September 9, 2007
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
See 2nd Peter 3:4.
When it comes to the Second Coming of Christ it’s not “if” – it’s only “when.” Over 330 specific prophecies related to Christ’s First Coming and 1,845 references to the Second Coming.
I. The doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming questioned.
In Peter’s day false teachers were attacking the doctrine of the Second Coming, and they will do it in our day as well. 1 tactic is to question God’s Word and the other tactic is to twist God’s Word.
II. The doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming misunderstood.
Why?
A. Because Biblical doctrine in general today is neglected.
B. Because the study of prophecy is over-emphasized.
See Matt. 24:3. People, Christians and non-Christians alike, have an affinity towards knowing the future – who wouldn’t?
Examples: Mussolini or Hitler; Napoleon; the Middle East in prophecy; books on everything from the pre-tribulational rapture; mid-tribulational rapture; post-tribulational rapture; pre-wrath rapture; post-millennialism; amillennialism; the subject of prophecy in general – and now “preterism.” Christian TV shows specifically dedicated to prophecy; etc.
III. The doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming taught.
A. What will be the manner of His return? How will Jesus Christ return to the earth?
1. The Second Coming will be a physical return. See Acts 1:11.
a. The “jesus” of the Jehovah Witnesses can’t possibly be the Jesus Christ of the Bible because their “jesus” has already returned.
b. Other false teachers have taught that Christ’s return will simply be the impact of the New Testament’s influence on the world.
2. It will be a visible return. See Rev. 1:7, etc.
a. His return will be clearly visible.
b. “Every eye shall see him.”
3. It will be a sudden return. See Matt. 25:1.
The NT repeatedly emphasizes the suddenness of Christ’s return. At least 8 times Jesus warns that His return will be a sudden return.
4. It will be a glorious and triumphant return. See Matt. 24:30.
B. What is the purpose of His return?
There are at least 7 purposes of Christ’s Second Coming: Jesus is coming to conquer; He’s coming to re-gather and restore; He’s coming to judge the living; He’s coming to resurrect the dead; He’s coming to bind the devil; He’s coming to establish Himself as the King of kings once for all; and finally, Jesus is coming again to wind up the affairs of this world and to put an end to time.
C. When will He return?
1. The answer in Scripture is both crystal clear and incredibly simple: no one knows – no one knows. See Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7 and 1st Thess.5.
Conclusion
See 2nd Peter 3:10-12.