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In the course of human history, few narratives hold as much intrigue, anticipation, and profound significance as the promise of the return of Christ. Across centuries, cultures, and continents, the idea of Christ's second coming has been a focal point for theologians, believers, and seekers alike. It represents the culmination of divine promises, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the ultimate hope for redemption.
In this series of blogs, we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the return of Christ. We delve into its theological underpinnings, historical interpretations, and contemporary relevance. Beyond doctrinal debates and eschatological speculations, we seek to unravel the profound implications of this event on individual faith, societal ethics, and global consciousness.
Christ’s return is our great hope of salvation and initiates spending a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing (Revelation 1:3). Let's take the next few blogs to consider the return of Christ in detail and what scripture says.
Although the exact nature of Christ’s return is controversial among theologians, it is important to base our beliefs on scripture, which will be the basis of our discussion.
Scripture prophecy
End times biblical literature in the New Testament includes major prophetic passages in:
- Revelation
- Chapters 4-18 – The tribulation
- Chapters 19-20 -The second coming of Christ
- Chapters 21-22 – Eternity
- Matthew 24 and 25 - The “Olivet discourse”, discusses the tribulation, 2nd coming and judgment, leaning to a Jewish perspective
- 1 Corinthians 15:51ff – The rapture
- 1 Thessalonians 4 – The rapture
- 1 Thessalonians 5 – Second coming
- 2 Thessalonians 1 – Tribulation
- 2 Thessalonians 2 – Antichrist
There is also extensive prophetic literature in the Old Testament detailing the first and second comings of Christ, Christ’s kingdom reign, and prophecies already fulfilled in the Old Testament itself. Many prophecies related to Christ are dealt with in our chapter, the Plan of God. The kingdom reign of Christ is discussed here. Prophecies fulfilled in the Old Testament itself are beyond the scope of this Resource Center. Please see the helpful references below for further reading.
Although opinions vary, proper interpretation of scripture should be a normal, literal meaning that should consider the style of writing in the original text. For instance, prophecy literature should allow symbols to be symbols, as intended by the original author, to represent actual events, not to be spiritualized or understood verbatim.
Our discussion is based on a normal literal interpretation of scripture. Other traditional alternative beliefs to the end times exist but are not included in this chapter because of the lack of substantiation in scripture. Several references are included below for your convenience for deeper reading.
Key definitions
- The term ‘end times’ is derived from scripture ‘last days’. This term and its derivatives typically mean the time of the church as well as Christ’s second return and ensuing eternity. It can indicate, however, only Christ’s return and beyond which is the case for our study in this chapter.
- Eschatology – This is the study of end times taken from the Greek word ‘last’ (ἔσχατος, eschatos).
End times events in order
- The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Revelation 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58) – This important event includes the following:
- It occurs at a time known only by God
- A trumpet, shout, and announcement shall be heard, and Christ will return in the clouds
- Christ will take dead and living Christians out of the world to be with Him for eternity
- Those taken our bodies will be changed to be incorruptible forever
- The rapture initiates the series of events leading to Christ’s return and begins specifically the tribulation (see below).
- Although beliefs differ, scripture indicates the church is taken out of the world before the tribulation because it is promised to Christians that they will not know God’s wrath (Revelation 3:10; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9), which is the purpose of the tribulation. The church is not mentioned in tribulation passages.
Well, that starts our discussion of end times and takes us through the rapture allows those living on earth to begin their experience with eternity, avoiding the wrath to come.
Thanks be to God for his wonderful promises of eternal life through our faith alone in Jesus Christ. Join us next time as we continue this wonderful journey of our overview of the end times.
Books to expand on this topic:
Messiah in the Old Testament, The: Kaiser Jr., Walter C.: 9780310200307: Amazon.com: Books
Systematic Theology (4 Volume Set): Chafer, Lewis Sperry: 9780825423406: Amazon.com: Books
William C. Stewart, MD
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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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