The Second Coming

The Second Coming

Matthew 24: 23-31

Jesus has revealed much about the events leading up to His return and the difficulties associated with the Tribulation. Our text today focuses on the time when the Tribulation will be coming to an end and the Lord makes His glorious return to earth. His second coming will be a literal return to earth, as He establishes His kingdom to rule and reign for a thousand years.

We must bear in mind that Jesus is speaking of literal events that will happen upon the earth just as He revealed. Many deny and reject the second coming, but there is an appointed time when our Lord will come again. Rev.19:11-16 – And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

As we continue our study of the Olivet Discourse, I want to discuss the certainties Jesus revealed as we consider: The Second Coming.

I. The Prevalence of Deception (23-27) – Jesus again warns of the deception that will mark the Tribulation, leading up to His return. Consider:

A. The Abundance (23, 25) – Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. [25] Behold, I have told you before. Clearly deception will abound in the Tribulation and will continue until the Lord returns in power and glory. He warned of such deception in Vvs.5 and 11. As we have discussed, such deception abounds today, but it will increase during the end times.

B. The Ability (24) – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. The false prophets and those empowered by anti-Christ will have unusual power to perform great signs and wonders. This will be much of the appeal that leads many to follow anti-Christ. Jesus declared these will be so convincing, that if it were possible, they would deceive those who had received salvation. We cannot imagine or comprehend the power that Satan and those who follow him will possess and reveal during that time. Those who are not saved by grace and settled in the faith will be taken in by the deception of these false prophets.

C. The Appeal (26) – Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. The deception will be rampant in that day. Claims will abound from those professing to be Christ. Many will be deceived and try to convince others of their beliefs. These claims will be prevalent in that day. Supposed appearances of Christ will be reported in various regions. Some will claim He is in desert areas and others will claim He is located in hidden places within the cities and towns. Such lies and deception must be rejected by those who truly believe. Jesus wanted to confirm that there will be no question about His return. He will address that in a moment. Sadly, many will be pulled in by this deception, being convinced that the anti-Christ and his associates are in fact the Christ.

D. The Assurance (27) – For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. While many will be deceived prior to His return, when Christ actually comes back to earth there will be no doubt. His return will be quick, visible, and glorious. He will appear on the scene just as quickly and noticeable as the lighting flashing in the east and shining in the west. (This is the basis for Jesus breaking the eastern sky when He returns. People are buried in cemeteries facing the east, so as to be looking toward His coming.)

II. The Perils of Tribulation (28-29) – Jesus goes on to describe the horrific terror and devastation that will come upon the earth at the end of the age. Consider: