O the King is coming (an overview of Bible prophecy)

T(Part 12)

he theme of Christ’s second coming is probably the most outstanding event in human existence. This is repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Bible no less than 4,200 times. More specifically, the theme of Christ’s second coming was clearly foretold 318 times in the 210 chapters of the New Testament where one out of every 30 verses repeat it. In the Old Testament, one out of every 18 verses point to it. Jesus is returning mainly to fulfill the prophecies of the scripture in the Old and New Testaments regarding the coming of the Messiah.

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“I will come back” (John 14:3). Thus Jesus states it in terms simple, direct, and clear. Many other scriptural verses indicate that Jesus Christ who had risen from the dead and ascended into heaven would, at some future, unexpected time, personally descend from heaven to earth, visibly and bodily in glory and power for the judgment of the world and to complete his work of redemption. Yes, the scriptural verses leave no room for doubting that Jesus certainly will come back again. Jesus’ words are so clear and certain when He said: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3).

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Since that momentous day, when Jesus was “taken up to Heaven” before the eyes of the apostles, people have kept wondering: When is Jesus Christ coming back to earth? History tells us that early Christians who were persecuted were spiritually strengthened with the hope of Christ’s second coming. “Maranatha” – the Lord is coming, was the greeting password among the early Christians.

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To believers of the Gospel (that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures), the Bible verses on Christ’s coming back is sufficient assurance of His returning to earth. The Holy Bible is the Word of God and surely Jesus cannot deny Himself.

* * * Significantly, too, in all the books of the New Testament, except the Books of Philemon and John 2 & 3, mention is made of Christ’s second coming. The Apostle Paul alone makes reference to Christ’s second coming 27 times. And it is mentioned in every chapter of the Book of Thessalonians (1 & 2).

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There is a startling contrast between Christ’s first and second coming. The first is characterized by poverty and humiliation. Jesus was blasphemed, mocked, betrayed, denied, and tortured with a crown of thorns on His brow. In contrast, Christ’s second coming is splendored with majestic riches, glory, and power. He first came as a man of sorrows while He will return with radiance and joy as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was judged when He first came, but He will judge when He comes back.

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Here is how one report in the Internet (Reference: https://activechristianity.org/what-doesthe-bible-say-about-the-secondcoming-of-christ) describes Christ’s second coming:

"Jesus and the saints all descend from heaven to save the Jews from the Antichrist. The Antichrist will gather all of his armies from all over the world and attack Jerusalem.”

“The Lord’s feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east and which will split in two to create a valley. (Zechariah 14:3-4, Revelation 19:11-16).”

“Both the beast and the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire to burn for all eternity. (Revelation 19:20-21).”

“Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-3)."

“Jerusalem becomes the capital city of the world, from which Christ will rule over the whole earth. (Isaiah 2:2-4, Micah 4:1-3).”

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The confusion and controversy as to when Jesus is coming again should not mislead us to be complacent. Satan, the author of all this confusion, wants us to be unprepared. In Luke 12:40, Jesus spoke these words: “Be ye therefore ready also; for the son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Again in Matthew 24:36, Jesus said: “Of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

(To be continued)

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This column continues to give out copies of the Holy Bible for free to those who cannot afford to buy their own copies. If interested, please send your letter-request to Ms. Nelly Favis Villafuerte, 5233 Fahrenheit St., Palanan, Makati City. Kindly mention if it is the Tagalog, English, Cebuano, or Ilocano Bible that is preferred.

Be joyful and forgiving! (Comments may be sent to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: villafuerte_nelly@ yahoo.com)