The Second Coming
Since the early 1970s, Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth has sold more than fifteen million copies. In recent years, the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins has sold millions as well. These facts indicate that there is a general awareness among many Christians that we are living in the time of the end.
The word Adventist in our church name means that we believe in the second coming of Christ so much that it’s part of our identity. Yet, our understanding of the Second Coming is far different from that advocated in the Left Behind series or by Hal Lindsey.
What does the Bible teach about the manner of Christ’s coming, and why is it of vital importance to know this? What deceptions did Jesus warn us about regarding the manner of His Coming? Matt. 24:5, 24–31; Rev. 1:7.
First introduced by John N. Darby in the nineteenth century, the concept that Christ’s coming consists of two stages has captured the thinking of many Protestants today. The first supposed stage involves a secret rapture, when all true Christians will be caught up with Christ, and the second focuses on Christ’s appearing seven years later to rule on earth for 1,000 years.
Seventh-day Adventists can find no scriptural support for splitting the Second Advent into a rapture and an appearing. According to the New Testament, Jesus’ return will be an indivisible, single, literal, audible, and visible event (1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 19:11–21). And, just as important, Jesus warned us against false interpretations about the manner of His coming. Jesus obviously knew that deception would be rampant (Matt. 24:24), which is why the Word of God is so clear about how He will return. Though the passing of every day brings us one day closer to Christ’s return, the passing of each day also makes His return seem more and more delayed. How do we strike the balance between living in the expectation of Christ’s return and yet simply getting on in the daily routine of life?
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