Recently, I wrote an article on Jesus returning “sooner than expected probably” to come get his Bride, the Church, in what’s called the Rapture. Jesus is the King and has always been the King, even in the Old Covenant or Testament. The way things continue to “go south in society everywhere,” and a lot of scriptural signs coming to fruition, it sure seems like He should have come already. But, in the Father’s timing and command.
But rest assured, He is coming and “no man knows the day or hour”(Matthew 24:36).
Those of us that are really looking and anticipating his return soon, especially those here at R/R, love these verses:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Therefore, I wanted to give you this part 2 showing that Jesus Christ is coming back a third and final time in the “Second Coming.” There are differences of opinion here on this “third coming” which brings much scholarly and laymen opinions in the eschatology arena. There is too much to write concerning that here at this time; therefore, this is my personal belief and opinion on what I think will take place as I read and study the Holy Scriptures.
-Jesus came the first time as our Saviour and went to the Cross, died and was placed in a tomb, and rose to life three days later.
-Jesus is coming back soon (in the air, not physically to the earth) to remove his Bride, the Church, (believers) from the earth (the Rapture) to heaven to escape the wrath to come (the Great Tribulation), where we will attend the marriage supper of the Lamb and the Bema judgment (our works for him). These events take place during the seven-year Tribulation period.
-Jesus comes back with us after that time period, following Him on white horses to the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. This grand arrival is called the Second Coming, “The Return of Christ,” to reign for a thousand years on the earth.
So let’s look at a few scriptures that are in God’s Word regarding this. First, you should read the entire chapter of Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19 to get a full assessment of what takes place. We always want to look at the context of the passages given and find other supporting scriptures (back up) to show theological reference.
Zechariah 2:11-12 “And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.”
Note: Jesus was the “King of the Jews” the first time (Luke 23:38), according to man. The Second time will be according to himself. “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords” (Revelation 19:16).
Isaiah 2:2-3 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
Really, the entire theme of the Bible is “The Second Coming of Christ,” the most awesome and earth- shattering event in earth’s history. “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). There’s not going to be much left when He does return, but the remaining people will repopulate the earth during the thousand years. The people will be few and the earth decimated basically:
Mark 13:20 “And except that the Lord hath shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”
Read the book of Revelation to see all the judgments coming on the earth during those seven years. Trust me; you don’t want to go through that. Words can’t describe what that will really be like. You can escape that by placing your trust and faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, repenting of your sins and confessing that He is Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
Do it now because we don’t know when Christ is coming for us. Could it be the next second, minute, hour, day, week, month…? You get the picture. BTW, here’s one of my favorite scriptures:
Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.”
There’s going to be a trumpet blown, the Lord will call us, and we will leave in the “twinkling of an eye” to meet the Lord in the air.
In closing:
I just got back a few hours ago from standing on the main road where I live, holding up a sign stating “Jesus is Coming.” I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus. I want as many people to know him and come to a saving relationship with him as I can reach. There are many ways to do this. This is one of mine.
I did a test count of how many vehicles (motorcycles to semi-rigs) went by me for five minutes. Of course, I planned this when the work traffic was coming home; and you wouldn’t believe how many I estimated that traveled by in that hour – 1,800. Imagine, if a lot of believers would do this all over the country, what an impact it would make in God’s Kingdom. How many lives would be changed just holding a sign up for an hour?
Note: Be safe in doing this (daytime only I suggest); be aware of your surroundings, to escape if an errant vehicle veers off toward you, or whatever circumstances you might be confronted with. Use common sense.
Hopefully, a lot of souls saw that simple message I showed that will be of profound life-changing significance for eternity. Hopefully, they would think of that name Jesus again and turn to him.
If you saw it, what would you think? That’s one way I try to witness and evangelize. I’m not a pastor, can’t sing, nor am I gifted in music, etc. We all have our gifts and talents, but we should be doing something to reach the lost in any way we can.
I write this to encourage you and bless you with the love of Christ, as all of us here at Rapture Ready do. We just want to bring you the truth from God’s Word in many theological ways showing that salvation is simple and it’s a gift from Him. You can’t earn, buy, or work for it; it’s free.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
May the Lord bless you and your family in many ways during the Thanksgiving holidays, and always.
Clay Smith
All Scripture is from the King James Bible.