Understanding the Second Coming: Perspectives and Promises

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of the last things, we have arrived at the profound and often debated topic of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our focus today is on the timing of His return, a subject that has sparked much controversy and speculation throughout the ages. My primary aim is not to present a definitive viewpoint but to encourage an open-minded approach, free from dogmatism. It is crucial to recognize that many godly and scholarly individuals have grappled with this issue and arrived at different conclusions.

We must be cautious of rigid theories that claim absolute certainty, often stemming from a lack of awareness of alternative perspectives. The vast body of work on this subject, such as the four-volume "The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers," illustrates the complexity and diversity of thought surrounding prophecy and the second coming.

As we delve into the question of whether Christ's return could happen at any moment or if there are signs that must precede it, we find that Scripture suggests certain events must occur first. These include the global proclamation of the Gospel and the fullness of Israel. The interpretation of "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 is particularly challenging, with three main views: it refers to the complete Christian Church, a significant conversion of Jews, or the total number of elect Jews throughout history.

The Apostle Paul’s writings emphasize the unity and continuity of God's people, both Jews and Gentiles, as one body in Christ. The promises of God have always been directed towards a spiritual Israel, a remnant chosen by grace, rather than a physical nation. This understanding aligns with the New Testament's application of Old Testament prophecies to the Church, as seen in the teachings of Peter and James.

Ultimately, the key to interpreting these prophecies lies in recognizing the spiritual nature of God's promises and the unity of His people. The focus should not be on nationalistic or literal interpretations but on the spiritual fulfillment of God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The complexity of the second coming of Christ requires an open-minded approach, recognizing the diversity of interpretations among godly scholars throughout history. Dogmatism is unwarranted in this area of theology. [01:14]

- The interpretation of "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 is multifaceted, with views ranging from the complete Christian Church to a significant conversion of Jews or the total number of elect Jews throughout history. [09:34]

- The New Testament often applies Old Testament prophecies to the Church, emphasizing the spiritual fulfillment of God's promises rather than a literal or nationalistic interpretation. [19:15]

- The unity and continuity of God's people, both Jews and Gentiles, as one body in Christ, is a central theme in Paul's writings. The promises of God are directed towards a spiritual Israel, a remnant chosen by grace. [26:17]

- The focus should be on the spiritual nature of God's promises and the unity of His people, rather than on nationalistic or literal interpretations. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, for both Jews and Gentiles. [39:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Doctrine of Last Things
- [00:26] - The Timing of Christ's Second Coming
- [00:58] - Avoiding Dogmatism in Eschatology
- [02:35] - The Complexity of Prophetic Interpretation
- [05:26] - Signs Preceding Christ's Return
- [06:38] - The Fullness of Israel
- [07:26] - Interpretations of "All Israel Shall Be Saved"
- [10:10] - The Meaning of Israel in Romans
- [13:37] - Old Testament Prophecies and the Church
- [17:51] - New Testament Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [21:01] - Ezekiel's Prophecies and Literal Interpretation
- [24:09] - Jesus' Teachings on Israel's Restoration
- [28:06] - Understanding Romans 9-11
- [34:40] - The Spiritual Israel and God's Promises

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 11:26 - "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."
2. Matthew 21:43 - "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."
3. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three main interpretations of the phrase "all Israel shall be saved" as discussed in the sermon? [07:47]

2. According to the sermon, what does Matthew 21:43 suggest about the kingdom of God and its recipients? [06:53]

3. How does 1 Peter 2:9 relate to the concept of spiritual Israel as mentioned in the sermon? [07:09]

4. What is the significance of the "fullness of Israel" in the context of the second coming of Christ? [06:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the topic of the second coming of Christ, and why is dogmatism discouraged in this area? [01:14]

2. In what way does the sermon interpret the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ, and how does this relate to the promises of God? [26:17]

3. How does the sermon explain the application of Old Testament prophecies to the Church, and what does this imply about the nature of God's promises? [19:15]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the spiritual nature of God's promises, and how should this influence our understanding of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles? [39:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own beliefs about the second coming of Christ. How open are you to considering different interpretations, and what steps can you take to avoid dogmatism in your theological discussions? [01:14]

2. How can you actively contribute to the unity of Jews and Gentiles as one body in Christ within your church community? What practical actions can you take to promote this unity? [26:17]

3. Consider the spiritual nature of God's promises. How does this understanding affect your personal faith journey and your interactions with others who may have different interpretations of scripture? [39:47]

4. In what ways can you focus on the spiritual fulfillment of God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than getting caught up in nationalistic or literal interpretations? [19:15]

5. How can you engage in conversations about the second coming of Christ with others in a way that is respectful and open-minded, acknowledging the diversity of interpretations among believers? [01:14]

6. Identify one Old Testament prophecy that you find challenging to interpret. How can you seek guidance from the New Testament or other believers to gain a deeper understanding of its spiritual significance? [19:15]

7. Reflect on the concept of "all Israel shall be saved." How does this influence your perspective on evangelism and sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles? [07:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Complexity of Christ's Return
The second coming of Christ is a profound and often debated topic within Christian theology. It is essential to approach this subject with an open mind, recognizing the diversity of interpretations that exist among godly scholars throughout history. Dogmatism is unwarranted in this area, as the timing of Christ's return is not definitively known. Instead, believers are encouraged to explore the various perspectives and understand that the complexity of this doctrine requires humility and a willingness to learn from others. By doing so, one can appreciate the richness of the biblical narrative and the hope it offers for the future. [01:14]

"For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate an open-minded approach to theological topics that are often debated, such as the second coming of Christ?


Day 2: Understanding "All Israel Shall Be Saved"
The phrase "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 has been interpreted in various ways, reflecting the complexity of biblical prophecy. Some view it as referring to the complete Christian Church, others to a significant conversion of Jews, and still others to the total number of elect Jews throughout history. This multifaceted interpretation highlights the need for careful study and reflection on Scripture. It is important to consider the broader context of Paul's writings, which emphasize the unity and continuity of God's people, both Jews and Gentiles, as one body in Christ. By doing so, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan and the role of Israel within it. [09:34]

"And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob'; 'and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.'" (Romans 11:26-27, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of complex biblical passages, such as Romans 11:26, and how they relate to God's redemptive plan?


Day 3: Spiritual Fulfillment of God's Promises
The New Testament often applies Old Testament prophecies to the Church, emphasizing the spiritual fulfillment of God's promises rather than a literal or nationalistic interpretation. This perspective encourages believers to focus on the spiritual nature of God's promises and the unity of His people. By understanding that God's promises are directed towards a spiritual Israel, a remnant chosen by grace, believers can appreciate the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. This understanding aligns with the teachings of Peter and James, who applied Old Testament prophecies to the Church, highlighting the spiritual fulfillment of God's plan through faith in Jesus Christ. [19:15]

"For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but 'Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.'" (Romans 9:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from literal interpretations of Scripture to understanding the spiritual fulfillment of God's promises in your life?


Day 4: Unity of God's People in Christ
The unity and continuity of God's people, both Jews and Gentiles, as one body in Christ, is a central theme in Paul's writings. The promises of God have always been directed towards a spiritual Israel, a remnant chosen by grace, rather than a physical nation. This understanding challenges believers to see beyond nationalistic or literal interpretations and to embrace the spiritual nature of God's promises. By recognizing the unity of God's people, believers can appreciate the inclusivity of the Gospel and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. This perspective encourages a deeper sense of community and shared purpose among believers. [26:17]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively promote unity and inclusivity within your faith community, recognizing the shared identity of all believers in Christ?


Day 5: Salvation Through Faith in Christ Alone
The focus of biblical prophecy should be on the spiritual nature of God's promises and the unity of His people, rather than on nationalistic or literal interpretations. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, for both Jews and Gentiles. This understanding calls believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ and to trust in His redemptive work. By doing so, they can experience the fullness of God's promises and the hope of eternal life. This perspective encourages believers to live out their faith with confidence and to share the message of salvation with others, knowing that it is available to all who believe. [39:47]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your trust in Christ's redemptive work and share the message of salvation with those around you today?

Quotes

My main concern is not so much to put before you a point of view as to do something else namely this my main Endeavor is to try to persuade everybody present that dogmatism is never less justifiable than it is with regard to this subject if I succeed in doing that I shall indeed be more than satis. [00:58:04]

Nothing to me is more tragic than the way in which people have their cut and dried theories about this matter which they regard as absolutely and inevitably right and by which they judge all others with no doubts at all generally it's due to the fact of course that they were not even aware of the fact that there was any other conceivable point of view. [01:30:52]

The task of anybody doing what I'm doing here tonight you see is pictured by that I trust that that does bring it right home to us that you rarely cannot deal with this subject gbly it's just an account of factual historical account of what these great fathers and teachers in the church have taught and have said coming right away down the century. [04:15:28]

The first is that all Israel means the completed full Christian Church the Israel of God consisting of Jews and Gentiles who are saved and are members of the Christian church that's the first view that all Israel means the church completed consisting of Jews and Gentiles. [07:56:40]

The promises of God have never applied to the literal Nation as a whole they've always had reference to the remnant to the spiritual Jews those who were Jews in heart and not merely by circumcision whose circumcision wasn't outward but inward of the heart and of the spirit right away he works it out God's promises were never to the whole nation but they were to this peculiar people he has chosen in the nation The Remnant the spiritual Israel which is the true Israel. [32:41:48]

The New Testament applies to the Christian Church take that one for instance which was used by the Apostle Peter in his sermon at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost people were asking what is this The Descent of the Holy Ghost and these men speaking with tongues this astounding phenomenon what is this and Peter you remember replies by saying this is that which was spoken by the prophet Jo in other words he says this is the Fulfillment of what the prophet Jil said. [16:26:40]

The Jews rejected the Lord Jesus Christ when he came because of their carnal ideas of Israel because of their nationalistic ideas because he didn't come and set himself up as a king because they were Bound by these political National social ideas they didn't recognize the spiritual truth and they rejected him is that going to happen again I wonder and are there some of God's people who are falling into the same trap and the same error of materializing and thinking in terms of the nation rather than this Remnant this spiritual Israel about which the Bible is always concerned. [35:24:40]

The focus should be on the spiritual nature of God's promises and the unity of His people, rather than on nationalistic or literal interpretations. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, for both Jews and Gentiles. [39:47:00]

The unity and continuity of God's people, both Jews and Gentiles, as one body in Christ, is a central theme in Paul's writings. The promises of God are directed towards a spiritual Israel, a remnant chosen by grace. [26:17:00]

The interpretation of "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 is multifaceted, with views ranging from the complete Christian Church to a significant conversion of Jews or the total number of elect Jews throughout history. [09:34:00]

The complexity of the second coming of Christ requires an open-minded approach, recognizing the diversity of interpretations among godly scholars throughout history. Dogmatism is unwarranted in this area of theology. [01:14:00]

The New Testament often applies Old Testament prophecies to the Church, emphasizing the spiritual fulfillment of God's promises rather than a literal or nationalistic interpretation. [19:15:00]

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Transcript
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