Can you imagine seeing someone you know do the incredible things that Jesus did during His ministry? Can you imagine seeing this friend put to death only to rise up again in three days? Can you imagine seeing this friend lift off the ground and ascend into the clouds? This is what the apostles witnesses, and these events came with the promise that Jesus would return.

This return of our Savior is promised in Acts 1:9-11. His return is assured in Revelation 1:7, and Hebrews 9:27-28 tells of a return that would be filled with salvation for those who wait for Him.

The Second Coming

His Coming is Certain. (Jude v. 14; Matthew 16:27; John 14:1-4; Acts 1:9-11; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; James 5:7) If we know He is coming, then we should be eager to fulfill His commandments.

The Second Coming is Also Called: The Day of Wrath, Revelation, Judgment (Romans 2:5; Revelation 6:17); The Day of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:8; I Thessalonians 5:2); The Day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:30); The Day of God (II Peter 3:11-12); A Great Day (Jude v. 6).

His Coming Has Purpose. He will raise the dead (John 5:28-29); He will judge all mankind (Matthew 25:31-33; Jude v. 14-15); The physical world will be destroyed (II Peter 3:10); All of our works will be accounted for (II Corinthians 5:10).

The Manner of His Coming. When Jesus comes, His return will be unannounced. He will personally return in power the same way He departed this world, and all will be aware of that return. (Matthew 25:30; Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16; John 5:28; Revelation 1:7)

The Timing. When Christ comes again, we will not have any forewarnings of the specific date and time. He will come as “a thief in the night.” (II Peter 3:10; Revelation 6:15; Matthew 24:44) Jesus will come when God is ready for Him to come.

Conclusion

Matthew 25:12 begins the story of the wise and foolish virgins. Some were able to enter with the bride and groom; others were left out in the cold. We will be known or unknown by Jesus depending on our preparation for that return. Luke 13:22-30 again reinforces the fact that some will enter into eternity with Jesus while others are left out.

In Revelation 6:15-17, even the greatest leaders try to hide from judgment, for there are none who can stand up against God. However, we can look forward to that return (II Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 22:20) if we live as servants to Jesus, doing all in the name of the Lord. Heaven will be made up of sinners – sinners who have been forgiven.

lesson by Tim Smelser