The Second Coming of Christ

The second coming of Christ is mentioned more than 300 times in the New Testament. Paul refers to it in his epistles at least 50 times. Whole books such as 1 and 2 Thessalonians and whole chapters such as Matthew 24 and Mark 13 are devoted to this subject. It is, without doubt, one of the most important doctrines of the New Testament; therefore, we believe He is coming again. The Second coming is divided into two events: the Rapture (when all Christians shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air) and the Revelation (when the Lord comes back to earth with the saints to set up His Kingdom).

Lets focus on the Rapture:

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope... For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. — 1. Thessalonians 4:13, 16-17

There will be signs of His Coming:

1. The sign of the days of Noah and Lot (Matthew 24:27-39; Luke 17:26-30).

2. The sign of world evangelism (Matthew 24:14).

3. The budding of the fig tree: Jews return to the Holy Land (Luke 21:24, 29-30).

4. The sign of the generation which shall see these things (Matthew 24:34).

5. Wars, economic disturbances, persecution (Matthew 24:6-13).

There will be a special manner of His Coming:

1. He will come in person (Acts 1:11; John 14:3).

2. His coming will be glorious. He will come with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise from the graves. They, along with the living Christians, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. We shall be changed into His likeness. (1. Thessalonians 4:16; Colossians 3:4; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2)

3. He will be coming in the clouds (Revelation 1:7).

4. One shall be taken, another left (Luke 17:34-36).

There will be a specific time of His Coming:

1. The day and the hour is not known by man (Matthew 24:36, 42; Matthew 25:13).

2. His coming is delayed because He waits for the precious fruit of the earth (James 5:7).

3. His coming is delayed because He is waiting for more to repent (2. Peter 3:9).

4. His coming is delayed because of our attitude (James 5:8).

5. His coming will be in the twinkling of an eye (1. Corinthians 15:51-52).

There will be a purpose of His Coming:

1. To catch his Bride away from the Great Tribulation (1. Thessalonians 5:9; Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19).

2. To reward every man according to his works (2. Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12).

3. To take us to the home He has prepared (John 14:3).