Coming Attractions Part IV – The Second Coming

This is a continuing series of posts where I am summarizing and reflecting on the sermons in our senior pastor’s four part series on biblical prophecy, “So What’s Next?”.

• Introduction to the End Times
• Reflection on the first sermon
• Reflection on the second sermon
• Reflection on the third sermon – part I
• Reflection on the third sermon – part II – The Rapture
• Reflection on the third sermon – part III – The Great Tribulation

So now we come to it – the big chebang, the moment of truth, the whole enchilada.

The second coming of Christ.

There is only one major difference of note – in the dispensational scheme of the end times, this return of Christ is to the nation of Israel to deliver them from enemies that have allied at their gates under the united leadership of the anti-Christ.

In the amillennial view, this second coming will be to deliver all his people, Jew and Gentile, finally and completely from this present age as He ushers in the age of eternity.

There was also reference made to Zechariah 14; I haven’t studied up enough on this passage to know whether or not I agree that it is talking about the second coming of Christ or not. But in the sermon, it was obviously taken as a literal description of the second coming, as he preached that Christ will literally split the Mount of Olives in two as he lands after his descent.

I’ll have to read up on that some more before I land.

There wasn’t one main text or exposition dealt with in depth on the second coming, it was just delivered in such a powerful way that I found myself caught up in the wave of joy thinking of that day when Christ returns for His bride.

It was preached with genuine emotion and contagious passion – any Christian, regardless of his or her millennial view would have been touched by the painted picture of Christ returning in a victorious procession to crush the enemy.

It was very moving as he spoke of Christ coming as “the rider on the white horse”; but I think it would have been even more powerful if the passage from Revelation was read aloud.

Check it out:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
— Revelation 19:11-16

This isn’t your friendly neighborhood Jesus. This isn’t Jesus meek and mild. He is coming as the returning King with some serious business to take care of.

His authority is unmatched, his strength is beyond measure, and his mission is unstoppable.

And His names tell the story – He is called Faithful and True, He is called The Word of God, He is called King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Breathtaking.

And this is my great hope, that one day I will see Him. Actually see Him face to face. Actually see the radiance of his face. Actually touch His white robe. Actually bow down to worship at his feet (his literal flesh and blood feet!)

It’s actually going to happen. Someday. Sometime. Someplace.

Christ is coming back.

What an awesome thought.