Understanding the Second Coming of Christ

 

Summary

The doctrine of the second coming of Jesus Christ is a profound and complex subject that requires careful consideration and a humble approach. It is essential to understand that the second coming will be personal, physical, visible, sudden, and glorious. This understanding should not merely satisfy our curiosity about times and dates but should inspire us to live holy lives in anticipation of His return. The focus should be on our relationship with Christ and the transformative effect this doctrine should have on our daily lives.

The timing of Christ's return is a topic of much debate and speculation. However, it is crucial to remember that no one knows the exact time, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. This should caution us against dogmatism and the temptation to fixate on dates and times. Instead, we should concentrate on the certainties of His return and the signs that will precede it, such as the preaching of the Gospel to all nations and the fullness of the Gentiles and Israel.

The apostles, while they may have appeared to expect Christ's return in their lifetime, did not teach this explicitly in their writings. The New Testament often uses terms like "the last days" to refer to the entire era from Christ's first coming to His second, emphasizing the need for readiness and holiness throughout this period.

Prophetic foreshortening is a concept that helps us understand how prophecies can blend events like the destruction of Jerusalem and the final judgment. This requires careful interpretation to discern which events are being referred to in specific passages.

Finally, the question of Israel's role in the end times is a matter of significant debate. Some believe in a national restoration and conversion of Israel, while others interpret "all Israel" as the total number of elect Jews and Gentiles. This topic requires careful study and prayerful consideration, avoiding dogmatism and seeking a balanced understanding of Scripture.

Key Takeaways:

- The second coming of Christ is a personal, physical, and visible event that should inspire holiness and readiness in our lives. Our focus should be on our relationship with Christ rather than on predicting dates and times. [05:35]

- The timing of Christ's return is unknown, even to the angels and the Son. This should caution us against dogmatism and encourage us to concentrate on the certainties of His return and the signs that will precede it. [08:04]

- The apostles did not explicitly teach that Christ would return in their lifetime. The New Testament uses terms like "the last days" to refer to the entire era from Christ's first coming to His second, emphasizing the need for readiness and holiness. [13:18]

- Prophetic foreshortening helps us understand how prophecies can blend events like the destruction of Jerusalem and the final judgment. This requires careful interpretation to discern which events are being referred to in specific passages. [16:27]

- The role of Israel in the end times is a matter of significant debate. Some believe in a national restoration and conversion of Israel, while others interpret "all Israel" as the total number of elect Jews and Gentiles. This topic requires careful study and prayerful consideration. [33:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Second Coming
- [00:51] - Nature of Christ's Return
- [01:39] - Importance of Approach
- [02:15] - Timing of His Coming
- [03:07] - Interest in Prophecy
- [04:26] - Effect on Daily Life
- [06:07] - Historical Warnings
- [07:10] - Scriptural Statements
- [08:38] - Certainties and Uncertainties
- [10:14] - Avoiding Dogmatism
- [11:48] - Balance in Scripture
- [12:19] - Apostolic Beliefs
- [14:23] - Prophetic Foreshortening
- [17:26] - Interpretation of Prophecies
- [22:12] - Signs Before His Coming
- [24:03] - Gathering of Israel
- [33:59] - The Role of Israel in End Times

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 13:32 - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 - "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."
3. Romans 11:25-26 - "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the second coming of Christ as described in the sermon? ([01:06])
2. According to the sermon, why is it important to avoid dogmatism when discussing the timing of Christ's return? ([08:38])
3. How does the sermon describe the apostles' understanding of the timing of Christ's return? ([13:18])
4. What is prophetic foreshortening, and how does it relate to the interpretation of biblical prophecies? ([16:27])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the uncertainty of the timing of Christ's return affect the way believers should live their daily lives? ([05:35])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Israel in the end times, and how should this influence our understanding of biblical prophecy? ([33:59])
3. In what ways does the concept of "the last days" as described in the sermon challenge common perceptions about the end times? ([14:23])
4. How can believers discern which events are being referred to in specific prophetic passages, according to the sermon? ([16:27])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How does the anticipation of Christ's return inspire you to live a holy life? What changes might you need to make? ([05:35])
2. How can you maintain a balanced interest in biblical prophecy without becoming overly fixated on dates and times? ([11:48])
3. Consider your approach to studying the Bible: How can you ensure that your study of prophecy leads to spiritual growth rather than distraction? ([11:03])
4. In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of readiness and holiness in your daily routine, knowing that the timing of Christ's return is unknown? ([08:04])
5. How can you engage in discussions about the end times with others in a way that is respectful and avoids dogmatism? ([10:14])
6. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ, focusing on the certainties of His return rather than the uncertainties? ([08:38])
7. How can you pray for wisdom and discernment in understanding the role of Israel in the end times, as discussed in the sermon? ([33:59])

Devotional

Day 1: Anticipating Christ's Glorious Return
The second coming of Christ is not just a theological concept but a transformative truth that should inspire believers to live holy and prepared lives. This event will be personal, physical, and visible, marking a glorious moment in history. Instead of focusing on predicting the exact time of His return, believers are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ, allowing this anticipation to shape their daily actions and attitudes. The certainty of His return should motivate a life of holiness and readiness, as we live in expectation of meeting our Savior face to face. [05:35]

"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 can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ today, allowing the anticipation of His return to influence your actions and decisions?


Day 2: Embracing the Mystery of Christ's Timing
The timing of Christ's return remains unknown, even to the angels and the Son, emphasizing the importance of humility and caution against dogmatism. This mystery should not lead to speculation but rather to a focus on the certainties of His return and the signs that will precede it. Believers are called to concentrate on living faithfully and discerning the times through the lens of Scripture, rather than being preoccupied with dates and predictions. This approach encourages a balanced and watchful life, grounded in the promises of God. [08:04]

"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:36, 42, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from trying to predict the future to living faithfully in the present, trusting in God's perfect timing?


Day 3: Living in the Last Days
The apostles did not explicitly teach that Christ would return in their lifetime, but they emphasized the importance of readiness and holiness throughout the era known as "the last days." This period spans from Christ's first coming to His second, highlighting the need for believers to remain vigilant and prepared. The call to holiness is a continuous journey, requiring believers to live in a manner that reflects the values of God's kingdom, regardless of when Christ returns. This mindset fosters a life of purpose and intentionality, rooted in the hope of His coming. [13:18]

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy." (2 Timothy 3:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively pursue holiness in your daily life, knowing that we are living in the last days?


Day 4: Understanding Prophetic Foreshortening
Prophetic foreshortening is a concept that helps believers understand how biblical prophecies can blend events, such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the final judgment. This requires careful interpretation and discernment to identify which events are being referred to in specific passages. By studying Scripture with a humble and open heart, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God's unfolding plan and the significance of prophetic events. This approach encourages a thoughtful and prayerful engagement with the Word, seeking clarity and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. [16:27]

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories." (1 Peter 1:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach the study of biblical prophecy with humility and openness, seeking to understand God's plan more fully?


Day 5: Israel's Role in the End Times
The role of Israel in the end times is a topic of significant debate, with some believing in a national restoration and conversion, while others interpret "all Israel" as the total number of elect Jews and Gentiles. This subject requires careful study and prayerful consideration, avoiding dogmatism and seeking a balanced understanding of Scripture. By exploring this topic with an open mind and heart, believers can appreciate the complexity of God's redemptive plan and the unity of His people. This exploration fosters a spirit of unity and love among believers, as they seek to understand God's purposes for all nations. [33:59]

"I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace." (Romans 11:1, 5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach the topic of Israel's role in the end times with an open heart, seeking to understand God's purposes for all His people?

Quotes


The test of your interest in this question is this: is the effect of your study of it or of your consideration of it upon your daily life and living? I think I established last Friday that whenever this Doctrine is introduced in the Scripture, it is always in that context. [00:04:32]

Our interest in the second coming of Our Lord should always be in terms of our relationship to him, and unless it has the effect upon us of striving to be holy and to be ready for that great day, well then there has been something wrong in the way we've been approaching it. [00:05:19]

There are at least two statements in the scripture that should have saved us from it. Take the statement in one Thessalonians five in the first verse: but of the times and Seasons Brethren ye have no need that I write unto you, and he goes on to point out how he will come as a thief in the night. [00:07:10]

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no not the Angels which are in heaven, listen, neither the son, but the father. There is the Son of God himself telling us that he did not know the time, the date, and the hour. [00:07:44]

Indeed, my whole endeavor as we consider this great subject is simply to concentrate on those things about which we can be absolutely certain. There are certain things about which we can be certain. I've already mentioned the manner in which he's going to come. There is no question about that. [00:08:57]

If there is one subject about which dogmatism should be entirely excluded, it is this. We are in a realm where we cannot be dogmatic, and therefore our business is, I say, to consider various possible views and interpretation and ask God to lead us and to guide us. [00:10:14]

The apostles in their questions to our Lord most certainly did give the impression often that they thought it was going to happen in their day and generation, but I defy you to give me a single statement where they ever taught it in writing. [00:12:19]

The last times or the last days is used in the scripture in the New Testament. We must remember that it generally refers to the whole of the New Testament era, starting with the coming of our Lord and going on until the second appearing of Our Lord. [00:14:23]

Prophetic foreshortening now means just this: as you read your prophecies in the Old Testament, you will note that the prophet at one and the same time is talking about the first coming of the Lord and the second coming, and you have to be very careful that you make sure which he's referring to. [00:16:27]

There are certain signs which will precede his coming. What are they? Well, here's the first: the calling of the Gentile. Now you've got that in Matthew, the Gospel According to St Matthew, the 24th chapter and the 14th verse, a very famous and the most important verse. [00:22:12]

A second sign is going to be the Gathering in of the fullness of Israel. You noticed that, didn't you, in the reading again at the beginning in that great chapter, clearly teaching that the Jews are certainly going to be gathered into the kingdom and that that is happening is going to happen before the end. [00:24:03]

One school of thought says that what he means by all Israel is the entire number of the elect or the saved from amongst the Jews and the Gentiles. All Israel, in other words, according to that interpretation, is the Church of God, all the redeemed, all the saved, whether they were Jews, whether they were Gentiles. [00:33:59]

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Transcript
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