The Signs and Results of His Appearing

Let’s consider some of the differences between Christ’s coming for His people (the rapture) and His coming with His people (the Second Coming).

1. When Christ comes for His people, there will be—

1. The resurrection of the dead in Christ. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the dead in Christ shall rise first, and Revelation 20:6 calls this “the first resurrection,” and Luke 14:14 refers to this event as the “resurrection of the righteous.”
2. The transformation of the living. 1 Corinthians 15:50—57 teaches that those who are alive at “the first resurrection” will be changed in the twinkling of an eye; our bodies will be made fit for heaven (2 Corinthians 5:4). This is not death, but transformation, similar to Enoch, who did not experience death, Matthew 16:28; Philippians 3:20—21).
3. The translation of the saints. This is referred to as “the rapture” of the church and the main verses that teach this wonderful doctrine are 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 17, but it is a fulfillment of John 14:3.

2. When Christ comes with His saints, He will—

1. Reveal His own to the world. Note carefully the words of Colossians 3:4 and 1 John 3:2. At the physical Second Coming, not only will Christ return in manifested glory for all to see, but His saints will also be seen and be glorified and at the point, all unbelievers will see the blessedness of a life given to Christ.
2. Take vengeance on the disobedient. The “mighty angels” mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 1:7—9 are the messengers of His strength. Many believe they will execute this terrible judgment upon those who hate God and all unbelievers, Isaiah 2:19.
3. Restore His ancient people. Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1 teach that when Christ returns, Israel will see Him and mourn and the sins of the people and of Jerusalem will be cleansed. Paul, in Romans 11:25—29 tells us that “all Israel will be saved.”
4. Judge the nations. This is clearly taught in Matthew 25:31—46. The image of the world’s power and unrighteous rule will be shattered into pieces at the coming of Christ, the “stone,” over which no man has control, Daniel 2:31—35; Psalm 2:7—9; Revelation 19:11.
5. Destroy the Antichrist. 2 Thessalonians 2:7—9; 1 John 4:3.
6. Rule the nations. This is clearly taught in Psalm 72:7—11 and Zechariah 14:9. When Christ returns, all rulers of the earth will bow before Him and serve Him and He shall ruler over all people as a righteous ruler. Wars will end and peace will fill the earth when He comes back. How different will the world be under the rule of Christ? It will be so different that all creations longs for that day to come, Romans 8:22.
7. Reward the faithful. A perfect outline of these coming events is found in Luke 19:11—27, given by the Lord Himself. His servants are rewarded according to their works at His coming. This is the judgment spoken by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:10. The rewards will differ according to the measure of faithfulness (1 Corinthians 15:41).

3. Signs of His coming

As was noted in the last study, the Bible does not teach that the world will be converted before He comes back. There are, however a few signs given in Scripture to indicate the nearness of His return.

1. The preaching of the Gospel to all nations, Matthew 24:14. This began in the New Testament time (Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:5, 6, 23) and continues to this day and will continue until the Lord returns.
2. The budding of the fig tree, Luke 21:29—31. We can infer that our Lord referred to the Jewish nation in this parable. That even today, they are showing signs of renewed life, should be clear to all observing events in the Middle East.
3. The perilous nature of the times, 2 Timothy 3:1; Luke 21:25—28.
4. The cry of the bridegroom’s friends, Matthew 25:6. At midnight they cried, and at midnight he came. Even today, a cry is going forth from the Church: the Lord is coming back! No man knows the day or the hour, and many believe it will never happen. But, rest assured we have the promise of God’s Word: He will come back, and even now some of the signs are beginning. The state of the world today has forced many to “lift up their heads,” knowing that their redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).

Are you looking for that day? Are you expecting it?