The Second Advent

Christian Eschatology is the study of “last things,” or end-time events.  There is diversity of opinion among Christians regarding these events and the order in which they occur.  Disagreements about the interpretation of scripture regarding end-time events have led to division and separation between believers.  Lamp in a Corner exists to tell people about Jesus, and to help us grow as Christians – not to cause division.  We urge all believers not to break fellowship over disagreements about Eschatology.  What follows is our point of view, but we acknowledge that there are those who see things differently. 

The Holy Bible refers to end-time events, which include the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These events consist of the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Second Coming, the Millenium, the Defeat of Satan, the Judgement, and Eternity.  In the Rapture Jesus will return in the sky and resurrect those who have died trusting in Him for their salvation. Then the resurrected Christians, and believers who are living at the time, will be caught up in the air to be with Jesus forever in new bodies like His. (1Corinthians 15:20-58, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1John 3:2) 

The Tribulation is a seven-year period when God’s wrath will be poured out on an unbelieving world.  It is described in Zephaniah 1:14-18 and 3:8, and in Revelation, Chapters 6-18.  It seems to be most consistent with salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) that the Tribulation follows the Rapture.  The all-sufficiency of Jesus atoning sacrifice for our sins (Colossians 2:10, 1Corinthians 1:30, 2Corinthians 12:9, Hebrews 10:14) indicates that those who trust in Jesus alone for their salvation will go to be with Him and will not be subject to God’s wrath. (1Thessalonians1:10, 1Thessalonians 5:9-10, Revelation 3:10) 

A thorough discussion of the Tribulation is beyond the scope of this post.  The literature about it is voluminous and readily available.  A synopsis by pastor and author David Jeremiah can be found at: https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-is-the-tribulation/  

The Tribulation will end with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  He will return to Earth to reign as Messiah for 1,000 years (the Millennium).  His enemies the Antichrist and the False Prophet will be defeated, and Satan will be bound and held prisoner.  When the Millenium is over, Satan will be allowed to go free, and he will lead a rebellion against Christ.  He will be defeated, and he will join the False Prophet and the Antichrist in the lake of burning sulfur – there to suffer torment forever. (Revelation, Chapters 19 and 20) 

The last judgement will follow Satan’s defeat.  Those who did not accept God’s free gift of salvation will be condemned to eternal punishment along with the Devil and his henchmen. (Revelation, Chapter 20) Those who are saved will be judged in order to receive rewards for their service to the Lord (Romans 8:1, Revelation 22:12, Psalm 62:12, 1Cornthians 4:5), and they will spend eternity sharing God’s glory with Him. 

In the First Advent, God the Son came to live among us as a man, Jesus Christ.  In the Second Advent He will return and ultimately destroy evil forever.  We celebrate His birth at Christmas.  Are you able to celebrate and look forward to His return with confident expectation? 

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ today.  Receive the gift salvation He offers you.  It’s the best Christmas present you will ever get.