Jesus will return - this topic is debated with passion among Christian Denominations because no one really knows how it's all going to end. Most Christians are in agreement that Jesus will return to Earth, it's just the how that's confusing. What we do know is that some things are going to change, which is what I will focus on in this blog.
The first big change will be the removal of the church or what some have called the Rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers a clear picture of what will happen to the dead and living persons in Christ upon his return. The second big change will be the 1,000 year reign of Christ on Earth – that’s right – Jesus is going to establish a kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Bible says, Jesus “will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south…then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.” (Zech 14:4-5)
It will be an awesome event for sure. Revelation 19:11-16 adds to Zechariah’s vision with a picture of Jesus, the King of kings, coming from heaven on a white horse to take possession of his kingdom. He has a sharp sword, wears a blood stained robe, and is followed by the armies of heaven. Again, it is an awesome event!
So what is the purpose of this reign? This Reign of Christ crushes the manifestation of Satan’s power. Up to this point in human history – evil has only been restrained from full manifestation as the Holy Spirit works through the church (God’s people). This explains our constant struggle with evil. At the rapture, the church is removed, so Satan has full range (or as Revelation talks about the Beast) to exercise his will on the Earth. The persecution of individuals who don’t want to follow the Beast, which means they are following God, will be great. Also, the judgment of God will be great, but the Beast and his followers will continue in rebellion against God. They get even more angry and bitter.
This period is often called the Tribulation. Evil is no longer held back, there are few witnesses to Christ’s work on the Cross, and God’s judgment is being delivered in full measure. Many people chart this period as a seven year period. The end of this period is marked by Jesus’ physical second coming to Earth to establish his kingdom (Rev. 19) – the restoration of King David’s rule. The Beast and Satan are locked away. People are free to live without persecution. There is still tension between those living within Jerusalem and those living outside. However, God’s Children will live in the presence of the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah.
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released and makes one last attempt to overthrow heaven. He is defeated, judged and thrown into the lake of fire. This is the official end, new Heaven and new Earth – we live in peace with God forever. (Revelation 20, 21)
Ah, a quick summary of the end for sure. There is so much we don’t know about the end of human history. You can see in the Bible pictures of the end times in Daniel and Revelation. Much of it is difficult to understand because the writers of these letters are seeing pictures of the future not necessarily specific details. They offer us sketches of the future, an overall perspective of the end, which is a picture of God as the final judge, one who is very powerful and merciful to those who put their trust in him. We have no need to worry about the end of time. God promises to meet our every need.
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment