One of the foundational doctrines of Scripture is the second coming of The Lord Jesus Christ to the earth. This event will take place after the great tribulation period (Matthew 24:29-31). He will return to the earth the same way that He left the earth, in the clouds (Acts 1:9-11). This return of The Lord Jesus will be visible to every eye on the planet (Revelation 1:7a). When Jesus returns, He will be taking vengeance with flaming fire upon those who rejected the gospel that bears His holy Name (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
Dear reader, have you obeyed the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ? When Jesus returns, He will be the cause of great wailing (Revelation 1:7b) or great admiration (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Jesus Himself talked about His second coming and the signs related to this event (Matthew 24).
As we work our way through the Book of Revelation, we will explore the great tribulation period (chapters 6-19), and also tie it in with many Old Testament prophecies. However, as believers in The Lord Jesus Christ we must guard against this doctrine becoming nothing more than manna for our prophetic curiosity instead of motivation to put on Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11-14) and walk in purity before Him (1 John 3:3). We must also remember that the heart of The Father is to redeem the lost through His Son, and to do that we are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:15a).
Yes, The King of kings is coming back to this earth to set up His Kingdom; but first Jesus is coming back for His bride, the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Until Jesus takes us home, or for the rest of our days that we have left on this earth, may we live lives worthy of the Name of Jesus (Colossians 1:10) and for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:16).
