The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Memory Verse: “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”-   2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT).

Text: Acts 1:1-11.

Spiritual Emphasis: Every believer ought to be ready and prepared for the coming of the Lord.

1. The Purpose of The Second Coming.

• The first purpose is to keep the righteous believers safe from the reign of the anti-Christ, which is referred to as the rapture – 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev.3:10.
• It is also to rescue the living and holy church from the ensuing wrath and judgement of God upon all mankind – Matt.24:37-39.
• It will be the manifestation of the long-awaited blessed promise of a glorious union between the holy church (bride) with the holy Lord (bridegroom) – Jn. 14:1-3.
• It will commence the ultimate reward of the saints of God through Christ with eternal life with God – Rev.11:18.

Question: What part of the doctrine of the rapture is difficult for you to comprehend or find contradictory? 

2. The Process of The Second Coming.

• The second coming will happen in two phases: the rapture of the saints by Jesus and the return of Jesus with the saints for the millennium reign of Christ – Matt.24:31; Jude 1:14-16.
• The first phase will be very brief, while the second phase will be very glaring and lasting – 1 Cor.15:52; Matt.24:29-30.
• The first phase will be gathering of the holy saints (dead and living) to Christ and then Christ presenting them to God, while the second phase will be the descending of the holy saints with Christ to earth and prepare the kingdom to be presented to God – Col.1:21-22; 1 Cor. 15:26-28.
• The second coming of the Lord marks the beginning of the end of Satan and evil and a fresh beginning of righteousness and peace on earth – Rev.20:1-10.

Question: What convinced you that Jesus Christ will return to the earth a second time as the scriptures says? 

Conclusion

Whatever the schools of thought proposed, one thing is very certain, Jesus Christ will be coming soon. Let’s live holy, ready and prepared for His return as if it’s the next minute. Brethren, the five wise virgins are good examples for us to emulate so that we are prepared for whatever may happen in life and keep our eyes on Jesus as we await His return – Matthew 25:1-13).

Shalom!