Let me at the very first explain the two phases of the Lord’s Second Coming. The first part is Jesus coming for His saints. The second is the Lord coming with His saints. The word “behold” is a word in which the Holy Spirit is trying to get our attention. It carries the following meaning:
1. Stop and think of this, carefully consider the tremendous truth which has been set forth.
2. Whenever God says, “behold” it is an invitation to stop and consider the mighty, majestic truth God has announced.
3. It’s like a finger pointing to key paragraphs and sentences on the printed page.
4. Behold, is like in olden days. A town crier would walk through the village streets ringing his bell and shouting “Hear Ye, Hear Ye.”
5. The word, “behold” is as the Holy Spirit Himself saying and using the strongest words and means possible to get our attention.
6. The words, “He cometh, I cometh” are trustworthy words.
a. You can count on it.
b. Be positive concerning it.
c. It is one of which you can be sure.
7. Now, not everyone that speaks today are trustworthy.
a. Nations are not, treaties made, and broken.
b. Businesspeople, lending institution, banks, finance companies, all are not trustworthy.
c. Not all the words of individuals are trustworthy.
8. The Word of God is the only word in our day of which we can be absolutely unconditionally sure of.
9. So, let’s take heed today of this tremendous trustworthy truth about Christ return. “Behold He Cometh.”
I. The Promises of Christ Coming Again
1. The promises of Jesus coming are nothing new. They are as old as the history of mankind.
2. Enoch prophecies Jesus coming again. Jude 14
a. How fitting Enoch was the first to be raptured. Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5
b. Enoch without death, was caught up to be with God. experiencing a foretaste of what will happen when Jesus Christ returns for His own.
3. Elijah was raptured like the return of Jesus. 2 Kings 2:11-12
a. God sent His own personal chariot of fire to carry him home.
b. The whirlwind caught him up into the very presence of God.
c. What a thrill, a joy, a delight.
d. This Bible tells us God is sending His Son back for us. With all Heaven watching that even, “Behold He Cometh.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
4. Peter foretold it. 2 Peter 3:3,4,8,9
5. James said, “Jesus is coming again.” James 5:7-8
6. John says the same thing in 1 John 3:2-3
7. Christ return was dear to the Apostle Paul. Hebrews 9:28
8. The angels said, “this same Jesus will come again.” Acts 1:10-11
9. Jesus Himself promised, “I will come again.” John 14:1-3
10. Yes, all these men said, “Jesus is coming again.” But beware of setting dates.
a. Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7
b. Jesus may come today, tonight, tomorrow, but no man knows the day nor the hour. Just the season. We are in that season.
II. The Purpose of Christ Coming Again
1. Why is Jesus coming back again?
2. 2 Thessalonians 2:1; Why? To rapture or for our gathering together.
3. Our bodies to be redeemed. Romans 3:22-23
a. Our bodies will be like Jesus body, perfect.
b. Apart from sickness, pain, suffering.
4. 1 John 3:2; our sinful natures will be made perfect.
a. The bible has much to say about the dual natures of man.
b. At the rapture we will only have the spiritual man.
5. Saved from the wrath, the great tribulation.
a. The great tribulation when the woes of God.
b. The wrath of God
c. The curse of God poured upon the wicked earth of rebellion. 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Romans 8:1
6. Jesus is coming to reward his servants. Revelation 22:12; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; all speak of the Bema Seat.
a. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
b. 1 Corinthians 4:5
III. The Power of Christ Coming Again
1. No words, or ways to describe the unlimited inexpressible power of the blessed hope.
2. But let’s see to some degree if we understand the affect Christ coming has on His believers.
3. It has purifying power. 1 John 3:2-3
a. Have you ever noticed how much and how often in the Bible the second coming is connected with separation and purification? Titus 2:11-15
b. I don’t know how a saved person can have this purifying power within and be found.
c. Jesus coming again does have purifying power.
4. Christ coming is the greatest incentive for soul winning motivation for missions getting the gospel into all the world.
a. Notice how often the words watch and work are together with reference to the second coming of Jesus.
b. Luke 12:25-46.
5. Christ coming again has comforting power. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; James 5:7-8
a. There is something about this hope. It gives comfort for the soul regardless of the load.
b. All the burdens, battles, heartaches, trials, testing’s, sufferings will be gone forever when we meet Jesus in the air.
IV. Are You Ready for Christ to Return?
1. The most important thought about Jesus coming again is the point of preparation. Are you ready?
2. What keeps you from accepting Christ as your savior?
3. Today is the day.
