Massive amounts of books, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube® videos exist on the topic of the End Times. It’s confusing, I know, so I will help all of us by summarizing and editorializing everything written about the Second Coming in 500 words.
These ideas are generally accepted:
- Jesus came the first time, and He will come a second time.
- There are twice as many prophecies in the Bible about the Second Coming than the First Coming.
- The grace door to salvation was opened after the First Coming of Jesus but will close when Jesus returns.
- The Last Days began with the sermon of Peter in Acts 2 and will close at the Second Coming.
- We don’t debate Jesus’ return; we do debate exactly when. Is it the Rapture? Is Jesus’ coming in the clouds the same as the Rapture? Does Jesus return before, during, or after the seven-year Tribulation? Is it after the Millennium?
- There will be increasing tribulation with intensity and frequency as the very last days approach.
- There are signs of the return of Jesus, including wars, natural disasters, signs in the heavens, false teachers, doctrines of demons, disease, and many compromised believers.
- The nation of modern Israel is the focal point of End Times prophecy. Admittedly this idea is debated by some, but for those who doubt it, look at the news—Israel is at the center of events right now.
- Many of the Last-Day wars will be focused in and around the nation of Israel.
- The ultimate mission of the church is to preach the gospel to all nations, and then Jesus will return.
- There will be a new earth and a new Jerusalem or actual peace on earth with a government led by our Lord and Savior.
- Whether Jesus comes tomorrow or a thousand years from now, His followers should live today as if He is returning tomorrow.
- One of the first things we will do in heaven is celebrate the Marriage Feast of the Lamb, and I will see if readers of Interruptions can sit together around the table.
- We will have a new body, converse with friends and family, and God will wipe away our tears.
- We will shout, “God is good” and “God is great!” And praise Him forever.
That’s it, my 500-word summary, but I’ve only written 329 words. HHHHMMMHHM, let me add supporting Scriptural passages to increase the word count.
Acts 1:11, Daniel 12:1-4, Luke 21:10-36, Matthew 24, John 14:1-6, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonian 4:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-8, Revelation 19:7-10, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:1-8, and Revelation 22:12.
Okay, I’ve failed. My re-cap is now only 382 words. I could write “Amen” 118 times, but instead, I’ll repeat a few words by the Apostle John…
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me (Revelation 3:20, NASB1995).
Amen, amen, amen, amen…