2nd Coming Of Jesus

Lesson 1.24

The 2nd coming of Jesus Christ will be the single greatest sight the world has ever seen. Look out your window, it may be happening now!

Please read Mark 13:3-37 before starting GraspingGod.com's free Bible study lessons, #1.24.

Previous lesson: Ascension Of Jesus #1.23.

Preliminary Bible Study Questions:

1) Where is Jesus returning?

2) When is Jesus coming back?

3) How do you react to someone who says Jesus will return on a specific day?

I hope I'm physically alive when Christ returns - it will be an incredible sight! Jesus' second coming should be an anticipated event by all those who love him. Are you looking forward to his return? I hope so!

Let's find out what signs will forewarn us about the 2nd coming of Christ, and much more.

Jesus Is Coming Soon!

At the ascension of Jesus it's recorded that the angels said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!" (Acts 1:11).

Jesus' disciple Matthew records, "They shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30). Here is one of many more verses, this from Revelation 1:7, "Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him - even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen!"

The 2nd coming of Jesus will be seen by all who have ever lived - the dead, the living, the young, and the old alike will all behold Jesus in the clouds, descending from heaven. What a marvelous sight that will be!

You know how some things are only mentioned once or twice in the Bible, but we fully believe them anyway? That is because God only has to mention something once and it's as good as gold. Well, the 2nd coming of Jesus is such an anticipated, important event that God spoke of it 318 times in the 210 chapters of the New Testament! I think we would be wise to pay attention. When God wants us to take note of something extremely important he places it in the Scriptures many times. I feel strongly that we need to hear what he is telling us.

Where is Jesus returning? When is Jesus coming back? These are some natural questions to ask of such an enormous event. It could happen as you read these words, you do realize that, right? Get ready 'cause Jesus is coming soon!

Where Will Jesus Return?

First, we have to factor the biblical information that "every eye" will watch the 2nd coming of Jesus. What could possibly happen, then, is that Christ may be somewhere suspended between the earth and heaven. As the earth rotates the opportunity will be for everyone to see his appearing. So, it could be a slow descent taking at least a full day. A trumpet blast will be heard by all, as well (1 Corinthians 15:52).

At some point after his return Jesus will be standing on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, but this may happen at a later time (Zechariah 14:1-5) - the chronology is a bit vague.

When Is Jesus Coming Back?

The Bible doesn't tell us exactly when the 2nd coming of Jesus will occur. We are, however, given some signs of the times that occur shortly before his appearance. Remember, its been nearly 2,000 years since the ascension of Jesus Christ, so his return may be very close.

List of signs marking Jesus' second coming - Christ himself warns:

• Matthew 24:4-5 says, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many."
• Matthew 24:6 says, "And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately."
• Matthew 24:7 states, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world."
• Matthew 24:9 warns, "Then you [Christians] will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers."
• Matthew 24:10 says, "And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other."

• Matthew 24:11,23-24 state, "And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people... Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Messiah.' or 'There he is,' don't believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones."
• Matthew 24:12 reveals that, "Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold."
• St Paul the apostle warns, "You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

One could hardly paint a more concise picture of our world today. The days do seem ripe for the 2nd coming of Jesus. Christ, I'm sure, is preparing for his imminent return to earth as we speak.

Preparations For The
2nd Coming Of Christ

As you prepare for the 2nd coming of Jesus, put into practice the following list of preparations:

• Don't believe anyone who tells you that they are the Messiah. Nor, should you believe anyone who tells you that Jesus has returned. Why? Because true believers will KNOW, without a doubt, when their Lord has returned.
• Watch the world news with great interest, because you will hear of potential wars and great natural disasters. These things all point to a world at odds with God and in need of the 2nd coming of Jesus.
• Monitor the Christian persecution displayed in your neighborhood, or on websites who track Christian persecution. Also, do a self-test by answering this question: Have I ever hated a Christian for what (s)he has said to me? If so, get right by repenting of the sins. Clean up your past history with God and with Christians.
• Notice the sinfulness around you. Keep your hands clean and do not partake in evil. Pray for those trapped in the claws of sin. Assist sinners by confronting them and help them out of their trap.
• Bathe yourself in God's word and prayer. Pull away from the world's grip on your soul. Let God transform you into a content, joyful soul who loves him first and others before yourself. Lie prostrate before God and pour out your sin. Get right with God, because Jesus is coming soon!

False Predictions Of The 2nd Coming Of Jesus

Surely you've heard certain false prophets predicting the day of the 2nd coming of Jesus, but they were obviously proven wrong by the Lord. Christ's own words testified to the fact that only the Father knows precisely when that glorious day will be.

Matthew 24:35-36 says, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows."

These false prophets who claim they know the day Christ returns are delusional. Beware of them and their misguided predictions.

Favorite Sign Of Jesus' Second Coming

One sign of the 2nd coming of Jesus, that I personally love, is that the word of God will be spread throughout the world. It inspires me to work hard, so that GraspingGod.com can help God reach the world with his beautiful message of hope and eternal life.

Jesus states in Matthew 24:14, "And the good news about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come."

What an honor it is for any missionary, and any Christian, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to another person. You can help others prepare by witnessing about God's love and forgiveness, and also about the 2nd coming of Christ.

There is no end in how you can assist others in their pursuit of God.

Use these Bible study lessons if you feel yourself inadequate to do the job. Sit down with someone at the computer, or print a lesson out and study with them. They will appreciate the great act of love and care you show them. Be creative, sweet and gentle. Be persistent. God loves hard-working disciples!

Hypocrites and False Believers Exposed

Someday soon, time will run out. People who put off their decision for Christ will be caught in sin. They did not heed the warnings and repent of their ways. They'll stand ashamed when they hear the trumpet blast. The moment a sinner's eyes rise to the approaching Glory in the sky, total shame will grip him.

Sinners will be overwhelmed with sudden grief. They will suffer feelings of hopelessness, regret and total conviction. Their faith will be exposed as a fraud and their hypocrisy revealed. Oh, how sad it will be for those who "believed" with their minds, but failed to devote their hearts to God. They loved their sins, their comfort, their parties, their friends, their families, their houses and cars and their jobs and hobbies. Sadly, they failed to elevate Jesus Christ to their Lord.

When Jesus appears, ALL things become meaningless. Nothing will matter, but what you did and did not do with Jesus and his teachings.

The 2nd coming of Jesus will come upon us like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). In the twinkling of an eye, Christ will return (1 Corinthians 15:52). Jesus will pounce onto the world like a lion on his prey.

Are you ready? Are you his disciple? Are you washed by the cleansing blood of the Lamb? Have your sins of scarlet been turned into deeds as white as wool? Have you been faithfully worshiping and serving God?

Did you LOVE his word and the times of personal meditation with him? Were you feeding the hungry, visiting prisoners and orphans and serving widows and the homeless? Did you even involve yourself with telling others about the great news of Jesus Christ? Time to look in the mirror for some introspection.

Where do YOU stand with Jesus Christ?

Grasp This!

Unbelievers

The imminent return of Jesus Christ should strike fear in the hearts of unbelievers. Once Jesus Christ is spotted descending to earth many things will change. It may be too late to repent and believe at the 2nd coming of Jesus - I don't know.

I pray for those who don't yet know him, because it would be a terrifying moment for an unbeliever. Things would only get worse and worse from that point, as well.

I'm reading through the book of Revelation now and the bowls of wrath that God will pour out would be unbearable. The horrors of the Great Tribulation are unimaginable. Not stopping there, the thought of facing the Judge in front of the whole world, with every sin exposed, would be humiliating.

After the full disclosure of every sin you ever committed, you'll bow before Jesus Christ, calling him King. Then you will be tossed into an eternal lake of fire. How heartbreaking this reality is for people! (Matthew 25:41-43).

If you have no feelings about the 2nd coming of Jesus, you probably have serious spiritual problems. A good biblical solution would be to repent, return to God's word, and obey it to the best of your abilities (John 14:15). Seek the Lord, Friends, preparing all the while to meet your God! (Amos 4:12).

Believers

A Christian should live with great anticipation of the 2nd coming of Jesus. The Lord's return should thrill a believer's soul. While peering into the heavens, dreams of the 2nd coming of Jesus should flood your mind and warm your heart. Your prayers should be that you are found ready to meet Christ in the sky.

Sinner's Prayer page.

Join our next lesson: Jesus' Birth #2.01.

Bible Study Questions:

1) What does the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ inspire within your heart?

2) Someone tells you that "Jesus" has come back to earth. How would you respond?

3) How can Christians join in the mission to reach the ends of the earth with the Gospel?

Inspirational Bible Verses:

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:25-28

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-13

Faith Quotes!

Robert Murray McCheyne of Scotland was hosting a minister's meeting in his home. In a lull in the conversation he asked each of the ministers, "Do you think Jesus will come tonight?" All of them said without hesitation, "No, I think not." After going the rounds and receiving the same answer, McCheyne solemnly repeated, "You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." Leslie B. Flynn

Dr. John Gill was asked to speak in a series of meetings in the First Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Entering the pastor's study, he said to Dr. William Anderson, "Do you love His appearing?" "Well, I've had no time for it because I've been studying His first coming." "Well, I just wondered if you love His appearing," Dr. Gill said and walked out. That got Dr. Anderson to thinking and actually revolutionized his life and preaching.

Plan as though Christ were not coming for ten years. Live as though He were coming in ten seconds. Author unknown

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. Martin Luther Quotes

Prayers of Thanksgiving:

Dear Lord Spirit,

Work a wonderful work in our hearts,

prepare us for the 2nd coming of Jesus

Give us thoughts of his grand entrance,

into our everyday world.

Fill our lives with great anticipation,

and lead us to great deeds of kindness.

May Jesus' gloried arrival bring us

encouragement to love our neighbors

and forgive all who offend us.

In Christ's Name. Amen

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