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When Christ Returns Introduction: We just concluded a study of Revelation. Time after time we stressed the nature of the Book: written in figurative language, most of the events were to take place shortly, and the ultimate message of the Book, victory! Christians in the first century had it rough. Persecution and death came upon them. No wonder they looked forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus. Perhaps we have gotten so far away from the persecution that we do not look forward to Jesus coming back. We have forgotten why, when, and how He will return. I) Jesus' First Appearance A) He took on the form of a man, Phil. 2.1ff 1. Possessed a physical body, hands, feet, etc. 2. Got hungry, bleed, and died. Something we can all relate to. B) His purpose was to seek and save the lost, Matthew 1.21; Mark 2.17. 1. He went primarily to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel", Matthew 10.6. 2. For three years he preached, performed miracles, and did good. C) He fulfilled perfectly the Law of Moses, Hebrews 4.15; Matthew 5.17-18 1. What do we mean he fulfilled the Law of Moses? He lived it perfectly, without sin. 2. He also fulfilled the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. D) He was sacrificed on the cross for our sins, John 19.34 1. Some passages speak of propitiation, as a peace offering made on our behalf. 2. He died for you and me. E) He was resurrected and ascended back into heaven, Acts 1. 1. The resurrection was important because it proved He was sinless, He overcame the power of death, the gates of Hades was not able to stop Him. 2. The ascension was important because He is now at the right hand of God. F) He promised to return, Acts 1.9-11 1. Christ's rule and authority has been established, Colossians 1.13 2. Jesus promised to build His church, Matthew 16.18 which He did. 3. The church was established on the Day of Pentecost, Act 2.47 II) What Will Happen When Christ Returns? A) People will be surprised and most will not be ready. 2 Peter 3.10; Matthew 24.36-39 1. Some people have no intention of being ready since they do not believe. 2. Some people are waiting to get ready but will be caught unaware. 3. Some people are looking for signs of the apostasy spoken on the 2 Thess. 2.3-11, v.7; 1 Timothy 4.1ff. But fail to realize that those things already happened. B) All of the dead will be raised from the grave, 1 Corinthians 15.20-23 1. The grave refers to the realm of the dead and not the physical grave. 2. All means the same for death and life. C) The dead in Christ shall rise first and then those alive will meet Him, 1 Thess. 4.13-17 1. There will be an order to the resurrection. Our God is not a God of confusion. a. There was order in the creation. b. There was order in the plan of salvation. c. There will be order in the resurrection. 2. Then those who are lost will be raised, John 5.28-29. D) The kingdom will be handed over to God, 1 Corinthians 15.24 1. This tells us the kingdom had already been established, Matthew 28.18 2. The kingdom refers to the people and not a land mass or a physical government. E) We shall all be changed in a moment at the twinkling of an eye, 1 Corinthians 15.42-44, 50-52 1. From a physical body to a spiritual body. Not of flesh and blood. 2. This will occur at the sound of a trumpet, 1 Thess. 4.16 F) The saved will meet Jesus in the air, 1 Thess. 4.16 1. What does this mean? Jesus will not touch this earth. G) Glorification, 2 Thess. 1.10 1. We shall see Christ as He is, 1 John 3.2 2. The saints will be glorified with Him, Phil. 3.20 H) All physical elements will be destroyed, 2 Peter 3.11-13 1. There will be no going back. We cannot come back here to live again. 2. As spiritual beings we will go to a spiritual place. I) This will be the Day of Judgment, John 12.48-49 1. Judgment based on God's word and our lives. 2. Some will go to heaven and some will go to hell, Matthew 25. a. This is dependent on how we have lived our lives, 2 Corinthians 5.10 b. Heaven is prepared for the righteous, Revelation 20.12-15. Conclusion: Where is there room for two more comings of Christ? The Battle of Aramaggedon? A 1000 year reign of Christ here on earth?
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