Second Coming of Christ – the most vital topic for believers today after they have come to faith in Jesus; trusting in the salvation he provides through his work on the cross.
NT Focus is salvation the point of his original coming. But Jesus second coming is the most prominent subject in the NT – 318 times and mentioned by every author in the N.T. First 300 years church leaders were consumed by the immediacy of His return during the Church’s explosive growth. Then for 1,200 years the Bible slipped from memory for most and few anticipated Christ’s return (Dark Ages). All was not lost, 16th Century forward, presses made Bibles in native tongues. For the last five centuries the Church once again has experienced explosive growth and great interest in Christ’s return; Why? The Bible! Today we look at Mark’s teaching on the return of Christ.
(I’ll Be Back ) Is not the Famous catchphrase of Arnold Schwarzenegger – 1984 movie “The Terminator.” But More Famous is Christ’s Return. Today Let’s see what the NT says about it in Mark Ch.13 But first review a few other areas in the Bible.
2 TIM 4:8 PAUL really look forward to Christ’s return and a time of receiving a Crown of Righteousness – “eagerly look forward.”
2 PETER 3:8-10 “Suddenly Like a Thief.” He also warned there will be, at that time, many scoffers of Faith in Jesus and his return.
1 Thess. 4:15-18 & 5:1-3 this is Paul’s best teaching on the Lord’s return with many details on how it will happen. Paul wanted us to encourage other believers with this teaching. He warns all just how unexpected; “Suddenly Like a woman in labor.”
Matthew 24:35-42 & Luke 21:26-36 Jesus Teaching to his disciples about His second coming and how sudden it would be.
Revelation John Received a complete revelation from Christ regarding the end times in our last book of the Bible
The Study of the End Times is called Eschatology – Greek Eschatos = LAST. Logy = STUDY. Eschatology – the study of the last things. People can make reasonable predictions about what may happen in the future but clearly humans themselves cannot know the future. Unbelievers have no certain knowledge about any future event. But we as Christians, who believe the Bible are in a different situation. Our God knows everything that will take place in history. He never says, “I never saw that coming.” In scripture He has told us about the major events soon to happen in history. We can have absolute confidence as God is never wrong and never lies.
All evangelical churches believe Christ will come back for us. Jesus taught often, “I will come back again for you.” John ends the Bible with Jesus’ promise, “Surely I am coming soon,” John replies, “Amen. Come Lord Jesus! Now there are two views of Eschatology held by Christians. One view is all prophecy necessary for his return has happened and He could come back any moment. Second view, certain events (Preach the Gospel to all the nations, Revealing of the False prophet and Man of Sin, Salvation of Israel, rebuilding of the temple) must happen beforehand. So some of us see his return immanent while others feel Christ simply can’t return at any moment. Best view is though unlikely he could return at any moment. These possible signs should energize our anticipation of His return.
Mark 12:24 Sadducees - Wrong you don’t know the scriptures nor the power of God. This was about their terrible mistake about the resurrection of the dead. We don’t want to repeat the mistake about His Second Coming!
Points for us to consider:
1. Strong signs in HEAVEN precede Jesus RETURN. Mark 13:24-25 Now we are certain this has not happened yet but it could happen literally moments before his second coming.
2. Jesus returns with POWER and GLORY. Read Mark 13:26-27 What could be some of the demonstrations of His Power and Glory! 1. All will see it. 2. Leader of an Army of Angels 3. Brings back all the saints with him. 4. Power to resurrect the bodies of all the deceased Christians 5. Gather all Christians alive and elevate them to the sky. 6. Hands out a crown to every believer. That’s power and Glory!
3. Believers can KNOW He is about to RETURN. Read Mark 13:28-29 Jesus tells us, through his story about nature, we all understand; that he has shown us, in the Bible, the easy to see signs He is about to return.
4. Jesus teaches, “Be BUSY and be READY.”
Mark 13:32-37. Being READY – means staying alert to see the signs just before His return - and keeping watch Look – I really mean look! He is coming back in the sky on clouds – Lift your head up and keep watching! Secondly, how do we keep busy? Jesus has given each of us a unique life’s calling which will change often as we go through life. When He returns let him find you busy and faithful at that assignment – imagine hearing the words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” MATTHEW 25:23.
Conclusion:
Jesus told us He’s coming back for us; for me that settles it HE IS COMING BACK! My assignment according to Mark 13 is a Gatekeeper here at the River of Life – until new orders come down, My job is to protect and sheep and provide for them. If you are unclear on your assignment – Ask Him and it will be given to you.
Closing Prayer – Even so Lord come quickly! AMEN!