Jesus’ Return

Do you know what lies ahead in your future or the future of your nation or world?  Can anyone know the future for sure?  We aren’t living in ordinary times.  The way the world is going one can be sure the end is nearing.  Are you ready to meet Jesus?

We’ve all heard that Jesus will be coming back whether we are Christians or not.  In fact Jesus Himself referred to His return many times.   About ½ of the Bible is prophecy and much of it is about the end times.  These prophecies are throughout the Bible so it must be important.  Therefore, it should be important to us.  Actually it should be the most important thing to us.

The first time Jesus came in somewhat of an obscurity, but the 2^nd time He comes every eye will see Him and the entire world will witness this event.  We don’t know how this will happen, but we know we have a mighty and powerful God and nothing is impossible for Him.  By His coming everything will be made right again.  

In Matthew 24 Jesus was asked by His disciples what were the signs of the end of the age.  He told them there would be birth pains and gave some examples.  There are many current events we could call birth pains:

Rise of false prophets and teachings

Wars and rumors of wars

Famines and earthquakes

Love of many believers growing cold

Morals becoming less accepted

People abandoning their Christian faith

People exchanging the truth for lies

Disunity of fellow believers

Political oppositions

Every kind of evil and wickedness

Suppression of truth

Worldwide anti-Semitism toward Jewish people

Shameful lust – women with women and men with men

More people full of envy, murder, deceit, hate

God haters, slanders, gossips

Disobedient children

People who know right from wrong but continue doing wrong

When will He return?  Jesus said no one knows the day and hour.  He said He Himself didn’t know - at least while he was here on earth.  He said not even the angels know.  Only the Father in Heaven knows.  “No one knows about that day or hour not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36.  People keep trying to predict the time.  Think of it this way – Romans 13:11 says “… our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”   We aren’t supposed to try to determine the time, but we are supposed to be ready at all times.

Would you say you are ready by the hatred you have in your heart for those who oppose you?

How about the gossip and lies that come out of your mouth?

Are you using your tongue to build others up or tear them down?

What about all your selfish behaviors?

The Second Coming is predicted in all 4 gospels, Acts, Paul’s epistles, James, Peter and John.  If He is returning, shouldn’t you be ready?  You should know the signs that precede His return and not be ignorant.  “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:36.

After we see all these types of signs, the Rapture will occur.  The Rapture is when Jesus calls all believers to Himself.  Jesus has gone to heaven and prepared a place for all believers (John 14:1-6).   So this could happen anytime without warning and as fast as the blink of an eye.  There will be no sign or announcement.  When the Rapture occurs, He will raise all dead and with the living believers He will call them up to Him in heaven.  He will bring them before the judgment seat of Christ and reward them on the works they have accomplished.  This is not a judgment of salvation, but a reward.

Many scholars say the timing of the Rapture will begin a seven-year period known as the Tribulation.  The Tribulation will be divided into 2 halves with each lasting 42 months (see Daniel 9; Revelation 13).  During the 1^st half the Antichrist will arise and deceive the world.  The 2^nd half is called the Great Tribulation when many will not survive.  “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now – and never to be equaled again.  If those days had no been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” – Matthew 24:21-22.  Revelation 4-16 describes visions of these end days.

After the Great Tribulation:

“Immediately after the Great Tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” – Matthew 24:29.

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky and all the nations of the earth will mourn.  They will see the son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.  And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” – Matthew 29-31.

What is Jesus waiting for?  Jesus is waiting patiently to return, because He is giving everyone as much time as possible to choose to follow Him.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9. 

When Jesus returns, it won’t be a secret.  He will come in glory with His angels.  Revelation 5:11 says there are thousands of angels and ten thousand times ten thousand angels.  “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16.  “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the people of the earth will mourn because of him.” – Revelation 1:7.  So there won’t be anyone missing it.

Then comes God’s wrath.  He will send seven angels with seven plagues of horrible destruction. (Revelation 15-16).  Then all people left on earth will understand just who God is.  There is only one real God in charge.  The disagreements of who should or should not be president will not matter.  He created everything and everyone.  He rules over all people and all nations.  He is in charge of governments, sets up outcome of elections, and the rise of kings and dictators throughout the earth.

Are you a believer?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Tomorrow may be too late.

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Future End Time Events Explained

What is the Rapture?

The word Rapture is not mention in the Bible.  But the Bible tells us that all believers since the birth of the church in Acts 2 both dead and living will someday disappear instantly.  Why?  The purpose is so believers will avoid the horrifying disasters that will occur during the Tribulation – things like earthquakes, fire, and all kinds of natural disasters like the chaos referred to in Revelation 6-18. 

Jesus will descend with a shout and the trumpet of God will sound.  Believers will immediately meet Him in the air and be taken into heaven to be with Jesus.  Unbelievers will remain on the earth to experience God’s wrath.  This will happen before the Tribulation breaks out all over the world. 

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.” – 1 Thess. 4:16-17.  This sounds like Jesus is coming back then, but He is not coming back at this time.  As Jesus sits on the right hand of the throne of God, He will get up off the throne and initiate the Rapture just at the right time.  He Himself will draw believers into heaven.

The dead believers will rise first, while the unbelievers will remain in their graves until judgment.  The believers’ spirits are already in heaven, but as their bodies rise they will be united with their spirits.  “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Cor. 15:52. 

The Rapture can happen at any time.  There are no events that must occur before the Rapture.  Are you prepared for the Rapture?

Once believers are in heaven they will be rewarded according to what they have done on the earth.  This is called the Judgment Seat of the Christ. (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom 14:10).  Another event called Marriage Supper of the Lamb (2 Cor. 11:2; Rev. 19:6-8) will occur later to celebrate the fellowship with Jesus in heaven.

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Jesus’ Second Coming?

The Rapture occurs first.  Then as in the book of Revelation at Jesus’ Second Coming, Jesus will return with all the saints (all those who were Raptured).  The Rapture will be witnessed by believers only, but the Jesus’ Second Coming will be witnessed by all people.  “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him: even they who pierced Him.  And all the tribes of earth will mourn because of Him.” – Rev. 1:7. 

Christ’s Second Coming will happen 7 years after the Rapture.  His coming will be at the end of the 7 year Tribulation.  When He returns the Old Testament saints will be resurrected, which marks the end of the Tribulation. The Tribulation will usher in the Millennium. 

What is the Tribulation?

The Tribulation is the 7 year period described in Revelation 11-18.  During the first 3 ½ years life on earth will get worse.  The second 3 ½ years is known as the Great Tribulation when God’s anger against the wicked will be the greatest.  The Antichrist will be empowered and will be the center of evil.  It will be a time of great deception by the Antichrist.  It will be a time of devastation, disease, disasters, death, and many false prophets who will deceive many people.  There will be greed, immorality and all kinds of wickedness.  During this time there will be those who will come to believe and be saved, but many will not believe.

There will be natural disasters that occur.  These are found in the book of Revelation.  The sun will turn black, the moon will turn red, and there will be great earthquakes. The stars will fall from the sky.  Mountains and islands will move.  The oceans will become blood.  The water will become poisoned.  This will be a time of great suffering and persecution.  During this time more than half of the world’s population will die.

Who is this Antichrist?

He is the person who is against Christ.  There have been many so-called antichrists, but this Antichrist  will be “The Antichrist”.  He will be controlled by Satan.  He will be the most powerful dictator who persecutes, tortures and kills God’s people.  He will promise world peace and security.  People will flock to him and do anything he asks.  The book of Daniel calls him the prince that shall come, a fierce king and a master of intrigue, and a despicable man. (Dan. 8:23; 9:21; 11:21).  In 2 Thessalonians he is referred as the one who brings destruction, the lawless one, the evil man. (1 Thess. 2:3,8,9).   In Revelation he is referred as the beast. (Rev. 13:1).  He will set himself up as god.  All people will worship him. (Rev. 13:8).   

Helping the Antichrist is the false prophet.  Satan attempts to be like god and presents himself as a false trinity which Satan is god, the Antichrist poses as the Messiah and the false prophet is like the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 13).

What is the Millennium? 

At the end of the Tribulation Christ will return as He promised, which is called the Second Coming.  He will bring with Him all the believers who were Raptured.  The Antichrist and his armies will wage war against Him.  This is called the Battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 14:20; 19:15).  But we know who wins – God of course.  The Antichrist and the false prophet will be captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Christ will bind Satan for 1,000 years then Satan can no longer deceive the people.  Christ will set up His 1,000 year reign on earth called the Millennium.  He will rule over the earth as King of the New Jerusalem.  All the believers will rule with Him.  There will be 1,000 years of peace.   During this time all the believers who survived the Tribulation will of course have earthly bodies.  They will continue to marry and have children, and their descendants will need salvation.

When the 1,000 years is over, Satan will be released for a short time to go out and deceive those who were born during the 1,000 year kingdom.  Some of these people will be influenced by Satan and choose to reject Jesus as the Messiah.  Then Satan will be stopped by God and thrown into the Lake of Fire.  All those who has ever died, from the beginning of creation and throughout all of history, and has not trusted God’s provision as the atonement for his sins, will be resurrected and stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment.  They too, will be thrown into the Lake of Fire as their final judgment.

What are the New Jerusalem, New Heaven, and the New Earth?

God will destroy the old creation (earth) that has been corrupted by sin and replace it with a New Heaven and a New Earth that is pure and holy and will stand forever.  The capital will be the New Jerusalem.  There will be no need for the light of the sun and the moon, because Jesus Himself is its light (Rev. 21:23).  All believers throughout history will live in God’s eternal kingdom and will serve Him forever and ever. (2 Peter 3:3-13; Rev. 21-22; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Matt. 24:35)

Living on this New Earth will be the Old Testament Saints, believers who died and were raptured, believers who did not die and were raptured, believers who came to faith and died as martyrs during the Tribulation called Tribulation Saints, survivors of the Tribulation with earthly bodies, the remnant of Israel who were saved at the return of Christ, and the Gentiles who came to faith during the Tribulation and survived until Christ’s return. 

All believers who returned with Jesus and those resurrected to life have been given new bodies.  They will serve the Messiah.  They will be both Jew and Gentile.

Now you know the future.  If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, will you consider it now?  Turn to God in prayer and confess your sins and ask Him to forgive you.  Believe in Him now before it’s too late.  See more on “How to be saved” at the bottom of this page.

Wow!  I know there is a lot to take in and I’ve only touched on this topic.  To dive into this in more detail, you must read your Bible.  See Daniel 7; 8; 9; Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation.

Thanks for stopping by my site.  Have a blessed day.  See you next time.

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God's Prophecy - Introduction to Revelation

Revelation is a book of prophecy.  God wants to bless us through prophecy and anchor us with a firm foundation.  “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” – Rev. 1:3.  Revelation is when God shows His truth to us.  God shows us what we must do and say.  He shows Himself through Jesus Christ.  It’s all about Jesus.  It tells us about the future climax of world history with God’s final judgment.  He will judge those who don’t believe in Him.  For those who do believe it is a book of joy.

Prophecy is from God.  God speaks through prophets.  True prophecy is not manipulated by man.  Bible prophecy is always fulfilled, because God is sovereign and controls history.  We can know when a prophecy is true when it doesn’t contradict scripture, when it keeps God in the center, and when it’s confirmed by events in history.  There are a lot of false prophets and prophecies today so how do we know it they are true?  “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive the elect…”  No one knows when Jesus will return. (Matthew 24:24-29).  So we need to be discerning, prayerful and ready when He does come.  We can know by false prophets by their fruit or their actions.  Their actions speak much louder than their words. 

The book of Daniel is a book of prophecy and talks about the End Times.  In Daniel 12:4 Daniel is told to close up and seal the words of the scroll or the book until the time of the end.  This was done because it could not be understood until more prophesied events were unfolded.  Then as events predicted would be unfolded, it would be clearer and we could understand the prophecy, the Book of Revelation.  Jesus said He told the future before it happened so when it does happen we will believe.  (John 13:19; 14:29).

There are many, many prophecies that have been fulfilled.  In Isaiah7:14 we see Isaiah’s prophecy of the birth of a Savior, Jesus by a virgin.  In Micah 5:2 we see Jesus birth place of Bethlehem foretold.  In Isaiah 53:3-6 we see that Jesus will be rejected and hated, but will still die for all mankind.

It is important to know that Bible records fulfilled prophecies, because it reveals God’s sovereignty.  It brings us comfort and hope.  It takes away our fears and builds our faith.

The purpose of Revelation is to reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warnings and hope and encouragement to believers.  It shows God’s servants things that will take place in the future.  It is for all of us, because we are all His servants.  It shows all the events leading up to the “Day of the Lord” referenced many times throughout the Bible.  Jesus speaks through John.  He says these things will take place soon.  It may be today, tomorrow or next week.  In God’s timing “…with the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day” - 2 Peter 3:8.  Whenever this happens, we can see He is giving us a warning to be watchful and expectant and be ready for what is to come.

The outline of Revelation is found in Rev. 1:19 -“Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.”  The events in Revelation were prophesied in the book of Daniel.  These prophesies have been and are being fulfilled and others will be fulfilled.  This vision of John will unfold in the following chapters.

God promises His blessings on us 7 times in Revelation.  Rev. 1:3 is considered to be the key verse in Revelation.  This is the only book that promises a blessing to those who read and hear its message.  The blessing is for everyone.  You however must do what it says.  It tells you what to expect and what to do when the wonderful as well as terrible times come.  During the last 7 years Satan will reign over the earth.  This is called the Great Tribulation.  We need to know all the things that will happen and how to handle all the events that follow those 7 years.

People today want to know the future in many ways.  They go to fortune tellers, use tarot cards, use crystals, read palms, read books on End Times, and even use astrology.  The only future we need to know is what the Bible tells us.  The Bible gives us many prophesies.  2 Peter 2:19-20 tells us true prophecy doesn’t originate with man, but that the prophets spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  In John 13 Jesus says He is telling us the future before it happens so when it happens we will believe.  God is the only one to know and foretells the future.

Jesus through John writes to 7 churches.  These churches represent all the churches of God, now and throughout history.  He also writes to the angels of the 7 churches.  They are responsible for getting the message to the churches, just as we are responsible to get the message of Jesus to others.

Do you tell others about your Jesus?

Do you tell them how He has blessed your life?

Revelation tells of the “second coming” of Jesus.  “Look, he is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  So shall it be!  Amen.” – Rev. 1:7.  In 1 Thess. 4:16-17 there is more about His return.  This is hope for all believers!  We will see throughout Revelation more and more details of His coming.

He gives warnings to the churches and the consequences that will come to those who continue in disobedience and unbelief.  Then Jesus will open 7 seals and judgments for mankind and earth.  Then there will be Jesus’ second coming and His 1,000 year reign called the Millennium with Satan being bound.  Then Satan will be released for a short time after which he and his followers will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire.  Then we will see the Great White Throne judgment, which is the final judgment and then there will be a new heaven, a new earth, and a New Jerusalem.  God is then finished with His work.

What do you need to do to make yourself ready?

Do you trust God's Word?

Who else is more worthy of your faith?

Revelation is divided into 3 sections:

Rev. 1 - the things John had seen in his vision of Christ. 

Rev. 2-3 - the things which are, what is now – the situations of the 7 churches. 

Rev. 4-5 -the things that are to take place in heaven after these things – the future events. 

Rev. 6-22 - the things which will take place on earth after these things – the future events.

Principles:  

God's people can follow Him with confidence, because He controls the future. 

Prophecy is God confiding in His people for their good.

“Behold, I am coming soon!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.” – Rev. 22:7.

As you begin to study God’s Word, remember the truth is being revealed.  Do your part.  Study and allow God to do His part so He can guide you to His truth.  Always begin with prayer.

Now get ready to be amazed and enlightened by what you are going to read and learn.  Join me next week when we will study Revelation 1.  Hope to see you here.

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