see the cost of our redemption we long that the purpose that Christ had in dying for us should be fulfilled in us.

4. THE PROOF OF OUR REDEMPTION

II. THE PROOF OF OUR REDEMPTION

How do we know that all this is true, that we really are redeemed, that the precious blood of Christ was and is sufficient for a ransom and that divine justice has been fully satisfied with the work that Jesus did upon the cross?

In 1 Peter 1:20- 21 Peter gives us a three-fold proof that the work of redemption is complete, accepted by God and sufficient for men:

A. There is the HISTORICAL proof.

Notice the end of verse 20. Jesus actually came 2000 years ago and He said that He was going to die to redeem us - “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

B. There is the FACTUAL proof.

The Lord Jesus not only came and shed His blood, but He rose again (verse 21). The resurrection of Christ is the best attested fact of history, and the resurrection was the proof that God was satisfied with the price paid for our redemption - look up Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 8:34.

C. There is the EXPERIMENTAL proof.

See the first four words of verse 21.

Not only did Christ come 2000 years ago and die and then rise again, proving that He had accomplished this work, but we believe and have proved this in our own experience; we are redeemed and we can say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”

 We know the Redeemer Himself - He has freed us, He is freeing us and, as verse 21 goes on to say, our faith and our hope are in God!

A Christian lay dying, and his loved ones heard him repeating one word - ‘Redeemed!’ Can you say this in relation to yourself?

This is the watchword for living or for dying - redeemed!

his Lord as ‘my Redeemer’ (Job 19:25-27).

‘redeemer’ or ‘redemption’?

sold into Satan’s bondage (2 Timothy 2:26),

By nature we faced death and judgment – look up John 3:36; our destiny was Hell, but Christ died to deliver us from this.

It is very comforting to know that the Lord is working to a plan, and here we learn that before Creation He planned our redemption - compare Acts 2:23.

A. His object was to redeem us from eternal death and from Satan’s grip;

Notice that in verse 1 Peter 1:18 we are told that Jesus died to redeem us ’from’ - what?

From the old, empty, worthless behaviour of our unregenerate life - compare Ephesians 2:2-3.

We have been redeemed in order that we might be holy - look up and compare 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Titus 2:13-14.

One day our bodies will be redeemed - look up Romans 8:22-23, and compare Philippians 1:20-21; but in the meantime we are to be redeemed from the power and the impurity of sin and set free to live Christ-like and holy lives.

1 Peter 1:18 -19 tell us it was “the precious blood of Christ” - look up Acts 3:6.

In order to secure our redemption it cost Christ not silver and gold but His precious blood - it cost Him His life!

The expression the blood of Christ is a graphic phrase used to convey the fact of the giving of a life wholly in death.

No corruptible thing, no works of ours, no prayers, tears or merit could redeem us -

a. look up Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; we could be redeemed only by faith in the precious blood of Christ, the Lamb who was slain -

b. look up John 1:29; the sinless One -

c. look up 2 Corinthians 5:21; God’s Paschal Lamb -

Notice the end of verse 20. Jesus actually came 2000 years ago and He said that He was going to die to redeem us - “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

The Lord Jesus not only came and shed His blood, but He rose again (verse 21). The resurrection of Christ is the best attested fact of history, and the resurrection was the proof that God was satisfied with the price paid for our redemption - look up Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 8:34.

Not only did Christ come 2000 years ago and die and then rise again, proving that He had accomplished this work, but we believe and have proved this in our own experience; we are redeemed and we can say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”

We know the Redeemer Himself - He has freed us, He is freeing us and, as verse 21 goes on to say, our faith and our hope are in God!

A Christian lay dying, and his loved ones heard him repeating one word - ‘Redeemed!’ Can you say this in relation to yourself?

This is the watchword for living or for dying - redeemed!