Tag Archives: Tribulation

Church, Daniel and Revelation

CHRIST’S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA

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Notes on a church known for its love and faithfulness.

 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3: 7-13

The American City

Most Americans know the meaning of the name Philadelphia. This fact is especially true if you live in that great city of Pennsylvania located in the Northeast section of the United States. Over 1.6 million people call Philidelphia home. It is known for its contribution to founding the American dream of freedom, free from the tyranny of Great Brittan and the powerful papacy of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe. But also the personal right of every human to “… to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” (United State Declaration of Independence)

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here. The authors of our famous documents desired a country without a king and a church without a pope. America’s pursuit of freedom and equality for every citizen has its roots in this famous city.

William Penn, a Quaker, founded Philidelphia in 1862, which became the capital of the Pennsylvania colony. The name means “brotherly love” in the Greek language. Interestingly, the Greek word for Philadelphia appears only twice in the Bible. Both references appear in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:11 and 3:7). John was inspired to write to this city after receiving a vision from God.

The City of Revelation

 “Asia Minor, situated near the eastern base of Mount Tmolus, (was founded and named by the Pergamene king Attalus II, Philadelphus. After the death of king Attalus III. Philometor, B. C. 133, it together with his entire kingdom came by his will under the jurisdiction of the Romans” (Ref: Blue Bible)

King Attalus II reigned for approximately 21 years 159-138 BC), whose “love for his brother Eumenes II gave him the epithet Philadelphus; after him, Philidelphia (brotherly love) was named. This prosperous city lay on the imperial post road. From its inception, Philadelphia was intended to serve as a missionary city for the promotion of the Greek language and culture to the area of Lydia and Phrygia. Its geographical location, however, made it subject to occasional earthquakes; in particular, the severe earthquake of A.D. 17 devastated Philadelphia together with Sardis and other surrounding cities.” (Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p.143)

The Church In Philadelphia

Jesus introduces Himself to this church with these characteristics:

  • The Holy One
  • the True One
  • The One who has the key of David who opens and no one shuts and shuts, and no one opens.

The first two attributes of Christ are significant for this church and all “who have an ear.” Christ is holy (set apart above the world’s sins) and the only One who is genuine and faithful. All others are false. Exclusive statements about Christ are inclusive of everyone, whether they believe it or not. Jesus and His promises are precise for each and every person. Therefore, exclusive comments about Jesus like this are not threatening if they are true. Jesus has proven to be true.

Exclusive statements about God and Jesus often appear in the Bible. For example, Jesus said something very similar, as recorded by John:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14: 6

In a similar point, Paul asks a question to the Roman church to clarify that unfaithful people do not affect the truth of God.

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. Romans 3: 3-4

So, Jesus is the untouched and unsoiled source of truth. But, he also declares He has keys to a door that none of us possess. He can let people in or people out. What does this mean? In or out of what?

An Open Door

Some might surmise that the door represents an entrance or exit into heaven. This has logical meaning to the western mind. However, in the context of the literal setting of Philadelphia, the purpose of this church, and other Bible references, it is likely a metaphor for an open door of opportunity that Jesus opens. When He does, no one can stop His purpose.

“The city’s strategic location made it the gateway to the East. From its very beginning, Philadelphia was deliberately built to be “the missionary city” for spreading the Greek culture and language among the barbarian tribes throughout the regions of Asia. Being on the imperial post road, Philadelphia was indeed given an open door for the spreading Greek ideas throughout the region.”

Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p. 144

The Philadelphia church also became an effective highway for spreading the gospel. This poses the question to the modern church. As we located where we can spread the gospel, or do we locate ourselves away from the highways and byways of the lost or to protect ourselves? Do we go inward or outward?

This was the purpose of all the churches and it continues to this day. Instead, we find ourselves more like a club for the comfort of the saints and we stay “in.” To go “out” is symbolic of proactiveness. Going “in” is more for the fearful and introverted. Paul spoke about the open door and going out in the world of opportunity for the sake of the kingdom. Going out means facing adversaries and the difficulties of being a worker for the kingdom of God.

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 2 Corinthians 2:12

…praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, Col 4:3

If God opens a door, the church should go through. Sometimes we find ourselves timid and excuse ourselves to tarry and pray. But often, the prayers have already been prayed, we just are too timid because of the challenges we anticipate. The road is not aways smooth anyway.

“Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

The work of spreading the gospel is God’s work,. We are just encouraged to be willing to follow and go out as He gives the opportunity. Has God opened the door for your church?

A Trial on the Earth

I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. Verses 11:12

Ah! many will say after seeing the phrase “from the hour of trial”, “See, God’s church has been raptured away, so they are not on the earth to witness this trial” (a.k.a time of trouble.).

This teaching hangs on one word “from.” But look at the exhortation and context of the reward in the next verse.

Jesus tells us to “hold on to what we have so that no one will take your crown.” Can someone take your crown if you are already in paradise? Of course not. In the next breathe, Jesus talks about individual victory that leads to being a strong “pillar” in heaven. Strength comes from the patient endurance found in verse 10.

Jesus prayed,

 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

John 17:15

Will God the Father answer Jesus’ prayer? I think so. Don’t you. We are to stay in this world to the end as a witness or testimony to the power of Jesus in our hearts regardless of the circumstances. Again, the western mind thinks only of the convenience and comfort of being snatched away. This is dangerous because this teaching minimizes spiritual preparation.

Philadelphia – A Historical Symbol

This church could easily be a symbol of the church during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In America and around the world, the Bible was being more understood as predicted by the prophet Daniel and encouraged by John when he said,

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Revelation 1:3

“With ‘little strength’ (3:8), the church of this period was indeed a missionary church driven by a strong desire to bring the gospel to the entire world. This period was a time of great advancement of the gospel, such as had not been experienced ever before in Chrisitan history.” Revelation of Jesus Christ, Stefanovic, p. 146

As the world has gotten larger, the tools to communicate have increased. Doors are open behind walled and discriminatory countries.

The church of Philadelphia encourages us to walk through the door of opportunity while it is day and light is available to everyone. Let us be quick to walk through the door and shake off the comfort of familiarity while it daytime. One day, darkeness will attempt to cover the whole earth.


I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4

Faith, Time of Trouble

TIME OF TROUBLE-How do we prepare?

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Prophecy of the End Time by Daniel and Jesus


“At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.

Daniel 12:1


For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24: 21-22

Couple #1-Every Fall, you can find her busy canning food from her garden to store away for the time of trouble. This annual exercise takes priority over everything else. She is working feverishly as if the stores are going to run out of food tomorrow. Her cellar is packed with food and other necessities to sustain the life of her and her husband for a long time. How long? She doesn’t know.

Her husband has a passion for stockpiling weapons for the time of trouble. He has enough weapons and ammunition for a small army. He reasons people will likely try to steal their food when the time comes. As a good American citizen, they have the right to defend their home and possessions. They have built a small home near the mountains, far from the crazy world of the big cities. Well water and solar panels provide everything they need to officially be off the grid and live a life of preparation for the day the world sinks into the black hole of despair, hunger, crime, and complete chaos. They have pulled all their money out of the bank and hid it in different places on their property. They are great students of the prophecies, particularly Revelation. They are Christians.

But they have missed something! There is one thing they don’t have. It is so important. If they don’t find it soon, they will never make it through the scenario they have built in their minds. The prophecy they have built in their mind comes from other survivalists, preachers in their small group, and the dark, wet news of the day. What they see in the world frightens them!

Couple #2 On the other side of the spectrum is another husband and wife. They make good money and enjoy their home and life. They believe the church will be raptured away before the time of trouble. So they make no preparation at all because they won’t be here. They believe their pastor, who proudly states,

“I don’t care about the Beast of Revelation 13 and the time of trouble. I won’t be here.”

So, the book of Revelation is not relevant to them. They hardly ever look at it. After all, it is all symbols, and no one can understand it.

This couple’s understanding of prophecies has come from isolated, out-of-context accounts of Biblical verses about end-time events preached to them through Hollywood productions, books, and passionate, well-dressed pastors. They spend little time in God’s word. They reason that the church hired a preacher to feed them. This husband and wife have missed something, too. If they don’t find it soon, they will be surprised when the time of trouble begins, and they are still here. They, too, are Christians.

Both Christian families are good people. They have heard things from false prophets that Jesus promised would come. Jesus said the deception would be of an immense scope. The whole world will be deceived! It is so tricky that even the very elect of God would be deceived if it was not for this one thing:

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24

What is the thing that the elect have that makes it impossible for them to be deceived? Is it knowledge of the Bible alone? Notice from Jesus’ words that it is signs and wonders used to deceive the people of our planet. What could this be? It is fire from heaven provided by the beast of Revelation 13. This earthly power provides the deception that will trick almost everyone on Earth:

He performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

Revelation 13:13

Satan is Preparing for the Time of Trouble

It can be said biblically that Satan is preparing for the time of trouble, too. He is trying to keep the people of planet Earth from the one thing the two couples don’t have. Those already under his control are lost in their choice to live their version of happiness: in drink, drugs, work, and entertainment, Satan will use anything that will keep the work of God through the Holy Spirit to draw them to know Jesus.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

The next verse is not often quoted. It gives the reader the solution and the thing missing by the two couples.

Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

1 Peter 5:9 (NLT)

But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”

Revelation 12:12 (NLT)

Satan’s preparation is not to survive but to take as many Christians as he can to eternal death because he knows he has a short time left. How does he know? Because he has had thousands of years to study God and His prophecies. He believes in the second advent but still does not love nor trust his Creator. He is a rebel from heaven!

Followers of Christ who have been baptized and perhaps have been doing good things for the church can be devoured. But not the elect because they have the one thing the two couples do not. Unconsciously, the two couples feel they deserve a place in heaven because of their church membership and good works.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7: 21-23

The couples will not survive the time of the trouble because they lack a personal knowledge of God and have not practiced trust in God. Jeremiah asked a question we should ask ourselves:

“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? Jeremiah 12:5

What the Two Couples Lack


And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

If we don’t know God the Father and Jesus Christ nor trust Them in the little things of everyday life, then how can we trust Them in life-and-death situations of the time of trouble? Whether we are here on earth or not, trust in God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Truth personally is critical in being saved in the little times of trouble that come upon us or the big worldwide time of trouble that is sure to come either way. Daily trust in God is the preparation for larger times of trouble in your life.

Survival is dependent more on who you know than what you know. Although, this is not to diminish the importance of knowing God’s word. It is the truth sets a person free from fear.

“...this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3

A true knowledge of God results in following or obeying him. A person can’t follow Him if they are disobedient and say in their hearts,

“Tthe moral law of God has been done away with.”


He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

1 John 2:4

Conclusion

In summary, Couple #1 is prepared to save themselves by the works of their hands i.e., canning food,, stockpiling weapons, and protecting their bank account. While preparation is always a good thing, they are showing their unbelief in God’s ability to supply their needs in times of trouble. Because of lack of faith, they have fear, and they look for ways to help God provide for them during the big time of trouble. He promised Isaiah a promise we can keep for ourselves:

He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.
Isaiah 33:16


No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

Psalm 91:10

Couple #2 lacks faith in God also. They have faith, but it is faith in the easy way out. But what if the popular way of thinking about end-time events is wrong, and they find themselves in the midst of it? Only trust in God will get them through, too. They need to prepare by trusting in God, which can be difficult when you enjoy all the earthly comforts. Those will one day be of little value.

Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin. Ezekiel 7:19

Satan works especially hard on those who take the name of Jesus. He causes doubt and a lack of trust. This is where he can devour a person. If we can’t trust in God and His word, he can lead them to trust in themselves or hide behind an incorrect knowledge of God. They can even believe the worst thing possible. An angry and unforgiving God who performs the most evil act possible. Eternal torture. This idea is probably the most disgusting slap in the face of a gracious, forgiving God who wants to draw people to him through love, forgiveness, and power over sins; not through threats of unending torture in flames of fire.

Ultimately, it is faith (trust) that pleases God. That must mean that lack of trust does not please him. Jesus asks this rhetorical question about faith and the end time.

When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:8

The answer to His question is obviously No! Our two couples would do well to know this truth about God and what He desires for them:

But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24

Do you know God personally? Do you trust Him even if your prayers are not answered the way you requested? Can you say to Him, “not my will, but yours be done?” Can you trust Him even if times of trouble fall upon you? Have you turned your back on God because of some great loss in your life? Begin today to rest in Him and find peace even though the sky falls. Trust in the small things. it will prepare you for the big things. Get to know Him daily. Make time to search for Him with all your heart. Then you can say,


The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold….For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me….
In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 18:2, Psalm 44:6, Psalm 56:4

In An Hour As You Think Not, The Soon Return of Jesus

SECOND COMING PREDICTIONS-DECEPTION PART 1

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The secular community, as well as Christians, pretentiously poked fun at Harold Camping’s prediction of the “Rapture.”  He said it would occur on May 21, 2011.  The day came and went as usual.  Christians all over the world knew from the words of Jesus himself that Mr. Camping’s prediction was in error.

“But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36 

Just one verse in scripture is enough for anyone who would attempt to narrow down the Second-Coming to a particular day or hour.  Most Christians can quote it by heart!  We can trust in Jesus’ word on this. But it is just one verse among many others Jesus had to say about His coming! Matthew 24 is a great source of plain language about the Second Coming if read in its context (without adding or subtracting) will prepare the sincere seeker of truth to be prepared for that great day!

Even though the faithful watchers can discern the times, Jesus will come at a time when they do not expect it, but they can be prepared!

“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” …”Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:33, 44

On the other hand, those not prepared are not looking for Jesus and are going about their normal routine. To them, Jesus will come as a thief in the night…totally unexpected. But to the watchers, they will not be overtaken as a thief as we shall see in this study.

Second Coming Shams

There are a host of other shams thrown at us by the enemy more complicated and tougher to unravel.   Many rely on non-biblical reasoning or sources concerning the Second-Coming. Examples:

“If my grandmother believed it, that is good enough for me.”

“If it is on the internet, it must be right. “

“The religious programming and books can’t be wrong.”

“The nice preacher on the TV is telling the truth.  Look at his big church!”

But, the enemy is at work with trickery that is so deceptive that even the best of Christians could be deceived.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.“ Matthew 24:24

This warning by Jesus tells those who will listen that false christs (Messiahs), and false prophets (teachers, forecasters) will use the platform of religion to promote falsehoods that could deceive the “elect.”  The word for “elect” as translated from the Greek is the word, “eklektos.”  It means those “chosen by God”

These events and teachings are a strong delusion, but the implication is that the “elect” are not deceived.  What makes this group different?  Very simply, they listen to the voice of Jesus and His word.  Their guiding principle is Sola Scriptura.  The Bible alone.  Scripture comes first before the words of any person, book, movie, or institution.

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20

The situation in the last days is very profound. The magnitude of the deception is revealed through God’s word. Paul gave an important warning when He wrote to the Corinthians,  He stated plainly that evil appears to be good!  The bad guy is in a white hat!

 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. II Corinthians 11:14. 

This verse tells us that Satan and his servants can look like an angel (messenger) of light!  Satan can even use scripture to lead people down the wrong path. He certainly tried with Jesus during the days of temptation in the wilderness.  But, Jesus knew His Father and He knew the word of God.

As Christians were quoting Matthew 24:36 when Camping made his prognostication, it would have been well for all of us to read the entire chapter and listened closely the instruction Christ gave his disciples when they asked,

“…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  Matthew 24:3. 

His answer? 

“Take heed that no man deceive you. Matthew 24:4

The very first words out of Jesus’ mouth regarding the sign of His coming and the end of the world is a warning to LISTEN so that no man deceive you! 

 Deception in the Manner of His Coming

As we have seen from Matthew 24:36, Jesus himself does not know when he will return, but He knows there will be deception involved.   But the deception is not just only the timing, but the way He comes back to earth.

The whole of Matthew  24 and the parallel chapters in the other Gospels tell of  Jesus describing to the disciples how He returns. Why is this important, especially to Christians? Could it be that even Christians could be deceived and thereby lost? If you read Jesus warning, it is primarily to His followers. The lost could care less.

“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ” 1 Thessalonians 5: 3

Recently, I heard a well-known TV evangelist say he doesn’t look at the signs or worry about the mark of the beast and other end-time-events because that is for those in the tribulation to worry about. Is this true? Isn’t this a dangerous way to prepare for Christ’s return? Is this not the object of the enemy’s falsehood to feel secure in something that is opposite from the teaching of Jesus?  

We will use primarily Mathew 24 for this first study.   Jesus’ return is not just about the “when” but the “how.”  Rest assured, the “elect” will know that his coming is near by the signs he left us. If they are a student of the word of God, they will have stored up the truth in their minds and walked in the light.

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Thessalonians 5: 4-6

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:3

How We Got Confused

There was a time when Christians knew how Jesus would come and many of the events of His coming by simply reading the portions of scripture that plainly tell of His coming.  In the last several years, there are books, movies, radio programs,  preachers and teachers with a different story that is not based on plain scripture but rather on a script from Hollywood or a book.

In the study of Jesus’ Second Coming, there is no need for any fanciful interpretation or any deep study.  It is plain and simple; written for all men, women, and children, not just university theologians or popular TV preachers.

Staying in Matthew 24, Jesus goes on to describe his Second Coming in verse 27-31:

For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Matthew 24: 27-31

What do you see in the words of Jesus regarding his coming?  Is it secret?  Are only a few Christians affected by it?  Is it in two parts or just one?  From the verses above, we can plainly see:

  • His coming is bright like lightning!  While lightning is quick, the comparison here is not the speed but by the brightness (shining)! The reference to shining involves sight.  Is there anything quite or secret about lightning that lights up the whole sky from east to west?
  • There is a tribulation before he comes and the sun is darkened and the moon does not give her light and the stars fall from heaven (massive meteorite shower?) and the powers of the heavens are shaken!  Can anyone miss this?  Is the tribulation before or after he comes?  It is before he comes!
  • Those who are lost see the sign of the Son of man in heaven and the people of the earth mourn!  They see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. They are not left to wonder.  They see Him!
  • He sends his angels with a great sound!  You can hear it!  The angels gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other!  Will this gathering be secret?  No! There is no indication here that this will be at the speed of lightning.  The process of gathering is for both the alive and those who died in Christ.

A Clear Picture

The clearest picture of the 2nd Coming is found in the letter to the Thessalonians by Paul. Here he provides more detail to the canvas of this event.

 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18.

From this verse, we can plainly see:

  • Jesus comes down from heaven (where he went to prepare a place for us-John 14: 2, 3) and there is sound in the form of a shout, a voice, and a trumpet. So can we conclude there is sound involved with the Second Coming? Yes!
  • Those that died in Christ are resurrected. The resurrection of the saved is the beginning of literal eternal life.  It is the reward Jesus brings with him (Revelation 22:12).
  • Those who are alive when Jesus comes will begin to ascend up into the heavens and meet both Jesus and those who were resurrected.  Here is the “rapture.”  It means to be caught up, but there are two groups that meet the Lord in the heavens.  Those who were in their graves asleep in Christ and those who did not experience death. (1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14)
  • This is where immortality is given.  Eternity with Jesus starts here at this event! (Notice it is not at death)….”and so shall we ever be with the Lord!”

Paul”s further explanation of these events are found in his letter to the Corinthians.

 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump(et): for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15: 52, 53

 Notice that when Jesus returns, immortality is given instantly at that point…not at death. As mentioned above, this is the reward Jesus brings with Him…It is out of context and in error to use the following verse at a funeral (as I heard) because the saying can only come to pass when Jesus returns and gives us immortality.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

1 Corinthians 15: 55

The context of this quote is found in the verse just before (v. 54)

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54

Very plainly…it is at the second coming that Jesus takes the dust of the dead and shapes them back into life.  The sleep of death is but like a mere second. When Jesus resurrects those who are asleep in death, they are instantly (a twinkling of an eye) given the gift of immortality and bodies that will never decay.

There is a lot going on in these verses to let us know there is nothing secret and it is not in two parts.  Other verses from the other writers further describe the glory of his coming, Here are just a few:

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:38

Jesus does not come in his glory alone, but the glory of his Father and with the holy angels!  With all that glory, there is nothing secret or invisible about His coming!

The lost have a different response to His coming:

 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

Revelation 6: 15-16:

The unsaved will hide in the darkest places of the dens and rocks of mountains and pray for them to fall on them to hide them from the face of Jesus!  No secret coming here!  This was also foretold by Isaiah:

“Go into the rocks, hide in the ground from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty!”

Isaiah 2:10

 “Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so,  Amen.”

Revelation 1:7

From the verses above, we can see:

  • When he comes, he comes in His own glory and the glory of the father and the holy angels.  It only took the glory of one angel to make the soldiers at the tomb of Jesus drop to the ground like dead men (Matthew 28: 2-4).  Imagine the whole sky full of the glory of millions of angels and the glory of the Father and Jesus!
  • Those that are lost cannot bear to look upon the sight of Jesus’ coming and try to hide from the face of Jesus by calling for the rocks and mountains to fall on them.
  • Every eye sees him coming!  Much like every eye can see the sun as the earth turns.  It is possible that his coming is seen up to as long as a 24 hour period!

Nothing secret about this!

Notice the contrast of the words of those that are saved.

 “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 25:9

In the next writing, we will study out where Hal Lindsey and others came up with the idea of a sudden snatching away of the church and the 7-year tribulation.

Another topic we will study is the fate of the lost.  The reason for the Lord’s apparent delay in coming is because when he comes, there will be those who perish in the destruction of the earth:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2 Peter 3: 9, 10

The Second coming is both rejoicing and destruction for this earth as we know it. Nowhere does the word of God split the return of Christ into two parts. But, as we shall see, the saved spend a honeymoon of one thousand years with Jesus in heaven (where he is now) before He creates the new heavens and the new earth prepared in the saved of the redeemed.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3: 13

In conclusion, the Lord taught his disciples about the deception regarding the timing and manner His second coming.  This deception would be very tricky and inspired by the enemy himself with the intent to take as many as possible with him, especially those who give up on the return of Christ and return to their former life:

But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,..Matthew 24: 48-50

It is critically important for the follower of Christ to know what Jesus and the writers of the Bible have to say about this grand event when all the saved will meet the Lord in the air and begin eternity with each other never; to experience sin and death ever again.  What a day that will be!  We shall behold Him!

 Listen to the correct theology of Christ’s second coming in Sandi Patty’s version of “We Shall Behold Him.”  May the Lord bless you as you listen.