"...prove all things; hold fast to that which is good..." 1TH 5:21
Prophecies Predicting The Fact, Time, Manner And Purposes Of Christ's Second Advent
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Christians in the contemporary Church generally would be surprised at the number of prophecies in scripture which predict the fact, the time, the manner and the purposes of Christ's second advent. In this study those prophecies will be collated and examined in Biblical order in the sequence above, highlighting the extent of the teaching on this particular subject in scripture (CP Gen 49:10). This is the first prophecy in Biblical order predicting the fact of Christ's second advent. In Gen 49 Jacob is prophesying over his twelve sons, outlining the future history of each as the Twelve Tribes of Israel (CP V 1-2, 8-9). In V 10 Jacob prophesies that Judah will be the ruling tribe of Israel until Shiloh come. Shiloh is an epithet of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It means He that shall have dominion (CP Nu 24:19; Eze 21:27). Until Shiloh come refers to Christ's second coming because that is when the gathering unto Him of the people will be (CP Isa 11:10-12; 60:8-11; 66:19-20; Jer 50:4-5; Eze 37:1-28; Mt 24:30-31). At His first advent Christ was rejected by the people and crucified, but at His second advent when He rules over His Kingdom, He will receive the recognition denied Him at His first advent. He will be extolled and highly exalted by those who formerly despised and rejected Him (CP Isa 45:6; 49:23; 52:13; 60:14; Ro 14:11; Php 2:9-11).
Next in this section of the study, in Biblical order, we will examine Balaam's prophecy predicting the fact of Christ's second coming (CP Nu 24:7-9, 17-19). Balaam will be hired by Balak, King of Moab, to curse Israel (Ch 22-24), but God will not let him. Instead God will use Balaam to bless Israel, and then to prophesy of Christ's second coming. At His second coming Christ will smite Moab and destroy the children of Sheth for their treatment of Israel leading up to Armageddon. Israel will occupy Edom and Seir. Christ will cause Israel to do valiantly (CP V 17-19 with Psa 60:8-11; Isa 11:14; 25:10; 63:1-5; Jer 48:47; Amos 9:11-12; Obad 11-21). Christ will have dominion over all the kingdoms in the earth (CP Isa 9:6-7; Dan 7:13-14; Zech 9:10; 14:9; Rev 11:15). Christ's second advent is implicit in Moses' prophecy over Israel in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, when he predicted that they would be dispersed among the nations and then return to God and be converted (CP De 4:25-31; 8:10-16; 30:1-10). The first three statements by Moses in De 30:1, of the blessings and the curses of God upon Israel, Israel's dispersion among the nations, and their calling to mind among the nations the many curses of God upon them, have been fulfilled in Old Testament times. But the return of Israel - their liberation from captivity, regathering and conversion to God - being safely settled in Palestine, blessed with all God's goodness, their oppressors being judged, and Israel enjoying national prosperity will be fulfilled at Christ's second advent in the Millennium (CP De 30:2-10 with Isa 2:2; 11:11-12; 66:7-8; Eze 38:8-9; Joel 2:12-32; 3:1-21; Amos 9:11-14; Mic 4:1-8, 11-13; Zech 12:10-13:1, 9; 14:8-11; Mt 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Ro 11:25-29).
The next prophecy in Biblical order predicting the fact of the second advent of Christ which we will include here, is by Job (CP Job 19:25-27). Here Job prophetically predicts the visible manifestation of the Divine Redeemer; that he - Job - will be raised up from the dead, and in his resurrection body will see God face to face. This prophecy will be fulfilled in part when Christ comes again to take all the saints of God, Old Testament and New Testament alike, living and dead, back to Heaven with him at the first resurrection (CP Psa 16:9-10; 49:15; Isa 26:19-21; Dan 12:1-2; Hos 13:14; Jn 5:28-29; 14:1-3; 1Cor 15:51-58; 1Th 4:13-18; 2Th 2:1-7; Rev 20:4-6). The second part of Job's prophecy will be fulfilled at Christ's second advent when Job and all the other redeemed saints of God will see Him face to face when they will all be living together in New Jerusalem (CP 1Cor 3:12; 1Jn 3:2; Rev 21:3; 22:3-4).
There are four prophecies in the book of Psalms which predict the fact of the second advent of Christ which we will examine in this study (CP Psa 22:22-31). This is the second part of a Messianic prophecy by David in V 6-31 of which V 6-21 were fulfilled at Christ's first advent. This latter part of the prophecy will be fulfilled at His second advent, in the Millennium. Then, among many other things, prayer and praise to God will be universal; men will live forever (CP V26 with Isa 65:20-25; Zech 14:16; Mal 1:11; Mt 25:46; Rev 21:3-4). The whole earth will undergo revival; all nations will worship God (CP Psa 22:27 with Isa 2:2-4; 52:7-8; Zech 8:23; 14:16). All kingdoms on earth will be ruled by Christ; Christ will be Governor among the nations (CP Psa 22:28 with Isa 9:6-7; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14, 18, 27; Zech 14:9; Lu 1:32-33; Rev 11:15). David's next prophecy predicting the fact of the second advent in the book of Psalms as part of this study is in Psa 72 (CP 72:2-17). In V 2-4 here David predicts the character and blessings of Christ's Eternal Kingdom at His second advent (CP 2-4 also 12-14 with Isa 11:1-9). In Psa 72:5 David predicts the length of Christ's reign at His second advent (CP 72:5, 17 with Isa 9:6-7; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14, 18, 27; Lu 1:33; Rev 11:15; 22:5). David next predicts the blessings of Christ's reign at His second advent (CP Psa 72:6-7 with Isa 2:2-4; 35:1-8); the extent of Christ's reign (CP Psa 72:8 with Dan 7:27; Zech 14:9-11; the success of Christ's reign (CP Psa 72:9-11, 15 with Isa 2:2-4; 49:23; Mic 7:16-17). Next David predicts the agricultural prosperity of Christ's Eternal Kingdom at His second advent (CP Psa 72:16 with Isa 35:1-10; 65:20-25; Mic 4:4). Lastly in this prophecy, David predicts the eternal generations of people in Christ's Eternal Kingdom at His second advent (CP Psa 72:17 with Gen 9:12; Psa 102:28; Isa 59:21; Lu 1:33, 48).
The next prophecy in the Book of Psalms predicting the fact of Christ's second advent in this section, applies also to David. It is ascribed to Ethan the Ezrahite, a Levite musician (CP Psa 89:14-37). This prophecy predicts mainly that mercy and truth will characterise the reign of Christ at His second advent (CP V 14). Men will be blessed walking in the light of Christ's countenance (CP V 15). Men will rejoice in His name and be exalted in Christ's righteousness (CP V 16). Men will receive strength and grace through Christ (CP V 17). God will be the defence and King of men (CP V 18). Christ will be exalted (CP V 19). God's covenant with David will be fulfilled at Christ's second advent. David will rule under Christ eternally (CP V 20-37). The Psalmist who prophesied lastly in the Book of Psalms predicting the second coming of Christ, is unknown (CP Psa 102:12-16). This prophecy will be fulfilled at Christ's second advent. Zion - here, Israel - will be restored. The nations will fear God and His glory (CP Isa 2:2-4; 11:3-11; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14; Zech 14:9-11; Rev 11:15).
Although this next prophecy coming up is Messianic, it predicts both the first and second advents of Christ (CP Isa 9:6-7). His birth was the only part of this prophecy fulfilled at Christ's first advent. The rest of the prophecy predicts His second coming, and will be fulfilled then. There is an unmentioned period of time between the word given and the next prediction in V 6. This is the time lapse between Christ's first and second advents - the New Testament period of grace, or Church age. The authority to rule and be Sovereign of all the earth in the next prediction, will be fulfilled after that, at Christ's second advent (CP 11:1-5; Dan 7:13-14; Lu 1:32-33; Rev 11:15; 20:4, 6). Isaiah's next prophecy predicting Christ's second advent is in Ch 59 (CP 59:20-21). V 20 teaches that at His second advent Christ will come to Zion - Jerusalem in this context - to the Jews who will turn from sin in Israel (CP V20 with Zech 12:10-13:1; 14:1-5, 14; Ro 11:25-29). In that day Christ will make a New Covenant with Israel (CP Isa 59:21 with 42:6; 49:8; 55:3; 57:8; 61:8; Jer 31:31; He 10:16). The next prophecy by Isaiah which we will examine here predicts both the second advent of Christ and the battle of Armageddon (CP Isa 63:1-6). The dyed garments in V 1 are explained in V 2-3 as being coloured by the blood of those of Antichrist's armies slain by Christ in the battle of Armageddon at His second coming (CP V 1-3, also Joel 3:13-16 with Rev 14:14-20; 19:11-21).
Next in this section of the study we will examine a prophecy by Jeremiah predicting the fact of the second advent of Christ (CP Jer 3:14-25). At that time in V 17, and in those days in V 18, both refer to events that will occur at Christ's second advent. At that time Jerusalem will be the capital of the Lord, and all nations will come there to worship Him (CP Isa 2:2-4; Zech 14:8-11). In those days both houses of Israel will be one nation again in Palestine (CP Isa 11:10-13; Jer 30:1-31:34; Eze 37:1-28). We will also examine Jer 23:5-6 here before moving on (CP Jer 23:5-6). Jeremiah predicts here that Christ will reign over His Kingdom eternally at His second advent (CP Isa 9:6-7; 32:1; Eze 43:7; Dan 7:13-14; Zech 6:12-13; 14:9; Lu 1:32-33; Ac 15:13-17; Rev 11:15; 20:4, 6; 22:4-5). All those prophecies predict the fact of Christ's second advent. We will examine Dan 7:13-14 in more detail here (CP Dan 7:13-14). This teaches three great bible truths - Christ will receive a Kingdom at His second advent. His Kingdom will be eternal. The eternal subjects of Christ's Kingdom will be the coming generations of natural people who will go into the Millennial Kingdom and then the New Earth (CP Isa 9:6-7; 32:1; 59:21; Dan 2:44; Zech 14:9; Mt 25:31-46; Lu 1:32-33; He 1:8; Rev 11:15).
Hosea also prophesied in the Old Testament the fact of Christ's second advent, which we will examine here (CP Hos 3:4-5). This teaches that David will be king of all Israel under Christ, after Israel is restored to God at Christ's second advent (CP Ac 15:13-17). David will rule under Christ, and the apostles will rule under David (CP Mt 19:27-28; Lu 22:24-30). Joel's prophecy too in the Old Testament predicted the fact of Christ's second advent (CP Joel 2:30-32). Here Joel predicts that signs will precede Christ's second coming, which Christ Himself also predicts (CP Mt 24:29-31; Mk 13:24-27; Lu 21:25-28; Ac 2:17-21). Another prediction by Joel in 2:32 is that the Jews will be saved as a nation at Christ's second advent (CP V 32 with Isa 66:7-8; Zech 12:10-13:1; Ro 11:25-29). Let us now examine a prophecy by Amos predicting the fact of the second advent of Christ (CP Amos 9:11-15). Amos here predicts the restoration of David's kingdom under Christ at His second advent in the Millennium, and the future restoration of Israel to God (CP Isa 9:6-7; 16:5; Jer 30:8-10; Eze 34:23-24; 37:24-25; Hos 3:4-5; with Ac 15:14-18).
Another prophecy predicting the fact of Christ's second advent is Obad 15-21 (Obad 15-21). Obadiah here predicts that at Christ's second advent, the Day of the Lord, Edom will be utterly destroyed. So too does Isaiah (CP Isa 34:5-8; 63:1-6). Also at His second advent Christ will set His Kingdom over Israel and all nations for ever (CP V 21 with Isa 9:6-7; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14; Lu 1:32-33; Rev 11:15). And saviours shall come upon Mt Zion to judge the Mount of Esau in V 21 refers to Christ, angels, and the resurrected saints who will make up the armies of Heaven at the battle of Armageddon, and who will deliver Israel from Antichrist and his armies (CP Zech 14:1-8; 2Th 1:7-10; Jude 14-15; Rev 18:11-21). There are prophecies still in Mic 1:3-4 and 4:1-7, Zeph 1:7-8, 14-18 and 3:8-20, and Malachi 3:2-5 and 4:1-6, all testimonies to the fact of Christ's second advent which could be included here, but we will only examine one more, and it is recorded in the New Testament, not the Old (CP Jude 14-15). Here Enoch predicts the fact of Christ's second coming with all the resurrected saints and the angels of Heaven accompanying Him for the battle of Armageddon (CP Zech 14:1-5; Mt 16:27; 24:29-31; 25:31; 2Th 1:7-10; 2:7-9; Rev 19:11-21). It is not known where Jude learned of this prophecy.
Now to some prophecies in the New Testament which predict the fact of Christ's second advent. There are many, but only three have been selected. They are sufficient for the purpose of this exercise. The first is the Lord's Prayer (CP Mt 6:9-13; Lu 11:2-4). Every time Christians pray the Lord's Prayer they are predicting the fact of Christ's second advent "… thy Kingdom come". And it is the same whenever they partake of the Lord's Supper (CP 1Cor 11:23-26). As often as Christians partake of the Lord's Supper, they are proclaiming prophetically the fact of Christ's second advent, which He Himself predicted (CP Ac 1:9-11). Here at Christ's ascension to Heaven, angels predict the fact of His second coming to earth. Christ's second advent will be actual, bodily, literal, visible, with clouds, and to the exact place of His ascent to Heaven. He will be seen with the natural eyes by all men (CP Zech 14:4; Mt 24:30; 26:64; Mk 13:26; 14:62; Rev 1:7).
In this next section now we will examine prophecies which predict the time of Christ's second advent. He will touch down on the Mount of Olives at a particular moment in time, but it will precede, and succeed many other events which are all relevant to Christians' understanding of Christ's second advent. The purpose of this section of the study is to bring into focus the relationship of those events to Christ's second coming (CP Mt 24:1-3). Here in V 3 the disciples ask Jesus what will be the sign of His second coming and the end of this present age. Jesus replied that it will be characterised by false Christs (CP Mt 24:4-5, 23-26; Mk 13:5-6), wars and rumours of wars, famines, pestilence, earthquakes (CP Mt 24:6-8; Mk 13:7-8). Many will be betrayed and martyred for the Gospel's sake (CP Mt 24:9-10; Mk 13:9-12), false prophets will rise up and many will be deceived (CP 24:11, 24; Mk 13:21-23). Lawlessness will abound and the love Christians should have for each other will decrease (CP Mt 24:12). All this will take place during the seven years reign of antichrist - the first three and a half years as a benevolent dictator (CP Rev 6:1-2) - the last three and a half years of which he is the enemy of God whom he will blaspheme when he sets up an image of himself as God - the abomination of desolation - in the temple, which people must worship or be killed (CP Mt 24:15 with Dan 9:27; 2Th 2:3-4; Rev 13:11-15). These are all the signs that will preface Christ's second coming (CP Mt 24:32-36; Mk 13:28-37).
Christ said when all these things come to pass, those living on earth at that time will know that His second coming, and the end of this age, is about to take place (CP Mt 24:29-31). Christ's second advent will be immediately after the tribulation at the end of Antichrist's seven years reign. Jerusalem will be surrounded by the armies of Antichrist and half the city will be taken captive (CP Lu 21:20-24, 27-28 with Zech 14:1-5). Apart from God, no one knows the exact day or hour of Christ's second coming, but at that time there will be widespread immorality in the earth as in the days of Noah and Lot (CP Mt 24:36-51; Lu 17:22-30; Jude 3-19). At the time of Christ's second coming the Gospel will have been preached in all the world as a witness to every nation (CP Mt 24:14). The Gospel of the Kingdom that will be preached then, is the same Gospel that is preached now - the good news of Christ and His salvation for all who believe on Him (CP Mt 4:23-24; 9:35 with Rev 11:3,7; 14:6-7). While the primary application of the teaching in Mt 24 is toward the future generation that will experience the reign of antichrist, the tribulation and the second coming of Christ, the teachings are relevant for believers in all ages.
Now we will examine prophecies which predict the manner of Christ's second advent (CP Dan 7:13-14). Here Daniel prophesies that the manner of Christ's second coming will be with the clouds of Heaven (CP Mal 4:2). Here Malachi prophecies that the manner of Christ's second advent will be as the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings. Christ will bring healing to everyone on earth; there will be no sickness or disease in the eternal Kingdom (CP Isa 33:24; 35:5-7; Eze 47:12; Rev 22:1-2). Christ Himself prophesied that the manner of His second coming will be in the glory of His Father (CP Mt 16:27); as lightning, so He will be visible for all to see (CP Mt 24:27; Lu 17:22-24); in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory (CP Mt 24:30). Christ left the earth in the clouds and will return the same way (CP Dan 7:13; Mt 26:64; Ac 1:9-11; Rev 1:7). Here in Rev 1:7 also, we learn that the manner of Christ's second advent will be visible for all to see. Christ prophesied that too in Mt 24:30 (CP Mt 24:30). The manner of Christ's second coming will also be as Judge and King (CP Isa 11:1-5; Zech 14:9; Mt 25:31-46; Jude 15; Rev 19:11-16). The manner of Christ's second coming will be in brightness and fire (CP Eze 38:17-20; Mal 4:1, 3, 5; 2Th 1:7-9; 2:7-8); in vengeance and wrath (CP Isa 34:1-8; 35:4; 59:17-20; 63:1-6; Jer 46:9-10; 2Th 1:8; Rev 19:11-16); with destruction (CP Mt 24:37-42; Lu 17:26-30, 37-42; 1Th 5:1-3; 2Th 1:7, 9; 2:8; Rev 19:11-16); with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind (CP Isa 66:15).
It should be noted here before moving on that the ones that will be taken in Mt 24:40-41 and Lu 17:34-37 will be with Antichrist. They will be among those slain at the battle of Armageddon - wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered. The eagles are vultures and other birds of prey which will be gathered together to eat the dead bodies of those slain (CP Mt 24:28 and Lu 17:37 with Eze 39:17-20; Rev 19:17-21). Those who are left behind in Mt 24 and Lu 17, will go into the Millennium with Christ to replenish the earth at that time (CP Zech 14:16 with Mt 25:31-46). The last prophecies in this section predict that the manner of Christ's second coming will be with the saints and angels (CP Zech 14:5; Mt 16:27; 24:31; 25:31; 2Th 1:7, 10; Jude 14; Rev 14:19; 19:11-14). Next we will examine prophecies which predict the purposes of Christ's second advent.
(CP Rev 19:11-21). This prophecy predicts that the purposes of Christ's second advent are to smite the nations - the confederation of gentile nations and their armies who will be aligned with Antichrist to fight Christ at Armageddon (CP V 15, 19 with 16:13-16); to rule the nations with a rod of iron (CP 19:15 with Psa 2:1-12); to tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God, which symbolises the battle of Armageddon (CP Rev 19:15, 21 with 14:17-20; Jude 14-15; Isa 34:1-8; 63:1-6; Eze 38:18-39:10; Joel 3:13; Zech 14:1-3); to fight the battle of Armageddon, where Christ will defeat Antichrist and destroy his armies (CP Rev 19:19-21 with Isa 30:27-33; 2Th 1:7-8; 2:8-9). The fulfilment of Rev 19:11-21 will also fulfil prophecies which predict that another purpose of Christ's second advent will be to save Jerusalem from Antichrist and the armies of the confederation of Gentile nations attacking it (CP Isa 63:1-6; Joel 2:1-11; Mic 5:4-15; Zech 14:1-3; Lu 21:20-28; Ro 11:25; Rev 14:14-20). Another purpose of Christ's second coming in prophecy is to bind Satan. This will also be fulfilled at that time (CP Rev 20:1-3, 7-10 with Isa 24:21-23; 27:1).
Other purposes of Christ's second advent predicted in scripture will be to judge the nations (CP Mt 25:31-46 with Psa 67:4; 96:10-13; Isa 30:28); to purge Israel of rebels (CP Isa 66:15-17; Eze 20:38; Zech 13:8-9); to re-establish David's throne and his eternal kingdom under Christ's sovereignty (CP Isa 9:6-7; Eze 34:22-31; Hos 3:5; Amos 9:11-12; Ac 15:13-17); to re-gather Israel and forgive their sins (CP Gen 49:10; Isa 11:11-12; 14:1-3; 27:12-13; 35:10; 43:1-7; 60:9, 15-22; 66:7-14, 19-22; Jer 30:7-11; 31:1-9; 32:37-44; 33:6-26; Eze 16:60-63; 20:33-34; 34:11-16; 36:24-38; 37:1-28; 39:25-29; Hos 2:14-23; 3:5; Amos 9:14-15; Mic 4:6-8; 7:11-20; Zech 2:6-13; 10:6-12; Mal 3:17-18; Mt 24:29-31; Ro 11:25-32); to rebuild God's eternal temple (CP Zech 6:12-13 with Eze 43:7); to establish one universal religion - the worship of God - and a Theocratic government (CP Psa 2:1-12; 72:9-11; 102:13-22; Isa 2:1-4; 4:1-3; 11:9; 49:5-6; 66:18, 20, 23-24; Dan 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Mic 4:1-8; Zech 8:20-23; 14:9, 16, 20-21; Mal 1:11; Rev 15:3-4; 21:1-7); to possess the earth (CP Psa 2:1-12; Rev 11:15); to make the resurrected saints eternal rulers of the earth (CP Dan 7:18, 27; Mt 19:28; 1Cor 6:1-3; Rev 2:26-27; 5:9-10; 20:4-6), and lastly to deliver creation from bondage and remove the curse from the earth, and to bring universal peace and prosperity to the earth before handing the Kingdom over to God (CP Isa 2:1-4; 35:1-9; 65:18-25; Mic 4:1-7; Ro 8:19-22; Rev 21:1-7; 22:3 with 1Cor 15:24-28). This study is now complete. It also is not exhaustive, but the prophecies examined are sufficient for the purpose of the study.
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