CHRIS DOC
The second coming of Christ
The doctrine of last things
The Certainty of Christ’s Return - The apostles and early christians considered Christ’s return “The
blessed hope” (Titus 2:13; cf. Heb. 9:28)
The testimony of Scripture - The certainty of the second advent is rooted in the trustworthiness of the
scripture (John 14:3; Jude 14,15).
The Guarantee of the First Advent Provides - The second advent is closely tied to Christ’s first advent
(Heb. 9:26, 28).
Christ’s Heavenly Ministry - Christ’s revelation to John makes it clear that the heavenly sanctuary is
central to the plan of salvation (Rev. 3:12; 4:1-5).
The Manner of Christ’s return
A literal and personal return - two angels said that the same Lord who had just left them— real and
tangible person, not some spirit entity (Acts 1:11) — would return to earth.
A visible Return - scripture clearly states that the righteous and the wicked will simultaneously witness
his coming (Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:30).
An audible return - his coming will be made known by sound as well as sight (1 Thess. 4:16)
A glorious return - when christ returns, He comes as a conqueror, with power and “in the glory of His
father with his angels” (Matt. 16:27)
A sudden, Unexpected return - Christian believers, longing and looking for christ’s return, will be aware
when it draws near (1 Thess. 5:4-6).
A cataclysmic event - Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the metal image depicts the cataclysmic manner in
which christ will establish his kingdom of glory (Dan. 2:32-35).
The Gathering of the Elect - An important aspect of the establishment of christ’s eternal kingdom is the
gathering of all the redeemed (Matt. 24:31).
Two events make possible this universal gathering: the resurrection of the righteous dead and the
translation of the living saints.
The death of the Unbelievers - to the saved the second advent is a time of joy and exhilaration, but to
the lost it will be a time of devastating terror (Rev. 6:16,17).
The first signs announcing the second advent took place more than 1700 years after christ’s ascension,
and others have followed, contributing to the evidence that his return is very near.
Signs in the Natural world - Christ predicted that there would “be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in
the stars” (Luke 21:25). All of these signs would mark the end of the 1260 years of persecution.
* The witness of the earth- Occurred on November 1,1755, the Lisbon earthquake gave an impetus to
the study of prophecy.
* The witness of the sun and moon- Twenty-five years later the next sign mentioned in prophecy took
place the darkening of the sun and moon.
* The witness of the stars- the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833, fulfilled this prophecy.
The unique witness of earth, sun, moon, and stars, which came in the precise sequence and at the time
Christ had predicted, directed the attention of many toward the prophecies of the Second Advent.
Signs in the Religious world
A great religious awakening - (Rev. 14:6,7) As John the Baptist prepared the way for christ’s first advent,
so the advent movement is preparing the way for his second advent.
Preparing of the Gospel - (2 Peter 3:12) Christianity now has at its disposal an unprecedented variety of
resources for use in its mission.
Religious Decline - The widespread proclamation of the gospel does not necessarily mean a massive
growth of genuine christianity. Instead, the scriptures predict a decline of true spirituality toward the
end of time (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
A resurgence of the Papacy - According to biblical prophecy, the papacy would experience a great
renewal of influence and respect (Rev. 13:3). Already today, many view the pope as the moral leader of
the world.
Decline of religious freedom - The religious liberty obtained at great cost, guaranteed by the separation
between church and state, will erode and finally be abolished (Rev. 13:15,17)
Increase of Wickedness Surge in world crime - The disrespect for God’s law current within much of
Christianity has contributed to modern society’s contempt for law and order.
Sexual Revolution - Disregard for God’s law has also broken down the restraints of modesty and purity.
Wars and Calamities
* Wars - never before have they been so global and so destructive.
* Natural disasters - disasters appear to have increased significantly in recent years.
* Famines - never before has the world had millions of people suffering from either starvation or
malnutrition.
Redeemer’s return brings to a glorious climax the history of God’s people. “Behold this is our God;we
have waited for him... we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isa. 25:9).
