We have considered what Jesus did when He came the first time and what He did after He ascended into Heaven. But Jesus is not done. He is coming again!
The Second Coming is an essential doctrine of the faith. All believers are not in perfect agreement regarding all of the details of the Second Coming, but all true believers must believe in the Second Coming of Jesus.
The Second Coming is not only essential, it is our blessed hope of future glory.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…”
Let us learn eight truths about the Second Coming:
1. The Lord went away (bodily ascension into Heaven)
Acts 1:9-11 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
2. The Lord will come back.
Acts 1:11b This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."
3. The Lord will be gone a long time. It has been a long time and we do not know how much longer—but He will come again!
Matthew 25:13 & 19 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming… 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
4. We do not know when the Lord will return.
Mark 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
5. The Lord’s people are to do business (grow in grace and evangelize the world) until He comes.
Luke 19:13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'
6. The Lord’s people will suffer before He returns.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
7. There will be a great apostasy (falling away) before He returns.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day [second coming] will not come unless the falling away [apostasy] comes first…
The eighth is His judgment when He returns—next time…