Hope and Readiness: The Second Coming of Christ

 

Summary

In this sermon, we delve into the profound doctrine of the last things, focusing on the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This doctrine is not only a significant part of Christian theology but also a source of great comfort and hope for believers. The scriptures emphasize its importance, with one in every thirty verses referencing the second coming. This event is not just a theological concept but a reality that should shape our lives and our hope for the future.

The second coming is described using various terms such as Apocalypse, Epiphany, and Parousia, each highlighting different aspects of this monumental event. It is a personal, physical, visible, sudden, and glorious return of Christ. This is not merely a spiritual influence or a metaphorical presence but a tangible and transformative event that will be witnessed by all. The scriptures assure us that this coming will be as real and physical as His first coming, and it will be a time of revelation and fulfillment.

However, the doctrine has often been neglected or misunderstood due to spiritual lethargy, false interpretations, and extravagant teachings. Some have reduced it to mere symbolism or past events, while others have been overly dogmatic, predicting dates and creating confusion. It is crucial to approach this doctrine with balance, humility, and an open mind, studying the scriptures and considering various perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The second coming is not just a future event but a present hope that should inspire holy living and spiritual readiness. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, purifying ourselves and preparing for the glorious return of our Lord. This doctrine should humble us, leading us to worship and adoration, rather than inflating our pride or intellectual curiosity. It is the culmination of our salvation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Key Takeaways:

- The second coming of Christ is a central theme in scripture, emphasized by its frequent mention and the importance given to it by Jesus Himself. It is a doctrine that offers comfort and hope, reminding us of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. [02:38]

- The second coming is described using terms like Apocalypse, Epiphany, and Parousia, highlighting its nature as a personal, physical, and visible event. It is not merely symbolic or spiritual but a real and transformative occurrence that will be witnessed by all. [24:12]

- Misunderstandings and neglect of this doctrine often arise from spiritual lethargy, false interpretations, and extravagant teachings. It is essential to approach it with balance, humility, and an open mind, studying the scriptures and considering various perspectives. [11:06]

- The second coming should inspire holy living and spiritual readiness, as it is a call to live with an eternal perspective. It is a reminder to purify ourselves and prepare for the glorious return of our Lord, living in anticipation of His coming. [10:15]

- Studying the second coming should humble us, leading to worship and adoration rather than pride or intellectual curiosity. It is the culmination of our salvation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, calling us to live in light of eternity. [43:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction to the Doctrine of Last Things
- [01:15] - Personal and General Destiny
- [02:38] - Importance of the Second Coming
- [04:50] - Biblical Emphasis on the Second Coming
- [06:24] - Albert Schweitzer's Contribution
- [08:28] - The Second Coming in Acts and Epistles
- [09:43] - Comfort and Hope in the Second Coming
- [11:06] - Reasons for Neglecting the Doctrine
- [12:28] - Misinterpretations of the Second Coming
- [15:55] - Extravagant Teachings and Their Impact
- [19:20] - Balanced Study of the Second Coming
- [24:12] - Terms Describing the Second Coming
- [32:44] - Manner of the Second Coming
- [39:02] - Visible and Glorious Return of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Second Coming of Christ

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 24:30-31 - "Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
2. Acts 1:10-11 - "They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'"
3. 2 Peter 3:10-12 - "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."

Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the nature of the second coming of Christ? Consider the terms used such as Apocalypse, Epiphany, and Parousia. [24:12]
2. What reasons are given in the sermon for the neglect or misunderstanding of the doctrine of the second coming? [11:06]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the second coming for believers today? [10:15]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the study of the second coming? [43:49]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the second coming should influence a believer's daily life and spiritual readiness? [10:15]
2. How does the sermon address the issue of false interpretations and extravagant teachings regarding the second coming? What balance is recommended? [16:59]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the second coming and the fulfillment of God's promises? [02:38]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the study of the second coming should impact a believer's humility and worship? [43:49]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the second coming. How does it align with the description provided in the sermon? What new insights have you gained? [02:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes living with an eternal perspective. What practical steps can you take this week to live with this perspective in mind? [10:15]
3. Consider the sermon’s warning against spiritual lethargy. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel lethargic? How can you address this? [11:06]
4. The sermon encourages a balanced study of the second coming. What resources or perspectives could you explore to gain a more comprehensive understanding? [19:20]
5. How can the hope of the second coming inspire you to pursue holiness and spiritual readiness in your daily life? [10:15]
6. Reflect on a time when you encountered extravagant teachings about the second coming. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [16:59]
7. The sermon suggests that studying the second coming should lead to worship and adoration. How can you incorporate this into your personal or communal worship practices? [43:49]

Devotional

Day 1: The Second Coming as a Pillar of Hope
The second coming of Christ is a central theme in scripture, emphasized by its frequent mention and the importance given to it by Jesus Himself. It is a doctrine that offers comfort and hope, reminding us of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. The anticipation of Christ's return is not just a distant theological concept but a present reality that should influence our daily lives. It serves as a reminder that God's promises are true and that He is faithful to fulfill them. This hope is not passive but active, calling believers to live in a way that reflects the certainty of Christ's return. [02:38]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return shape your daily decisions and interactions with others? Can you identify one area in your life where this hope can bring transformation today?


Day 2: The Tangible Reality of Christ's Return
The second coming is described using terms like Apocalypse, Epiphany, and Parousia, highlighting its nature as a personal, physical, and visible event. It is not merely symbolic or spiritual but a real and transformative occurrence that will be witnessed by all. This event will be as real and physical as His first coming, marking a time of revelation and fulfillment. The tangible nature of Christ's return challenges believers to live with an awareness of the reality of God's kingdom breaking into the world. It is a call to be vigilant and prepared, living in anticipation of the day when faith will become sight. [24:12]

"Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." (Revelation 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a greater awareness of the reality of Christ's return in your daily life? How might this awareness influence your priorities and actions today?


Day 3: Approaching the Doctrine with Humility
Misunderstandings and neglect of this doctrine often arise from spiritual lethargy, false interpretations, and extravagant teachings. It is essential to approach it with balance, humility, and an open mind, studying the scriptures and considering various perspectives. The second coming has been subject to much speculation and debate, leading some to either dismiss it or become overly dogmatic. A humble approach involves recognizing the limits of our understanding and being open to learning from others. It is about seeking truth with a heart that is willing to be corrected and guided by the Holy Spirit. [11:06]

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your understanding of the second coming where you might need to adopt a more humble and open approach? How can you seek a balanced perspective in your study of this doctrine?


Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
The second coming should inspire holy living and spiritual readiness, as it is a call to live with an eternal perspective. It is a reminder to purify ourselves and prepare for the glorious return of our Lord, living in anticipation of His coming. This eternal perspective shifts our focus from temporary concerns to the things that truly matter in light of eternity. It encourages believers to live with purpose and intentionality, aligning their lives with God's will and preparing their hearts for His return. [10:15]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to align your life more closely with an eternal perspective? How can this shift in focus impact your relationship with God and others?


Day 5: The Culmination of Our Salvation
Studying the second coming should humble us, leading to worship and adoration rather than pride or intellectual curiosity. It is the culmination of our salvation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, calling us to live in light of eternity. This doctrine is not just about future events but about the present transformation it brings to our lives. It invites believers to respond with awe and reverence, recognizing the greatness of God's plan and the depth of His love for humanity. [43:49]

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of worship and adoration in response to the promise of Christ's return? What specific actions can you take to live in light of the culmination of your salvation today?

Quotes

The second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a tremendously important subject. There are certain people who are very fond of statistics, and they like to work out things in the Bible in a statistical manner. One man has actually taken the trouble to make this discovery: that one in every 30 verses in the scriptures is a reference to the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:02:46]

There are references in the scriptures obviously to the first coming of our Lord and to the second coming. The proportion is this: for every one reference to the first coming of Christ when he came as the babe of Bethlehem, there are eight references to his final coming, his second coming. Now there, I think, we see something which shows us the very great importance of this subject. [00:03:38]

The teaching is that there is no greater comfort offered to the church than this particular doctrine. It was the comfort that was offered to that first generation of Christians, placed as they were in a difficult world and subject to persecutions. It is the thing by which the martyrs and the confessors have been sustained in all ages of the church. [00:09:38]

There is no doubt that one reason for that is the tendency in all of us to spiritual lethargy. We tend to become victims of life and of circumstances. That is why the scriptures are always exhorting us to remind ourselves of these things, to stir ourselves up that we may contemplate them. We are confronted by an enemy who is always trying to depress us. [00:11:13]

Another reason is that there are certain false views and ideas with respect to what it really means when we talk about the second coming of Our Lord. What do we really mean by that? Well, now, there are some who have taught that that just means the fact of death. They interpret most of these references to the coming of Our Lord in terms of the Christian dying. [00:12:20]

There has been a great deal of extravagant teaching with regard to this particular matter, perhaps more than with regard to any other single doctrine. People have become interested in times and seasons; they have fixed dates for the coming of our Lord, and they've been precise, some of them even down to the hour. Others have elaborated theories and multiplied their ideas. [00:16:07]

The essence of wisdom is to be sure that your reading about this subject is balanced. Start with the scriptures; study your scriptures carefully. Then go to those books which will help you, and above all, let me make this plea: read both sides, all sides. There are many sides, but at least don't be content with reading just one side. [00:19:18]

Beware of losing your balance with respect to this doctrine. Beware of becoming an exclusivist with regard to it. What I mean by that is this: that there are some people who take it up as a study, and it really almost becomes an obsession with them. They see nothing else in the scriptures. I knew a man once who was at that time a theological student. [00:22:00]

The second coming of Our Lord is going to be a personal coming. It's personal as distinct from his influence. You see, there are people who have taught that. They say what the scripture means by the second coming of Christ is this: that though he was crucified and died and buried and rose again, he's come again in his influence. [00:32:52]

The second thing we are told about his coming is that it's going to be physical, not spiritual only, but physical. Now, there is no doubt at all but that our Lord did come as he promised would have come on the day of Pentecost through the Holy Spirit. I will come again, he says, and manifest myself unto you. [00:33:56]

The next thing we say is this: it will be visible. He shall so come even as he has seen him go. Every eye shall see him. You shall see the son of man riding the clouds of heaven, visible. Now, this again is something that I must emphasize. There are some who would teach that our Lord's presence is going to be secret. [00:39:02]

If your study of it humbles you, you're studying it in the right way. If it inflates you or inflames your mind and your passion, you're studying it in the wrong way. If the study of it leads you to go down on your knees in worship and adoration and praise, it's the right way. [00:43:49]

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Transcript
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