Lesson 13 - God the Son: His Coming with His Saints

The Second Coming of Christ to establish His kingdom on earth (Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14; 2 Sam. 7:16; Ps. 89:3-4, 34-37; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5-6; Luke 1:31-33; cf. Matt. 6:9-10; 19:28; 25:31; Rev. 19:11-16; Rev. 20:4-6) is distinguished from the Rapture of the Church where He takes Christians to heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-53).

Important Events Preceding the Second Coming of Christ

1. A period of preparation will follow the rapture in which ten nations will be formed into a confederacy in a revival of the ancient Roman Empire. Out of this will emerge a dictator who will control first three then all ten of the nations.
2. A period of peace will be brought about by the dictator in the Mediterranean area, beginning with a covenant with Israel planned for seven years (Dan. 9:27).
3. A time of persecution for Israel and for all believers in Christ will be brought about when the dictator breaks his covenant after the first three and one half years.[1]

Vital Facts Related to the Second Coming

1. The Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth (Zech. 14:4), personally (Matt. 25:31; Rev. 19:11-16), and on the clouds of heaven (Matt. 24:30; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7). According to all biblical passages, it will be a glorious event which the entire world will see (Rev. 1:7).
2. According to the revelation given by Christ Himself recorded in Matthew 24:26-29, His glorious appearing will be like lightning shining from the East to the West.
3. In His second coming to the earth, Christ is accompanied by saints and angels in a dramatic procession (Rev. 19:11-16).
4. At His coming, Christ will first judge the armies of the world deployed in battle (Rev. 19:15-21). As He sets up His kingdom, He will regather Israel and judge them (Ezek. 20:34-38) relative to their worthiness to enter the millennial kingdom. In a similar way He will gather the Gentiles or “the nations” and judge them (Matt. 25:31-46).[2]

[1] Lewis Sperry Chafer; John F. Walvoord; Major Bible Themes (Grand Rapids, Mich. Zondervan Publishing, 2010), 82.

[2] Ibid., 83-84.