The Word ot Truth: Christ's Return

The Word of Truth

 

Christ’s Return

 

 

 

          In this series on the Word of Truth we have studied some basic and yet very essential doctrines of the Bible. We have seen that the Bible is the most profound and enlightening book in the entire world. It is God’s Word to us. The Word of truth tells us about God and about who we are. It declares to us the tragedy of sin and the great grace and love of God that saves us.

 

          The Bible is more than a book of facts. It is alive and powerful and it pierces deep into the thoughts and intents of our hearts.[1] And it reveals to us a faith rooted not in speculative philosophies but in history. Christianity is an historical religion. It is historical not only in the sense that its promises and principles are rooted in real people and events. It is historical because God has acted decisively in history revealing Himself and His plan of salvation. And He will act again decisively to bring all of history to its predestined climax with the second coming of Jesus Christ.

 

          People have often asked where history is going. Does life have meaning and purpose? The Bible, the Word of truth gives us the answer. Each and every day brings us closer to the turning point in history and the dawning of a new age[2]  Let’s read part of a message preached by the apostle Peter.

 

                    Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may

                    be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come

                    from the presence of the Lord, ²⁰ and that He may send

                    Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, ²¹ whom

                    heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all

                    things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy

                    prophets since the world began.

                    (Acts 3:19-21) [my emphasis]

 

          God sent Jesus Christ to save us from the power and penalty of sin. Christ died paying the penalty for sin that he might reconcile us to God.[3] And Peter said that God will send Christ again in a moment called “the times of restoration of all things.”

 

          The Greek word translated “restoration”[4] means to restore or to re-establish back to perfection that which has fallen into great ruin. With the return of Jesus Christ God’s people will receive everlasting life and glory and the earth will be restored to paradise. Let’s examine several truths about the second coming of Christ. We don’t have time to examine every aspect, but we can learn enough to fill our hearts with hope. The first truth is the certainty of Christ’s return.

 

                    Now when He had spoken these things, while they

                    watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him

                    out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly

                    toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood

                    by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee,

                    why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus,

                    who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in

                    like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

                    (Acts 1:9-11)

 

          The Word of God tells us that the same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, who died for our sins and was resurrected from death and ascended into heaven, will return the same way he left; on the clouds of heaven.

 

                    Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven,

                    and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they

                    will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven

                    with power and great glory.[5]

                    (Matthew 24:30)

 

          When the Lord Jesus Christ returns everyone on earth will see him. And he will be revealed in power and great glory. In his first coming Jesus was despised and rejected. He was crucified as a criminal. But with his return the whole world will see him as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. And with his return all of God’s people will be gathered together and granted everlasting life.

 

                    And He will send His angels with a great sound of a

                    trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from

                    the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

                    (Matthew 24:31)

 

          What a tremendous truth this is! At the return of Jesus Christ all of God’s people from every age of time and from every part of the world will be granted everlasting life.

 

                    But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become

                    the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since

                    by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection

                    of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all

                    shall be made alive. ²³ But each one in his own order:

                    Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His

                    coming. 

                    (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

 

          Jesus Christ was the firstfruits from the dead. His resurrection was the inauguration of the full resurrection to come. Christ’s resurrection guarantees that at his return all of God’s people will be granted immortality. In John 14:19 Jesus said, “Because I live, you will live also.” And Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Let’s continue in 1 Corinthians 15.

 

                    Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot

                    inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit

                    incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not

                    all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment,

                    in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the

                    trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible,

                    and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put

                    on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

                    ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this

                    mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass

                    the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

                    (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)

 

          At the return of Jesus Christ every believer who has died will be raised up from the dead. And every believer who is alive at the time will be changed. And all of us together will put on immortality and glory. How many tears have been shed at the death of someone we love? How many hearts have been broken with grief? There is a day coming with the return of Jesus Christ when all of this sorrow will be swallowed up with life and joy! God’s people will be filled with a joy that will never end.

 

          But at Christ’s return many others will mourn. We read earlier in Matthew 24 that everyone on earth will see Christ return with power and glory. And we were also told that many would mourn. Here’s why.

                    Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.

                    And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True,

                    and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

                    ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were

                    many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew

                    except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in

                    blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

                    ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white

                    and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of

                    His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike

                    the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron.

                    He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath

                    of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh

                    a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

                    (Revelation 19:11-16)

 

          The return of Christ brings everlasting life and glory to God’s people. But it will also bring war against God’s enemies. And divine judgment, justice and wrath upon the wicked and unrepentant. So often in life it seems like evil prevails. Selfish pride, arrogance and injustice rule the day. But when Jesus Christ returns, in the times of restoration of al things, justice will prevail and evil will be crushed[6] Acts 17:31 tells us that God

 

                    will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom

                    He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all

                     by raising Him from the dead.

 

          When Christ returns the wicked will be punished and the kingdom of God will be established on a renewed earth.

 

                    Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud

                    voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world

                    have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ,

                    and He shall reign forever and ever!” ¹⁶ And the twenty-four

                    elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their

                    faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
                    “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
                    The One who is and who was and who is to come,
                    Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
                    ¹⁸ The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
                    And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
                    And that You should reward Your servants the prophets

                    and the saints,
                    And those who fear Your name, small and great,
                    And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

                    (Revelation 11:15-18)

 

          The long rebellion of the world against God will end with the victorious return of Jesus Christ. And the earth that has been destroyed by sinners will be renewed and restored. The Bible tells us that with the return of Christ there will be everlasting peace.[7] Men will learn war no more.[8] There will be no more sickness or disease.[9] No more will sorrow or crying will be heard.[10] The dessert will blossom like a rose.[11] And the earth will be restored like the garden of Eden.[12] As we read earlier, the return of Jesus Christ will bring about the restoration of all things.

 

          But when will Christ return? In Matthew 24 Jesus Christ gave his fullest teaching concerning the fulfillment of history, his return and the dawning of a new age. He said that as history comes to its climax our world would endure wars, famines and other natural disasters. Christ called these events “the beginning of sorrows”[13] or more literally, “birth pangs.” Famines, earthquakes and war are a part of life in sinful world. But by calling these events “the beginning of labor pains” Christ intended for us to understand that these events will become more and more intense as we draw near to the end.

 

          Then in the last years of this age[14] there will be a person known as the Anti-Christ.[15] He is also called “the abomination of desolation”[16] and “the lawlessness one.”[17] This evil person will claim to be God[18] and demand worship. And this will lead to a time of severe persecution against God’s people called the “great tribulation.”[19] This time of trouble will be cut short[20] by the return of Jesus Christ.

 

                     Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun

                    will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;

                    the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the

                    heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ Then the sign of the Son

                    of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes

                    of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of

                    Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power

                    and great glory.

                    (Matthew 24:29, 30)

 

          As we near the end of this age Jesus Christ will return in power and glory. In Luke 21:28 Jesus Christ said when we see the signs of the end of this age,

 

                    when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up

                    your heads, because your redemption draws near.

 

          In the light of this great truth concerning the return of Christ how should we then live? Knowing the truth matters. To understand the truth is to understand what is real and factual so that you can live in the light of that reality. In light of our salvation and the sure and certain return of Christ here is how we are to live.

 

                    For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared

                    to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and

                    worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly

                     in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and

                    glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

                    ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from

                    every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special

                    people, zealous for good works.

                    (Titus 2:11-14)

 

          As we eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus Christ let us reject the deceitful values of this world. Let us strive to live soberly, with a sound mind healed by the Word of God. Let us live righteously; doing what is right. And let us live godly lives, with firm devotion to God our Father, the Author of life.

 

 

Appendix A

To understand the end times we need to understand Daniel's 70th Week.  This week is described in Daniel.

 

Dan 9:24 - Seventy weeks are determined  For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy,  And to anoint the Most Holy.

 

Daniel is given a prophecy concerning the fulfillment of the promise of God to establish His people and His kingdom. The seventy weeks are years. Therefore there are 70 sets of seven years prophesied. Daniel tells us that the 70 "weeks" are decreed regarding two things: 1) your people (Israel) and 2) your holy city (Jerusalem).  Then he lists six goals for establishing this period of years.

 

1.      To finish transgression

2.      To put an end to sin

3.      To atone for wickedness

4.      To bring in everlasting righteousness

5.      To seal up vision and prophecy

6.      To anoint the Most Holy

7.       

In the next verse he elaborates on this 70 "weeks" of years...

 

Daniel 9:25 -  Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem  Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times.

 

§  (7 weeks + 62 weeks = 69 weeks)

§  69 X 7 years = 483 Years

 

In 445 B.C. Artaxerxes Longimanus issued a decree to rebuild Jerusalem (cf. Neh 2:5).  From 445 B.C. to Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem = 483 years exactly!  Daniel continues...

 

Daniel 9:26, 27 - And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. and on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined,  Is poured out on the desolate.
       

  

§  69 weeks+ 1 week = 70th week = Daniel's 70th Week. The 70th week refers to the last seven years of this age. At the end of the first 69 weeks the Messiah was cut off, that is he died for the sins of the people. From Christ’s death until now the prophetic time clock has stopped. There has been a long period of time between the 69 week and the 70^th week; over 2000 years now. But at some point in the future the prophetic clock will begin again to begin the 7oth week or the last seven years of this age.

 

We are told in verse 27 that the "prince who is to come" will confirm a covenant with many for one "week (7 years)."  Most agree that this "ruler" refers to the Antichrist.  Therefore the 70th Week of Daniel will begin by the signing of a seven-year covenant by Antichrist with many.  Most also agree that this will be a covenant of peace between Israel and the "many."  Perhaps between Israel and the Muslim countries that surround it.

 

 69 Weeks are past, and only the 70th week remains before ‘everlasting righteousness’ can be brought to Israel and the most Holy One will be anointed, reclaiming rule over the earth from Satan.

 

Daniel's seventieth week is also referred to in the book of Revelation.  Although the prophecies do not explicitly mention Daniel the correlation is unmistakable.

 

Rev 13:4-5 - So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” ⁵ And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

 

§  42 months = 3 ½ years

§  3 ½ years = “the middle of the seven”

 

Dan 12:11-12 - And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. ¹² Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.

 

§  1,290 days = [ 1,260 days + 30 days ]

§  1,335 days = [ 1,290 days + 45 days ]

 

Daniel prophesies of "the middle of the week" (Dan. 9:27 above) which is 3½ years or 1,260 days. Then at the end of the book he mentions that from time that the Abomination of Desolation is set up - which is at the "middle of the week," there will be 1,290 days - this is 30 days more than the 3½ years.  Then he says that "blessed is the one" who reaches the 1,335 days.  This is 45 more days than the 1,260 + 30.  Each of these periods have a significant point of reference.  Rev. 13:5 tells us that he will rule for 42 months or 1,260 days.  Daniel 9:27 states the Abomination of Desolation will be set up until the  “is poured out on the desolate." and last, we are told that one is blessed if he reaches the 1,335 days.  Therefore, we can put together this picture.  The Antichrist will rule until the end of the 70th week or 1,260 days.  But his persecution of believers will be cut short (Matthew 24:22) and Christ will return for God’s people “immediately after the tribulation (Matthew 24:29). Thirty days later the Antichrist  will meet his "end."  The book of Revelation tells us that his "end" will be at Armageddon.  The next event will be the establishment of the millennial reign of Christ which we can surmise will happen 45 days later. 

 

 

---

[1] Hebrews 4:12

[2] Romans 13:11, 12a

[3] 1 Peter 3:18

[4] Apokatastasis –to rebuild or re-establish after a state of ruin.

[5] Revelation 1:7

[6] Isaiah 11:3-5

[7] Isaiah 9:7

[8] Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3

[9] Isaiah 33:24; 35:5, 6;

[10] Revelation 21:4

[11] Isaiah 35:1, 2, 6, 7

[12] Ezekiel 36:33-35

[13] Matthew 24:8

[14] See appendix A at the end of this teaching

[15] 1 John 2:18

[16] Matthew 24:15

[17] 2 Thessalonians 2:9

[18] 2 Thessalonians 2:4

[19] Matthew 24:21

[20] Matthew 24:27