In Acts 1 9-11 we read the following: “After He said this, he was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” The words here describe the events immediately after Jesus ascended into Heaven, ascending 40 days after His resurrection, ascending from the Mount of Olives. The angels spoke directly to the disciples who were standing there looking up into the sky rather awestruck. As the disciples stood there the angels asked the disciples – “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” The angels reference to Jesus’ return is, of course, a reference to the 2nd coming of Jesus that is described by John in Revelation chapter 20. There in Acts the disciples, including the apostle John, see Jesus ascending into the clouds – in Revelation that same apostle John describes Jesus coming again – this time in power, this time as a mighty warrior, this time on a white horse. The first time Jesus appeared with the meekness, and gentleness of a lamb. The apostle John tells us that the second time Jesus’ eyes will be like a blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns, now ready to claim His true Kingship and Authority.
Pastor Bruce has spoken on several occasions over the past several weeks about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. His 2nd coming represents a fundamental promise and hope to all Christians everywhere. During two specific messages – on October 9th and October 16th – Pastor Bruce identifies seven (7) different passages of scripture, including Acts 1 identified above, that refer to and prophecy about the 2nd coming of Jesus. Pastor Bruce identified these specific scriptures, first and foremost to refute the argument that the term “2nd coming of Christ” is not named specifically in scripture. He also identifies these scriptures to help us better understand the importance of us believing and putting our hope in Christ’s return, along with stressing just how far back in Biblical history that His 2nd coming was referred to in scripture. Those references begin way back in the Old Testament with Enoch (7th generation from Adam), the Old Testament prophets Daniel and Zechariah. Those references continue in the New Testament in Matthew, again in Acts, by the apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians, and Jude, and concluding by the apostle John in Revelation. Again to emphasize its importance and to emphasize the consistency of scripture.
I am listing the scriptures below:
1. Daniel 7: 9-14.
2. Zechariah 14: 1-11
3. Matthew 24: 27-31
4. Acts 1: 9-11
5. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
6. Jude verses 14, 15
7. Revelation 1:7
Again, Pastor Bruce identified these 7 scriptures during messages on consecutive weeks – October 9th and October 16th. Why? To emphasize the importance of the event, the 2nd coming of Christ, within the scope of God’s plan, and to stress the importance of the inherent reassurance and hope available for all believers. He is coming again – On a white horse, His eyes blazing with fire, on His head are many crowns, following Him are the armies of heaven, returning to earth to claim all that is His. Praise God. That is an event, that is a promise, that I can stake my life on. Why should we know about all the other references to His 2nd coming other than Revelation chapter 20? So we can rest assured that it is, and always has been part of God’s plan to reclaim and redeem His own.
Pastor Bruce has often talked about how God’s plan is a thread that weaves in and out, through all scripture, tying all scripture together to reveal His plan. Those seven (7) scriptures are just a portion of that thread that reveals His 2nd coming to us.
Thanks Pastor Bruce, for continuing to take us step by step through God’s Word and God’s plan!