Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Eschatology 101 (Part 2)

Is Jesus really coming again? In the gospel of John and chapter 14 Jesus says: "... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." All Christians are waiting for his return, some with more expectation than others depending on their circumstances, however he is coming again. Hebrews 9:28 puts it like this: "so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."

This second coming is not to deal with sin, that was dealt with on the cross, but rather this time to fulfill (complete) the promises of salvation. Of course, the next questions which spring to mind are how will he come and when will he come? The how and the when are the core of the study of eschatology. Of course there are variations of ideas about these, however there are certain truths which are fundamental and on which all agree.

Let's start to look at the how . The first thing to note is that he will come with the clouds and great majesty and power: "And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory." (Mark 13:26) and "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, every one who pierced him; and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him." (Revelation of John 1:7, RSV). Also see  Matthew 26:64 and Mark 14:62.

When he comes again, every eye will see him and just as the clouds covered him when he ascended those same clouds will reveal him when he returns.

More soon, bless you,

Gary

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