The Promise of Christ's Return

Text

Acts 1:9–11 ESV

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

More than three hundred times—an average of one verse in every twenty-six—the New Testament refers to the truth of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures place great emphasis on this strategic teaching.

Why is the Second Coming of Christ important?

Key to History.

World events will not continue in an endless, unyielding procession.

But the Bible teaches a linear view of history. There was a beginning, a central event—the cross2 (and the resurrection)—and there will be a final consummation, in which God will bring His plan to its glorious fulfillment.

All things are pointing to His coming. Jesus Christ is the focal point of all history. Apart from Him there is no meaning to our existence

Colossians 1:16–17 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Hope of the Church. Our hope as the Church is for the appearance of the Bridegroom.

Revelation 19:7 ESV

7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

Motivation for holy living.

The awareness that our Lord may come without warning stirs believers from their lethargy, to rekindle the fire of first love.

Watchfulness is the proper attitude of believers; we are to be keen, alert, looking continually for the coming of Christ

Encourages Christian Service.

Believers who ardently look for the return of Christ will constantly be reevaluating the priorities that govern their manner of living.

They will put in highest place a vital relationship to the Lord,

They will be witnesses, warning their unsaved neighbors and colleagues to flee from the wrath to come.

How is Jesus going to come again?

He will return personally.

John 14:3 ESV

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

He will return unexpectedly.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 ESV

2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

He will return in glory.

Revelation 19:11 ESV

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

He will return in physical mode.

This real, physical, literal return of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth precludes any spiritualized interpretation.

For example, conceiving of His coming as occurring somehow in the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost or at the time of one’s conversion or possibly, as some teach, at one’s death.

Why is Jesus coming again?

He is coming to receive is own unto Himself.

We are to receive a new body, and as a complete person, be united forever with the Lord

Those dead already at the time of His coming shall be raised, and those still alive at that time shall be changed, both becoming glorified beings in an instant.

He is coming again to judge and to reward. Christ will come to judge believers, apportioning rewards commensurate with deeds done in this life, especially with regard to motives

Why is this important for us?

Mark 13:32–33 ESV

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

Be alert!

Be sober!

Be at work!

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”