Things to occur AT the second coming
1. The appearance of Jesus in glory. Jesus’ return will be with “a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God” (1 Thess.4:13-18). He will return in great glory, the glory of his Father (Mt.16:27; 19:28; 25:31). The angelic hosts will accompany him. Every eye will see him (Rev.1:7). Revelation 19:11-16 gives us a vivid picture of Jesus riding on a white horse – eyes blazing with fire, a two edged sword coming out of his mouth, his robe dipped in blood and the armies of heaven riding with him.
2. The destruction of the wicked. Those who have rejected Jesus will be shocked at his coming and will seek to run from his presence (Jude 14-15 and Rev.1:7). These are those who don't acknowledge God and who refuse to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will be destroyed with the ‘brightness of his coming’. The second coming will be one of judgement on the wicked, not of mercy any more. Jesus will return in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and refused to obey the gospel. The ungodly will be destroyed with the brightness of his coming (2 Thess.1:7-10). They will be punished and banished from God’s presence (2 Thess.1:7-10; 2:3-12).
3. The resurrection of the righteous – all believers who have died “in faith” will have their bodies resurrected and will live forever with a glorified body (1 Thess.4:13-18. 1 Cor.15:51-57. Heb.9:28. Phil.3:20-21). In that sense Jesus is coming ‘with’ his saints. This refers to all of the righteous believers who have died in faith since time began – there spirits are in heaven right now but they are waiting in expectation for the resurrection and glorification of their bodies.
4. The ‘rapture’ of remaining believers – Jesus will return for (those who are “alive and remain” and escape death) and with his saints (those who “died in faith”). See 1 Thess.4:16-17. In this sense, Jesus is coming ‘for’ his saints – those who are alive and remain on the earth when he returns. There is a generation that will never die! Jesus will come in their generation whole they are still alive. Many have hoped to be a part of that company and we do too!
What a day that will be! It will be more dramatic, more explosive and more exciting than any movie you have ever seen! The second coming is a great source of comfort and of hope for us as believers. There is coming a time when pain, crying and suffering will be gone. We will be reunited with our loved ones who have died and gone to heaven.
Click here for part 5.
Love reading these well balanced ‘end time’ time series Mark. Thank you for your encouraging wisdom!
Ps. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ . . (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
Wow Mark I just found you and this is some good stuff! I’m checking in from over here in Bangor, Maine! Please sign me up to get your feeds! From a pastor to a pastor i wanted to invite you and your wife Nicole to the following free event coming up in your city May 30th and 31st!
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Hi Pastor Mark, I just have a question after reading your article. What about the seven years “Tribulation” on earth before the Jesus second coming? I’m not sure whether it is the right term to use, butI know there is a time between revival time and Jesus’ second coming. Please direct me with relevant scriptures to study on that. Thank you for the teaching. I do believe that is an area that lots of Christians need to have the good teaching so we can do the Lord’s work on earth until Jesus comes back again. I think we need to preach on this subject more as we live in the last days now. If we are not clear ourselves, how can we explain to non-believers and our love ones what the last days and the second coming of Jesus are all about. Thanks.
Hi Catherine.
The 7 years tribulation is a bit of a myth, from my perspective. Although the number 7 is used multiple times in the book of Revelation, you will never find ‘7 years.’ However, you will find numerous uses of a period of 3 and 1/2 years(in various forms).
I think there is general tribulation between the 1st and 2nd comings of Jesus, while things will intensify towards the 2nd coming, with some believers losing their lives as martyrs while other being miraculously preserved during this time, as the Israelites were during the plagues. I don’t see any place for a private rapture that removes believers before Jesus returns.
Hope that helps
Hi Mark, The 7 years is not necessarily 7 years of tribulation, but the 70th week written of in Daniel 9:24-27. It describes a time when a covenant is confirmed for 7 years, but said covenant is broken after 3 1/2 years. At the end of the 7 years Christ returns in judgment.