The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ

We hear a lot about the second coming these days. Many see that the year 2012 is the last year of mankind, and that God will send Christ back to claim the righteous, destroy the earth, and bring down a new heaven and a new earth. The bible tells us a lot about what Christ will do on that faithful day, and it leaves a lot from our view. Let’s examine the second coming of the Lord according to the scriptures.

The Difference Between the 1st & 2nd Coming of Christ

The difference between Jesus’ first coming, and the second can be illustrated in the story of a young man whose car was wrecked in a snow storm that left him severely injured. A benevolent man came along, and took the young man to his cabin, and nursed the man back to health. Years later this same young man entered into a court room charged with a capital offense. His judge was the same man who had saved him in the snow storm. The accused man was elated to discover that his judge was the same man who had once saved his life. Expecting to be released the young man said to the judge, don’t you recognize me. I am the man you once saved. The judge said, yes I do remember you, but back then I was your savior, but today I am your judge. 2 Cor 5:10f; Heb 10:30

Why Jesus Will Return

It was prophesied that Jesus would come upon the earth, be crucified, and would arise again the third day. 1 Cor 15:3,4 The apostles foretold of Jesus second coming. Paul not only tell us that Jesus will come again, but as importantly, why he will come again. Paul said Jesus was coming back to avenge the saints by punishing the wicked, and rewarding the righteous who obeyed the gospel. 2 Thess 1:7-9

What We Don’t Know

God never had it revealed the day or the hour that Jesus would return. Mt 24:36,  Therefore it is incumbent for all to take heed, watch and pray, for we don’t know when that time will be. Mark 13:33 It is stated that Jesus’ return will come like a thief in the night when mankind is least expecting it, though the righteous seek, and watch daily for his return. 1 Thess 5:1-5

What The Scriptures Revealed

The scriptures tell us in some detail what will happen when Jesus returns. The apostle Paul described the mystery of Jesus second return this way: Christians shall all be changed from this mortal body very quickly at the last trump. Death will have no reign over the the saints of God because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the victory which comes by Jesus’ great sacrifice, and our obedience of the gospel of Christ. 1 Cor 15:51-58

Paul went on to say, “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. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thess 4:16-18

Peter said it very clearly when he said Jesus will come as a thief in the night. Heaven and earth, and all that is contained therein shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with a fervent heat. 2 Pet 3:10-12 All shall pass away except the Word of God which shall judge us all. Mt 24:35 f; Jn 12:48

How We Can Prepare

Jesus first warned all of mankind of his second coming by condensing it to one word, WATCH! Mk 13:37 Paul said that faithful brethren had no need of him warning them of Jesus return for they knew Jesus would come Unexpectedly. He said, “Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” For Christians, God has not appointed us a day of wrath, but a day of salvation that we should live together with Christ. 1 Thess 5:1-11

To be fully prepared all must obey the gospel of Christ, and remain faithful unto the end. All those who do this will receive a crown of life, and will look forward to the second coming of our Lord. 2 Thess 1:7-9ff; Mk 16:16; Rev 2:10

To those who reject the gospel, enjoy this life to its fullest, for the day will come when Jesus will take vengeance upon you, and that without mercy. Knowing therefore the terror of God, and on behalf of all who suffer for the cause of Christ, change now, because there is coming a day that option will no longer be afforded unto you. 2 Cor 5:11f; 1 Pet 4:16 Now is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation! 2 Cor 6:2