The Return of Jesus Christ

One of the most interesting areas of Bible study is prophecy. God tells what He is going to do in the future. The Scriptures actually give us a detailed list of events, which can be fit together like pieces of a picture puzzle. Bible Prophecy is such a large and complex subject that this particular study can only be of an introductory nature. As you grow in your Christian life, you will learn many things from the Bible about the future. The aim of this lesson is to give you a basic framework upon which to build.

The Return of our Lord Jesus Christ is a fundamental teaching of the Word of God. For every believer, the coming of Christ is referred to in Titus 2:13 as the B__ __ __ __ __ __ H__ __ __.

I. THE PROMISE OF CHRIST'S COMING

A. Read John 14:1-4. What did Jesus promise His disciples in verse 3:

“I W__ __ __ C__ __ __ A__ __ __ __.”

B. Read Acts 1:11. The two angels said to the disciples:

“This S__ __ __ Jesus . . . shall so C__ __ __ in

L__ __ __ manner…. “

C. Read Hebrews 9:28. This promise states that Christ shall appear:

“The S__ __ __ __ __ T__ __ __.”

D. Read 1 John 2:28 and 1 John 3:2. Both these verses say:

“He (Christ) S__ __ __ __ appear.”

E. The last promise of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible is found in Revelation 22:12. He said:

“Behold I C__ __ __ Q__ __ __ __ __ __ .”

II. THE BASIC FRAMEWORK OF BIBLE PROPHECY

To understand Bible Prophecy you must interpret the Bible literally. As you read your Bible you will discover that the Old Testament deals mainly with Israel, and the New

Testament deals with the Church. The Old Testament records unconditional covenants God made with the nation of Israel; some aspects of them are yet to be fulfilled. They can only be fulfilled with Israel (and not with the Church of the New Testament). Israel was promised a land, an eternal kingdom and king, and salvation. The Church of the New Testament was also offered salvation through the vicarious death of Jesus Christ. In Bible prophecy you must keep Israel and the church distinct; God has separate programs for each. God’s program for Israel establishes a chart of future events. Within this chart also fits what He is going to do with the Church.

III. THE FIRST COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

The first coming of Jesus Christ to earth (sometimes called the “first advent”) is now a fact of history. Yet, before His coming into the world, His birth, life, and death were all prophesied. These prophecies are wonderful and numerous. There were hundreds of Old Testament prophecies relating to the first coming of Jesus, each one was fulfilled exactly to the letter! There are EVEN MORE prophecies relating to His Second Coming, and they will also be fulfilled literally. Below are listed some of the major prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ – and their actual historical fulfillment. Read these and then write out what the prophecy was.

BIBLE PROPHECIES AND FULFI

BIBLE PROPHECIES AND FULFILLMENTS
Old Testament Prophecy	The Prophecy was… (write your answer below)	New Testament Fulfillment
Isaiah 7:14		Matthew 1:23
Genesis 49:10		Hebrews 7:14
Micah 5:2		Luke 2:11, 15
Zechariah 9:9		Matthew 21:4, 5
Psalm 41:9		John 13:18
Zechariah 11:12, 13		Matthew 26:15; 27:9, 10
Psalm 22:16		John 19:36, 37; 20: 20, 25
Psalm 69:21		Matthew 27:34
Psalm 22:1		Matthew 27:46
Isaiah 53:12		Matthew 27:38, 44
Psalm 16:8-11		Acts 2:27
Psalm 22:18		Matthew 27:35

LLMENTS

IV. THE TWO PHASES OF THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

In a sense, the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ was in two phases:

The coming of Jesus as a babe to Bethlehem was a private event, unnoticed by the world at large. Few people were able to share the joy of the moment – primarily those who were looking and waiting for his coming. (See: Luke 2:25, 36-38; Matthew 2:1, 2) But when our Lord hung upon Calvary's cross, it was a public display – in view of all. Likewise, the second coming of Christ will be in two distinct stages. We use two words to distinguish these phases: The Rapture and The Revelation.

In the Rapture In the Revelation

Christ is coming Christ is coming

for His Saints. with His Saints.

V. THE RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS

This is the next event on God's prophetic calendar.

A. The term “Rapture” is not found in the Bible, but its meaning, “caught up”, most certainly is.

B. Read the following key Scriptures about the

Rapture:

· 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

· 1 Corinthians 15:51,52

· Philippians 3:20,21

The term rapture comes from the Latin word rapturo. This is the Latin translation of the Greek verb “caught up,” which is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Now, answer the following by circling True or False.

1. The Rapture is an instantaneous event. . .

True or False

2. The Rapture concerns only deceased Christians, that is, only those who “sleep” in Christ.

True or False

3. At the Rapture, the Lord sends His angels to gather the saints and bring them to Heaven.

True or False

4. At the Rapture, believers (saints) will be caught up into the air to meet Christ.

True or False

5. According to Matthew 24:42, the Rapture will be announced to give us time to get ready.

True or False

6. At the Rapture, all Christians, living and dead, will receive a glorified resurrection body.

True or False

7. According to 2 Peter 3:3-9, a major reason the Rapture has not yet taken place is that the Lord wants to save sinners.

True or False

C. The Participants of the Rapture

An individual and two groups are included in the Rapture:

1. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “the L__ __ __ H__ __ __ __ __ __ shall descend….”

2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “the

D__ __ __ in C__ __ __ __ __ shall rise first….” Deceased Christians will be resurrected and meet Christ in the air.

3. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “then we which are A__ __ __ __ and remain…” will also be caught up; these are the living Christians at the time the Rapture occurs.

D. The Results of the Rapture

1. God’s great promise to return is FULFILLED! God will have kept His word! In John 14:3, what does God say He will do when He comes again?

“I will come again, and R__ __ __ __ __ __ you unto myself.”

2. Our salvation will be complete!

Though our redemption price is paid-in-full, we are eagerly awaiting the redemption of the body when

sin will no longer be manifest therein. We will be liberated from the presence and effects of sin (Romans 8:23), and we will be made like the Lord (1 John 3:2).

3. We will be united with all believers. This is a consolation to those who have been separated by death from loved ones.

(1 Thessalonians 4:18)

“Wherefore C__ __ __ __ __ __ one another with these words.”

E. The Timing of the Rapture

When will the Rapture occur? Are there any signs pinpointing this event? The following diagram identifies the placement of the Rapture in the sequence of God’s prophetic events.

The specific date of the Rapture in undeterminable. Regarding this God said in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a T__ __ __ __ in the night.”

VI. THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

This is the second phase of the return of Jesus Christ.

A. Read Revelation 19:11-16. Here the Lord Jesus is called:

· F__ __ __ __ __ __ __ and T__ __ __ (verse 11).

· The W__ __ __ of G__ __ (verse 13).

· The K__ __ __ of K__ __ __ __ and L__ __ __ of L__ __ __ __.

B. According to Revelation 19:14 and Jude 14,15, the Lord Jesus Christ will return with:

C. Read Zechariah 14:1-4.

1. When Jesus Christ returns, He will set his feet down on the M__ __ __ __ of

O__ __ __ __ __.

2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where does Jesus return to at the Rapture?

“in the C__ __ __ __ __, to meet the Lord in the

__ __ __….”

D. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ will be a time of

V__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ and

D__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __.

VII. THE TIME BETWEEN THE RAPTURE AND THE REVELATION

The Old Testament prophecy of Daniel reveals there will be a seven-year period between the two phases of Christ’s Second Coming. Daniel 9:24 speaks of a time period of seventy weeks that God will use to accomplish His program with Israel. Daniel 9:25 shows that these “weeks” are in fact “heptads” or seven-year periods, that is, there will be seventy seven-year periods or 490 years. When did these 490 years begin? Daniel 9:25 identifies the starting point as “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.” This took place on March 14, 445 BC when Artaxerxes issued the command. From the going forth of this command to the Messiah (Christ) being “cut off” was sixty-nine weeks. From 445 BC to 30 AD equals 69 x 7, or 483 Jewish years. Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem to be crucified exactly 483 years (to the day!) from the decree of Artaxerxes to rebuild the city. This part has been fulfilled. Daniel 9:27 speaks of the seventieth week yet to begin. The present “day of grace” stopped God's prophetic clock at the end of the sixty-ninth week when Messiah was cut off, i.e., crucified.

The following chart and diagram shows the main events that will occur during this time period.

OF YEARS

We are currently living in The Church Age. This is an undisclosed period of time between the crucifixion of Christ and the Rapture of the saints.

	62 Weeks 434 Years

Tribulation

Period

Undisclosed period of time called the

Church Age

From the rebuilding to the cutting off of the Messiah

To rebuild the city of Jerusalem

The final seven years (or seventieth week) of Daniel's prophecy will begin with the Rapture. Christians will be caught up and will not be involved in any of the events that will transpire on the earth during this period. This period is referred to as Daniel’s 70th Week and as The Tribulation Period. Count your blessing that as a Christian you will not

be there. Where will you be? In heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ and Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

VIII. THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

This event takes place after the Rapture, in heaven, and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A. According to Romans 14:10, who will take part in this Judgment?

B. According to Romans 14:12, what will we do in this Judgment?

C. According to 2 Corinthians 5:10, what aspect of our lives will come under scrutiny at this Judgment?

D. Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-15.

1. In verse 9, the church at Corinth is called God's B__ __ __ __ __ __ __ , the foundation of which is J__ __ __ __ C__ __ __ __ __ (verse 11).

2. The Lord is interested in how we B__ __ __ __ upon this foundation (vs. 12).

3. According to verse 12, these works are likened to:

G__ __ __ , S__ __ __ __ __ , Precious

S__ __ __ __ __; W__ __ __ , H__ __ ,

S__ __ __ __ __ __ .

4. The fire of this judgment will try the W__ __ __ __ of the Christian (verse 13).

5. According to verse 15, can a Christian who has never acceptably served the Lord now be lost and cast into Hell?

6. According to verse 14, what will the Christian who has acceptably served the Lord receive?

E. What will be the basis for evaluation and rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

We are not judged for sins. Our sin was judged at the

cross of Christ. We are judged for our works.

Specifically, our motives (1 Corinthians 4:5), our conduct (2 Corinthians 5:10); how we have lived according to the Word of God (1 Corinthians 9:25- 27; 1 Peter 5:2-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; Acts 20:26-28); how we have treated other believers (Hebrews 6:10); how we exercise authority over others (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1); how we react to temptation (Revelation 2:10); have we been faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27)?

F. What will be the result of the Judgment Seat of Christ?

1. Negatively – there will be a loss of reward and a sense of shame (1 John 2:28; 1 Corinthians 3:15).

2. Positively – God gives rewards to His children.

These rewards include: greater opportunities to serve our Savior in His future kingdom (Matthew 25:19-23; Luke 19:16-19); special fellowship and joy (Matthew 25:21,23; 1 Peter 4:12-13); receiving divine commendation (Matthew 25:21); and obtaining a variety of crowns.

G. The Bible speaks of these rewards as “crowns.”

There are five crowns we can receive as a reward for our life as a Christian:

1. The Crown of R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

(1 Thessalonians 2:19), also called The Soul Winner's Crown for those who win souls to Christ.

2. The Crown of L__ __ __ (James 1:12) for those who endure temptation.

3. The Crown of

R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (2 Timothy 4:8) for those who love (live and look for) the Lord's return.

4. The I__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25) for those who faithfully run the Christian race.

5. The Crown of G__ __ __ __ (1 Peter 5:4) for faithful pastors.

IX. THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

A. According to Ephesians 5:22-32, the relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ and His churches is likened to that between:

H__ __ __ __ __ __ and W__ __ __ .

B. According to 2 Corinthians 11:2, the church at Corinth was:

E__ __ __ __ __ __ __ (engaged) to one Husband -Christ.

C. From John 3:29 and Revelation 22:17, one of the metaphors used of New Testament churches is

“The B__ __ __ __ of Christ.”

D. The union of Bride and Bridegroom occurs at the Rapture and the wedding celebration is called in Revelation 19:7-9 the:

M__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ of the

__ __ __ __ .

Christ has given His life for the church. Believers are united with Christ forever. Christ comes for His bride and takes it to heaven with Him for the festivities of the marriage feast.

X. DANIEL'S SEVENTIETH WEEK

While the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb are taking place in Heaven, an entirely different scene will unfold on earth.

A. The Book of The Revelation gives the details of the events of this seven-year period prophesied by Daniel – Chapters 6 through 18 in particular.

It is a horrifying record of war, rebellion, catastrophe, and desolation. It is called by several names, including:

1. The Day of the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-22)

2. Tribulation (Deuteronomy 4:30; Revelation 7:14)

3. The Great Day of Wrath (Revelation 6:17)

· It is a time of outpouring of God’s wrath

(1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:19; 15:1; 16:1,19).

· It is a time of punishment (Isaiah 24:20-21).

· It is a time of trouble (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1).

· It is a time of great destruction (Joel 1:15;

1 Thessalonians 5:3).

· It is a time of desolation (Zephaniah 1:14-15).

· It is a time of judgment (Revelation 14:7; 16:5; 19:2).

B. What is the purpose of the Tribulation?

There is a two-fold purpose for the Tribulation:

1. To judge wicked, unbelieving people and nations – the unrighteous have willfully and arrogantly refuse to live in obedience to the Creator. God will hold them accountable for violating His laws.

2. To prepare Israel for her Messiah – through tribulation God will bring Israel to the point where she will respond in a positive way to God’s gracious offer of salvation. He is going to save her according to the conditions of the New Covenant He made with her.

C. Christians will not participate in this period. How do we know this?

1. According to Jeremiah 30:7, it will be a time of

J__ __ __ __ ' __ T__ __ __ __ __ __ ; i.e., it has specifically to do with the Jews and the Nation of

Israel. (See also: Daniel 9:24 – “thy people,” “thy holy city”)

2. The Lord's promise to His faithful church at Philadelphia was that He would K__ __ __ them from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the world (Revelation 3:10).

3. Our salvation through Jesus Christ assures us that we are not A__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ unto wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

4. According to Luke 21:34-36, Christians are to be ready at all times, for the Rapture is (and always has been) imminent – that is, it could happen at any moment.

5. According to 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 the church is “D__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ from the W__ __ __ __ to come.”

6. The Church is not found in the Tribulation passages of the Bible.

7. We are given Bible examples of God’s children being removed before divine judgment fell (Noah and his family, Rahab and her family, Lot and his family).

D. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:3,8 there will be the revealing of the M__ __ of S__ __ at the commencement of this seven-year period.

This person is most commonly referred to as The Antichrist. He is the Devil incarnate. See: 1 John 2:18.

E. According to Revelation 12:9,12, S__ __ __ __ will be cast down to the earth at the mid-point of this period.

F. According to Daniel 12:1, then will come a time “such as N__ __ __ __ W __ __ since there was a nation.”

G. According to Matthew 24:15-24, this awful time is called the G__ __ __ __ Tribulation.

H. According to Matthew 24:29,30, the Second Coming of Christ to the earth occurs at the:

Beginning,

End,

Mid-Way Point…of the Great Tribulation

I. A diagram of the Tribulation Period

XI. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

Mankind has always longed for and talked about a utopia - an age in which righteousness and peace would prevail and war and corruption would cease. Poets write about it, folk singers sing about it, politicians promise it, prophets forecast it, the world cries for it – but nobody ever brings it.

That is until Jesus Christ the King descends with His Messianic Kingdom! In the Bible this kingdom is referred to as:

· The R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (Matthew 19:28)

· The T__ __ __ __ of R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (Acts 3:19)

· The T__ __ __ __ of R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ (Acts 3:21)

· The D__ __ of J__ __ __ __ C__ __ __ __ __ (Philippians 1:6)

· The D__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ of the fullness of times (Ephesians 1:10)

A. Why is there going to be a Millennial Kingdom?

God’s great purpose in establishing His kingdom on this earth is to fulfill His many promises given in the Scriptures and to clearly demonstrate to all of creation that He alone is the sovereign God. God made great promises to Israel in the Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and New Covenants. All of those promises have not been fulfilled. God keeps His promises; He will establish a kingdom on earth and fulfill each promise to the minutest detail.

B. When will this Millennial Kingdom be established?

1. Jesus will return at the Second Coming – not as the gentle Jesus, but as the conquering Christ! According to Revelation 19:11 “in righteousness he doth J__ __ __ __ and make W__ __.”

2. Jesus arrives to earth and ends the Tribulation in a great holocaust described in Revelation 19:17-21.

3. Following the return of Christ in glory, He will judge the N__ __ __ __ __ __ (Matthew 25:31,32).

4. According to Joel 3:12-16, this judgment will take place in the Valley of D__ __ __ __ __ __ __.

5. According to Revelation 20:2,3, Satan will be bound for ____________ years.

6. According to Revelation 20:4, Christ will reign on the earth for ___________ years.

C. What will the Millennial Kingdom be like?

We will consider three aspects of the kingdom – its political, spiritual, and physical conditions.

Political Conditions

· Jesus will reign as King – a righteous dictator under whom the entire world is united.

· According to Isaiah 11:3-4, “with

R__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ shall he J__ __ __ __.”

· Israel will enjoy a special relationship with Him. The Apostles have a special place of authority

(Matthew 19:28). King David will have unique authority as an under shepherd to Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 34:23-24). Others of us who were faithful stewards will reign with Him (Luke 19:12-27; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10; 20:4).

· Jesus’ rule will be absolute and universal; He will not tolerate any rebellion (Psalms 72:9-11; Psalms 2:6-8).

Spiritual Conditions

The Millennial Kingdom will be a wonderfully spiritual time – for several reasons:

· Jesus Christ is there! His presence will make the kingdom sweet.

· Satan is NOT there! He is bound in the abyss for these 1000 years.

· Jesus’ reign will be righteous. Oppression and injustice are gone.

· Because of the domination of righteousness in the kingdom the following will be true:

1. No W__ __ (Isaiah 2:4; 32:18)

2. J__ __ (Isaiah 9:3-4)

3. All shall K__ __ __ the Lord (Jeremiah 31:34)

4. God’s people will be filled with the

S__ __ __ __ __ (Joel 2:28-32)

· There will be universal worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Temple will be built again and it will be magnificent!

Physical Conditions

· The curse of sin is removed! This curse is found in Genesis 3:17-19.

1. Peace comes to the animal kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25).

2. The ground becomes amazingly productive (Isaiah 32:13-15).

3. There is an abundance of fresh water and the desert will blossom as a rose (Isaiah 35:1-7).

· There will be an absence of sickness and disease (Isaiah 33:24; 35:5-6; Ezekiel 34:16). Man will live longer, perhaps rivaling the ages of men prior to the flood.

XII. THE ETERNAL STATE

The Millennial Kingdom is followed by the final rebellion and judgment of Satan. Then comes the Great White Throne Judgment where all unbelievers will be judged according to their works and sentenced to eternity in the Lake of Fire. The old heavens and earth are judged (2 Peter 3:10), and now the eternal phase of the kingdom of God begins. The end of the millennial phase signals the beginning of the eternal phase. This eternal state is characterized by:

A. The Removal of Adversity

Sin has brought terrible and far-reaching results in human experience, such as: separation from God, sickness, pain, and sorrow. Mankind has been affected spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This is all he has ever known. God removes it all! According to Revelation 21:4 what does God wipe away and remove?

All T__ __ __ __, D__ __ __ __, S__ __ __ __ __,

C__ __ __ __ __, P__ __ __

B. The Re-Creation of All Things

1. According to Revelation 21:1, God makes a new H__ __ __ __ __ and a new E__ __ __ __.

2. This will be our dwelling place with God. We will have full and unhindered fellowship with God.

This will be reminiscent of God’s relationship with Adam and Eve before the fall.

3. (Revelation 21:3) “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is

with men, and he will D__ __ __ __ with them, and they shall be H__ __ P__ __ __ __ __, and God himself shall be W__ __ __ T__ __ __, and be their God.”

4. Man will see God in His glory and know the Lord as never before! WHAT A FUTURE!

Mark your Bible in the margin beside Daniel 9:20-27.

Mark your Bible in the margin beside Daniel 9:20-27

The prophet Daniel is praying and God sends the angel Gabriel with this prophecy (Daniel 9:20-23) –

{24} Seventy weeks (70 weeks of years = 490 years) are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

{25} Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem (Decree of Artaxerxes on

March 14, 445 BC) unto the Messiah the Prince (Jesus Christ) shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks (69 weeks of years = 483 years From Artaxerxes’ decree to Palm Sunday

is exactly 483 years): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

{26} And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (Jesus Christ was crucified for mankind): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary (The Romans destroyed the city and temple. The

prince is a type of the Antichrist which is to come); and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

{27} And he shall confirm the covenant with many for

one week (The Antichrist forms a covenant with Israel at the beginning of the 70^th week, the Tribulation): and in the midst of the week (In the middle of the week, that is, 3 ½ years, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel. He stops the Temple sacrifices and attempts to destroy Israel) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."