sf323 - The Second Coming Of Christ - Part 1 Of 11 - Why We Should Study About The Second Study (2 Peter 3 1-4)
2 Peter 3:1-4
Introduction
Few doctrines can stir more interest and controversy among Christians than the study of eschatology.
It is among the most studied, debated, and misunderstood doctrines in the Bible.
Over the next eleven weeks we will endeavor to understand what Jesus had to say about His own Second Coming through our study of Matthew 24-25.
I do not claim to have all the answers to all the questions concerning this great doctrine but I do desire to seek those answers in the only place they can be found, God’s word.
I owe much of this study to men who have studied and written on this subject. These scholars include, R.C. Sproul, John Phillips, William Hendriksen, and John MacArthur. I will draw heavily on MacArthur’s book The Second Coming.
In studying the Second Coming it is important that we avoid some of the common pitfalls and seek to develop a sound biblical understanding of this doctrine.
Despite the possible pitfalls and difficulties it is important that we study eschatology, because it is a cardinal doctrine of Christianity. Indeed the Second Coming is the climax of God’s redemptive purpose.
1A. Two Common Errors to Avoid
1B. The danger of denying the Second Coming
Theological liberals deny the literal return of Christ
Ø Some spiritualize all the prophetic Scriptures claiming the “Second Coming” occurs when a person is saved.
Ø Others claim that the prophetic passages are myth and little more than wishful thinking on the part of the Biblical writers.
Preterism and fulfilled prophecy
Ø Two types of Preterism, full and partial
Ø Partial-preterists believe that much of the tribulation prophecies in Matthew 24-25 have been fulfilled. However, they believe that many of the prophecies are yet to be fulfilled completely, including the rapture and the literal return of Christ.
Ø Full or hyper-preterists believe that every detail of Bible prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, including the resurrection, rapture, second coming, and final judgment. They do so by allegorizing or spiritualizing the meaning of most prophetic passages.
2B. The sin of sensationalizing the Second Coming
The unbiblical practice of setting dates (Mark 13:32-33)
Ø Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth (1970) and The 1980s: Countdown to Armageddon (1980) both predicted the rapture and Tribulation in the 1980s.
Ø Edgar Whisenant, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be in 1988 predicted the rapture would take place during September 11-13, 1988. Follow up with 89 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1989
Ø Harold Camping (Family Radio Network), 1994 in which he predicted the Lord’s return on September 7, 1994
The incorrect use of current events
Ø Current events are no guideline for interpreting Scripture.
Ø Karl Barth, “The modern Christian must read the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”
Ø Scripture interprets current events.
2A. Three Guiding Principles to Employ
1B. Many of the details of the Second Coming are shrouded in mystery (Mark 13:32-33)
During the incarnation Christ did not know the timing of the Second Coming.
The fact of the Second Coming is certain, but many of the details are hidden.
2B. We are to interpret prophetic passages using the same methods we use with other passages.
The plain meaning of a text is always the preferred interpretation.
There is no reason to spiritualize or allegorize Scripture if the plain meaning makes sense.
3B. We are to be ready for Christ’s return at all times.
Luke 12:40 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
How? Seven things we must do…
Be certain of your salvation.
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Worship God in spirit and truth
John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
Fellowship with and encourage other believers
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Be actively involved in evangelism and discipleship
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Make prayer a significant part of your life.
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Study the Bible
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Minister to others
1 John 3:17-18 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
2 Peter 3:1-4
1A. Two Common Errors to Avoid
1B. The danger of ____________ the Second Coming
Theological liberals deny the _____________ return of Christ
Preterism and ________________________ prophecy
Ø Two types of Preterism, full and partial
Ø Partial-preterists believe that much of the tribulation prophecies in Matthew 24-25 have been fulfilled. However, they believe that many of the prophecies are yet to be fulfilled completely, including the rapture and the literal return of Christ.
Ø Full or hyper-preterists believe that every detail of Bible prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, including the resurrection, rapture, second coming, and final judgment. They do so by allegorizing or spiritualizing the meaning of most prophetic passages.
2B. The sin of sensationalizing the Second Coming
The unbiblical practice of setting _________________ (Mark 13:32-33)
The incorrect use of current _____________________
Ø Scripture interprets current events.
2A. Three Guiding Principles to Employ
1B. Many of the details of the Second Coming are shrouded in _________________ (Mark 13:32-33)
2B. We are to interpret prophetic passages using the same methods we use with other passages.
The plain meaning of a text is always the preferred interpretation.
3B. We are to be ____________________ for Christ’s return at all times.
Luke 12:40
Revelation 1:3
How?
Be certain of your ________________________.
2 Peter 1:10
1 John 5:13
_________________________ God in spirit and truth
John 4:23
Fellowship with and encourage other believers
Hebrews 10:24-25
Be actively involved in evangelism and discipleship
Matthew 28:18-20
Make _______________ a significant part of your life.
Ephesians 6:18
Study the ________________________
2 Timothy 2:15
__________________________ to others
1 John 3:17-18