Major Steps and Stages
Signs of His Coming. Second Coming Signs of His Coming Evangelize all Nations
    Scripture speaks of particular events which precede the return of Christ. According to Jesus the first sign is the world-wide evangelisation of all nations. 'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' Matthew 24:14 Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 45:22,23; Mark 13.10; Matthew 28:19,20 Now this is not a promise that 'every person will have a chance to be saved.' Jesus is saying that the world's nations shall have the opportunity at one time or another during the course of history to hear the gospel. This also does not mean that the labours of a single missionary in each one of the nations of the world would meet all the requirements either. Its the universal proclamation of the gospel. This sign is rapidly attaining fulfilment in this present age of modern communication.
    Salvation of all Israel Romans 11:25-27; Zechariah 12:10-14 These verses do not mean that there will be national restoration and conversion of Israel, that the Jewish nation will be re-established in the Holy Land, and that this will take place immediately preceding or during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Jesus states the very opposite here. He indicated everywhere that the privileges which once belonged to the ancient covenant-people would be transferred to a new nation (the Church), gathered out of Jews and Gentiles. God does not reward disobedience. Luke 19:43,44; Matthew 8:11,12; 21:32
    The context of Romans 11 gives us a better understanding of the passage. Not as a nation as a whole, but as a collection of remnants throughout the ages. The reference to all Israel is the total remnant which have been converted out of Israel throughout history. This is the fulness Paul speaks about.
    Paul is not saying that every Jew (individual) will be saved. But rather the total number of believing Jews. With the fulness of the Gentiles the fulness of Israel will also come in. With the number of God's elect complete, then our Lord will return. Matthew 24:31; Revelation 14:15 This does say that a remnant of Jews will be saved in the last days.
    Great Apostasy and Tribulation Second Coming These two events are interwoven in many New Testament passages. By apostasy is meant a falling away from Biblical teaching, preaching and morality. Now certainly every generation has had this but the difference is that immorality and heresy will be the norm rather than the exception.
    The words of Jesus have certainly found a partial fulfillment in the days preceding the destruction of Jerusalem, but will evidently have a further fulfilment in the future in a tribulation far surpassing anything that has ever been experienced. There will be a heightening of apostasy and an intensifying of tribulation even to the point where for the sake of the elect its days will be shortened. 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Luke 17:26-37; Matthew 24:4-21
    Those who have fallen away will then begin to persecute those who remain firm. It is called a number of things in scripture. 'Great Tribulation', 'Falling Away', 'Reign of Antichrist', and 'Satan's Little season' in Revelation 20:3,7,8. It does not mean that true believers will fall away from the faith. It simply means that the faith of the fathers - a faith to which the children adhere for a while in a merely formal way - will finally be abandoned altogether by many of the children. Just as a tribulation under Antiochus Epiphanes preceded Christ's first coming, so another tribulation, even worse than the first, will precede Christ's second coming
    The Anti-Christ Apostasy will already have make some progress when the lawless one comes on the scene. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 However this one puts himself in the place of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4; Daniel 11:36 ff.; Revelation 13 Absolute incarnate self-centeredness. It is interesting that only John speaks of the anti-Christ in the New Testament, although 2 Thessalonians 2:3 speaks of the man of lawlessness thought by many to be the anti-Christ. Many anti-Christs are already here in the form of anti-Christian powers and personages. 1 John 2:18; 4:3; 2 John 1:7 But there will appear 'The Anti-Christ' according to 1 John 2:22. The Devil can hardly wait until the day arrives when he can bring the final Antichrist upon the scene. When at the beginning of the great apostasy law and order, founded on justice, are finally removed, then the man of lawlessness will be make manifest.
    Signs and Wonders There has always been wars, and rumours of wars, famines and earthquakes. Matthew 24:5,7,24,29-30; Mark 13:22-25 7000 earthquakes in the 19th. century alone. So which one will be the sure sign of Christ's return. By itself a war or an earthquake cannot be a sign but Matthew 24:33 gives us the clue to the meanings of this sign. 'So likewise ye, when ye shall see ALL THESE THINGS, know that it is near, even at the doors.' Included in these signs will be the rise of many false prophets. The natural occurrences will be accompanied with supernatural phenomena. Luke 21:25,26
    The Final Sign The Lord gave two preliminary signs of his coming. The first was the proclamation of the gospel in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations. The second was the great tribulation which would be immediately followed by Christ's glorious manifestation. The great tribulation includes the great apostasy and the climax of the reign of the Antichrist. But in Matthew 24:29-30 we read of the sign the disciples asked for, the one, final, great sign. The very appearance of the Son of man upon clouds of glory is itself the sign, the one, great, final sign from the point of view of the earth. Christ's brilliant self-manifestation will be a sign that he is about to descend in order to meet his people while they ascend to meet him in the air. The glory which will mark his appearance will be a sign, a definite proof, of God's delight in his Son and proof that He is the Messiah prophesied in Daniel 7:13,14.
    The State of Israel The question is often raised is the establishment of the state of Israel the fulfilment of Prophecy? Many sincere Christians are convinced, that there is still another sign, a very clear and unmistakable indication that right now Christ's return must be very, very near. That sign as they see it is the establishment, May 14, 1948, of the state of Israel. Here they see the fulfilment of Deuteronomy 30:1-10.
    Now no one denies that there are many restoration prophecies; that is, many predictions of the return of the Jews to their land and their re-establishment as a nation. Deuteronomy 30:1-10; 1 Kings 8:46-52; Jeremiah 18:5-10; 29:12-14; Ezekiel 36:33; Hosea 11:10 The point is however, that insofar as these prophecies pertain to the literal restoration of the Jews as a nation, they were fulfilled (in stages) when the Jews returned from their Babylonian-Assyrian captivity, and were re-established in their own land. All this took place long, long ago, before Jesus was born.
    Second the restoration predicted by the prophets was conditional on Israel's repentance. See above referances. That this spirit of repentance was actually present at the time of the return from the Babylonian-Assyrian captivity is clear from such passages as Daniel 9:1,2,5,6; Ezra 3:5,10,11; Nehemiah 1:4-11; Haggai 1:12,13 etc. The important point to notice is the Jews who, on May 14, 1948, established the state of Israel had not repented! Whatever has happened in Israel has nothing to do with the prophecies of scripture. The prophecies of the Scriptures had their fulfillment in a repentant nation. Many are looking in the wrong direction, the error of 1st century Jews regarding His first coming.
    Return of Christ
    Vocabulary A number of Greek words are used to describe the coming of Christ. Each word contributes its own significance to the meaning of the coming of Christ.
    Parousia Literally it means a presence'. Para means 'with', ousia, is from to be and means 'an arrival' and the resulting presence. It means the presence of Christ because of his arrival. James 5:7,8; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Matthew 24:3,27,37; 2 Thessalonians 2:8
    Epiphaneia Literally it means 'a shining forth'. We get the word 'epiphany' a glorious manifestation or appearing. It was used during the Olympics. The participants would wait for the appearing of the Emperor, who would bestow on them benefits. He would come in a very visible manner, bestowing blessings. The Christians took the term and applied it to the coming of the King of kings. 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8 It shows the shining forth of the glory of the Lord Jesus as the consequence of His unveiling. Titus 2:13 His coming will be like a flash of lightning across a stormy sky. Matthew 24:27
    Apocholupsis Literally it means 'uncover'. Apo means 'from', kalupto means 'to cover'. A revelation. An uncovering, revealing the apocalypse. Every eye will see him because he will be unveiled. 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7,13; 4:13 Sometimes it refers to the judgement of God closely related to his coming. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Romans 2:5 Presently Jesus Christ is in heaven hidden from our eyes. Some day, in the providence of God, He will be revealed as King of kings and Lord of lords. At His unveiling, we shall behold Him in all the majesty and glory that belong to the Son of God. Then shall he afflict the tyrants who have afflicted His people and bring rest to the afflicted saints. 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7
    Personal Coming Who is going to come? This is answered in the person of Jesus Christ. The second coming of Jesus Christ is definitely predicted in Scripture. John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20,21 But He will come in what capacity? Certainly he will come as Judge but that's not all. For the believer he comes as the Son of Man the one who through suffering attained unto glory. Matthew 24:30; 25:31 But He will also come as 'the Lord who comes to reward his servants'. Matthew 25:21,23 And He will come as the Bridegroom, in order that he may take the bride unto himself.
    Time of His Coming To the question when will He come the answer is 'After these things'. Matthew 24:33 No one knows the exact time of His return but He will not return at just any time. It is related to the end of the world, Matthew 24:3, the resurrection, John 6:39,40,44,45, the judgment, Matthew 25:31-46, and the restoration of the universe, Acts 3:20,21. The timing will coincide with these things but we don't know the time. 'But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.' Matthew 24:36; Mk. 13:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:1,2; Acts 1:7. But He will come unexpectedly, Matthew 24:32-51; 25:1-13 and suddenly. Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24 The reasons are practical. It stimulates the unbeliever to repentance and it stimulates the believer to obedience and diligence. Thus we must keep watch and be in constant readiness for His coming. Matthew 24:42-44
    Place of His Coming The question of where can be understood in two ways. Where will he come from and where will he come to? He has come from the last place he went to. 'beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.' Acts 1:9 passed into the heavens' Hebrews 4:14 and sat down at God's right hand, 'Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. Ephesians 1:21 But one thing is sure when Christ's human nature arrived in heaven, his body did not become defused or distributed all over heaven, neither did it become omnipresent. So when he returns he will return from the place he was last. So it would be logical to conclude that he will come from heaven.
    As to where will he come to there has been much speculation. Some say Mt. Zion and the site of the temple. Others Mt. Olivet where he went up. But I think that it is best to say he will descend to, and will be seen coming upon, the clouds, and will then go forth to meet his people, while they too will ascend from the earth 'to meet him in the air'.
    Manner of His Coming
    Personal 'This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.' Acts 1:11 The person of Jesus was leaving them, and the person of Jesus will return. John 14:3; 21:20-23
    Bodily Jesus will return to the earth in the body. It will be a physical return. There will be no ghost, or even the spirit alone who will return but the bodily person of Christ. Acts 1:11 ; 3:20,21 ; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 1:7
    Visible and Audible It could be a physical, bodily return and still not be seen by the eyes of men. Matthew 24:30; 25:6,7; Revelation 1:7 The Russellites or Jehovah Witness maintain that the return of Christ and the start of the millennium took place invisibly in 1874, and that Christ came in power in 1914 for the purpose of removing the Church and overthrowing the kingdoms of the world. When the year 1914 passed by without the appearance of Christ, they sought a way of escape from the difficulty in the convenient theory that he remained in hiding, because the people do not manifest sufficient repentance. He came invisibly. But the evidence to the contrary is clear in Scripture. 'For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.' 1 Thessalonians 4:16 This has been called the noisiest verse in the Bible. There is no secret and silent rapture here.
    Suddenly It will take people by surprise. A moment ago, the sign' was not yet there. All of a sudden, there it is! 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 There will be signs of his coming but they will not be specific enough as to designate the exact time. The Bible indicates that the measure of the surprise at the second coming of Christ will be in relation to their watchfulness. Matthew 24:37-44; 25:1-12; Mark 13:33-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3; Revelation 3:3; 16:15
    Gloriously He will come in exaltation in contrast to the first coming. Hebrews 9:28; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26 'He will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.' 2 Thessalonians 1:7 He will come as King of kings and Lord of lords, triumphant over all the forces of evil, having put all His enemies under His feet. 1 Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 19:11-16
    Purpose of His Coming We see Him Coming "for his church" in 2 Thes. 4, 14-18. Then we see Him Coming "with his church in 2 Thes. 3, 13. Once as a thief, and the next time when every eye shall see him.
    As to the purpose of the coming of Christ it can be summed up in three important reasons.
    1.Resurrection It will be in order to raise all the dead, in order that they will appear before Him in judgment. This is true of both the righteous and the wicked. John 5:28,29 For Further Study See Believers Resurrection
    2.Judgment Secondly he will return for the final judgment of all mankind, to overthrow all opposition to God and to reward everyone according as his work demand. 'To judge the living and the dead.' Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 22:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
    Final State 3.Thirdly to usher in the final and eternal state. 'To make all things new.' To usher in the new heavens and the new earth. Revelation 20:15; 21:1-4, 27

A Look at the Resurrection

    The Burial First Century Tombs Garden Tomb The body of a crucified criminal was not usually buried by taken outside the city and placed in the garbage dump (Gehenna) where it would have been burned. However in fulfillment of Scripture Isaiah 53:9 the body of Christ would not be burned in disgrace but rather Jesus would be buried with the wealthy being prepared with spiced and ointments. This was part of his exaltation.
    The Resurrection The Resurrection of Christ is one of the great foundation stones of the Christian Church. In place of importance it is second only to the crucifixion. In fact there is nothing more disastrous than considering the cross apart from the Resurrection. It is one of the great non-negotiables of the Christian faith. Paul makes this clear in the first letter to Corinth. 1 Corinthians 15:14-17 Its either all or nothing. Jesus Christ is the only religious figure who has risen from the dead and still lives. The account of the resurrection is given in all four of the gospels. Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20
    The Reality of Christ's Resurrection In this particular climate bodies decomposed quickly. So these women went to the tomb in order to anoint the body of Jesus with the spices. Luke 24:1 The Greek word is aromata, from which comes the word aromatics, a light perfumed deodorant. The ladies were going to treat his body with something that would control the odour of decay. However upon arriving at the tomb the stone in front of the entrance to the tomb had been moved. John 20:1-2
    This simple fact is the starting-point in the history of the Resurrection of Christ. On Friday morning His body was safe in the tomb. On the Sabbath morning His body was gone.
    Who Moved the Stone? Herod's Tomb with stone Garden Tomb First Century Tombs What had happened to the body of Christ? Who removed it? Surely it wasn't the priests and the scribes and other enemies of Christ! If they had possession of Christ's body they would have produced it to disprove His Resurrection, they would gladly have produced it.
    The apostles and the other disciples would never have taken it. They were far too frightened and confused to even attempt such an action. They would never have come looking for Jesus if they had him. But they also did not have anything to gain by it. Of what use was a decomposing body to them.
    No there is one explanation and one alone that meets the circumstances. Its the explanation of the angel at the tomb. Christ had risen from the grave. He had risen again, and was soon to be seen alive and talking with many credible witnesses. The fact of the Resurrection rests on evidence that no one can explain away. In fact there is more evidence that Jesus rose from the dead then that Julius Caesar once lived.
    In 1930 an able lawyer by the name of Frank Morrison tried to prove that Jesus didn't rise from the dead. He began with the Gospel accounts and began weighing the evidence but came to the conclusion that the only possibility was he had been raised. He became a believer as a result and wrote a book entitles `Who moved the stone?' Historical Fact The resurrection is based upon a solid historical event rooted and grounded in redemptive history. This fact takes the Christian faith beyond a mere set of texts and view of doctrine, it is historical fact. Two male witnesses have been given in accordance with Jewish legal procedure.
    Implications of the Resurrection The Resurrection is God's divine signature that all is well with His work. Romans 8:34; 1 Peter 1:3-5 The message that Jesus preached and lived is true and God the Father has given his approval of it by raising his son from the dead. Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-10
    The overall benefits of the resurrection can be summarised in the following points. Christ's deity was vindicated. Romans 1:4 Christ's mission and teaching is confirmed. John 16:10 Death has been vanquished. Acts 2:24 Believers salvation is sealed. Romans 4:25 Final resurrection is secured. John 11:25-26
    The Empty Tomb Herod's Tomb with stone Garden Tomb First Century Tombs Often the tomb is referred to as the empty tomb, and while Jesus was not in the tomb it was not quite empty. John places the emphasis on the fact that there were grave clothes there. John was younger than Peter and outran him to the tomb arriving first. John looked into the tomb and saw the grave clothes lying there.
    Now the Egyptians embalmed their dead bodies, the Romans and Greeks cremated theirs but the Jews would wrap their relatives in linen strips and pack them with dry spices and place them face up without a coffin in tombs. Usually they were cut out of the rock or side of a hill. Many of them can still be seen today.
    However from the description that Peter and John give of the grave clothes, they were not unwrapped but rather the body of Jesus was resurrected from them. His body had passed through the grave clothes leaving them untouched by human hands. The Greek word is used of things that have been carefully placed in order. John calls special attention to their untouched condition.
    What happened in the resurrection was not a simple reviving of the damaged physical body of Christ which had been taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb but rather it was transformation of Christ's humanity so that he was able to appear and disappear without notice. Luke 24:31, 36 Jesus' human body was transformed into something new and wonderful, a glorified body with all affects of sin and the curse removed. Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 7:16, 24 He still possessed the same body that he had suffered the crucifixion and which had laid in the grave. He bore the marks of the wounds In his body. John 20:20 But his earthly body had been resurrection and thus changed and restored to their original beauty and glory and even taken to a higher level.
    The Believer's Resurrection The transformation of Jesus body points to a new resurrection body for all believers. He is the firstfruits of them that sleep. Believers will have a body like his. The resurrection body will be better than the old physical bodies with all of their weakness and frailties. Not that the believers old physical bodies will be resuscitated. Jesus body wasn't resuscitated, the grave clothes would not have remained as they were found if he had. These earthly bodies slow us down Christian growth. There is the affects of remaining sin. But with the new resurrection bodies all of this will be gone.
    1 Corinthians 15:35-44
    The risen body of Christ is the forerunner of our bodies. Jesus now knew no pain, or suffering, or want. He had no need for food although he took food and prepared food to demonstrate his fellowship with his people. John 21:1-14 Well the same will be the case for Christians. There will be no want for everything will be supplied in Christ. Romans 6; Colossians 2:9-15; Revelation 7:17; 22:1-5
   

Assension

Ascension Definition of the Ascension Mt. Of Olives The ascension is another very significant event in the life of Jesus which is sadly often neglected in the life of the Church. Following His resurrection Jesus continued with his disciples for an additional forty days giving them infallible proof that he was alive. He then ascended from the Mt. of Olives in the presence of his disciples by a local translation of His human nature from earth to heaven. This also involved a further glorification of his human nature. The manhood of Jesus is glorified. Jesus is entering into his Kingly office through His ascension.
    It is only Luke who describes this event in Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11. Paul picks up the theme of the Lordship of Christ as Jesus ascends to a throne. Ephesians 1:20; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:16 The author to the Hebrews applies the truth of the Ascension to the tender hearts of suffering believers to bring them comfort. Hebrews 1:3; 4:14; 9:24
    Its importance in the Christian Church is seen in its inclusion in the Apostles Creed. 'He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.'
    Purposes of the Ascension Jesus spoke of a necessity of his ascension. He must go in order for certain benefits to be applied to believers. To live in the past at the foot of the cross is to miss the blessings of the second comforter, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said 'Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.' John 16:7
    Present His finished work of Atonement to the Father. Hebrews 4:14-15 Ascend the throne at the right hand of God the Father. Revelation 22:1-3 Rule, govern and defend His people. Ephesians 1:20-22 In order that he might send the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 Make intercession for His people. Romans 8:34 Prepare a place for us. John 14:2 Take possession of the heavenly inheritance for us. 1 Peter 1:4
    Question of Location While Jesus was upon the earth his human nature and physical body were concentrated in a single locality. The sick and the elderly came to Jesus or Jesus had to go to them. Now that he has ascended into heaven and his human nature is glorified, Jesus is accessible from anywhere in the world, through prayer and calling on his name. Hebrews 4:16; 7:25; 13:6-8 In a very real sense the Ascension is a change of locations. From the location of earth to the location of heaven. While God is spirit and does not have a body, Jesus does have a glorified body and shall remain the God-man forever. Even in the return of Christ theologians speak of the physical return because Jesus will be seen. Acts 7:56; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 To usher in the new heavens and the new earth.