The Second Coming of Christ Copyright by N. L. Geisler 2007.

The Second Coming of ChristThe Second Coming of Christ

Copyright by N. L. Geisler 2007Copyright by N. L. Geisler 2007

The Essential Orthodox Doctrines 1. God’s unity 2. God’s tri-unity 3. Human depravity 4. Mary’s virginity 5. Christ’s purity 6. Christ’s deity 7. Christ’s humanity 8. God’s mercy 9. Faith’s necessity 10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection 12. Christ’s bodily ascension 13. Christ’s priestly intercession 14. Christ’s second coming [15. Bible’s infallibility] [16. Literal interpretation]

The Essential Orthodox Doctrines 1. God’s unity 2. God’s tri-unity 3. Human depravity 4. Mary’s virginity 5. Christ’s purity 6. Christ’s deity 7. Christ’s humanity 8. God’s mercy 9. Faith’s necessity 10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection 12. Christ’s bodily ascension 13. Christ’s priestly intercession 14. Christ’s second coming [15. Bible’s infallibility] [16. Literal interpretation]

OutlineOutlineI. The Biblical Basis

II. The Physical Nature

III. Creedal Statements

IV. The Doctrinal Importance

I. The Biblical Basis





A. OT Predictions

B. NT Predictions


A. OT Predictions

B. NT Predictions

OT Predictions of Second ComingOT Predictions of Second Coming Gen. 3:15.—“I will put enmity between you [Satan] and the

woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Gen. 5.—“Enoch, he seventh from Adam, prophesied,… saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly…’” (Jude 14-15).

Job 19:25-26.—“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God….”

Psa. 2:8-9.—“Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron….”

Gen. 3:15.—“I will put enmity between you [Satan] and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Gen. 5.—“Enoch, he seventh from Adam, prophesied,… saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly…’” (Jude 14-15).

Job 19:25-26.—“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God….”

Psa. 2:8-9.—“Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron….”

Isa. 66:15.—“Behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind…. For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh.”

Dan. 2:44-45.—“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…. You saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces [the metal image].”

Zech. 14:4.—“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west….”

Mal. 4:5.—“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”

Isa. 66:15.—“Behold, the LORD will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind…. For by fire and by His sword the LORD will judge all flesh.”

Dan. 2:44-45.—“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…. You saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces [the metal image].”

Zech. 14:4.—“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west….”

Mal. 4:5.—“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”


A. OT Predictions

B. NT Predictions


A. OT Predictions

B. NT Predictions

Matt. 24:30.—“Then the sign of the son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Matt. 25:31-41.—“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.”

Acts 1:9-11.-- “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”

Matt. 24:30.—“Then the sign of the son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

Matt. 25:31-41.—“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.”

Acts 1:9-11.-- “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”

B. NT PredictionsB. NT Predictions

B. NT PredictionsB. NT Predictions2 Thes. 1:6-9.—“God will repay with tribulation those who

trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angles, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God….”

2 Peter 3:3.4,10.—“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’…. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with a fervent heat; both the earth and all the works in it will be burned up.”

2 Thes. 1:6-9.—“God will repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angles, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God….”

2 Peter 3:3.4,10.—“Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’…. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with a fervent heat; both the earth and all the works in it will be burned up.”

Rev. 19:11-16.--“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.”

Rev. 19:11-16.--“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.”

Jesus is Coming in JudgmentJesus is Coming in Judgment

OutlineOutlineII. The Physical Nature

A. He will return the way He left B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. F. Early Creeds proclaimed it

II. The Physical NatureA. He will return the way He left

B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. F. Early Creeds proclaimed it


Acts 1:9-11.-- “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”


Acts 1:9-11.-- “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”


B. Every eye will see Him “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and

every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.”


B. Every eye will see Him “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and

every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.”


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. “Then comes the end, when he delivers the

kingdom up to the God the Father…. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be defeated is death” (1 Cor. 15:24-26).


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. “Then comes the end, when he delivers the



B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it.Note: Since all predictions about His first coming were fulfilled

literally, so will those about His second coming. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…to preach the

acceptable year of the Lord [1st coming], and the vengeance of our God” [2nd coming] (Isa. 61:1, 2 cf. Lk 4:18-19, 21).


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it.Note: Since all predictions about His first coming were fulfilled

literally, so will those about His second coming. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…to preach the

acceptable year of the Lord [1st coming], and the vengeance of our God” [2nd coming] (Isa. 61:1, 2 cf. Lk 4:18-19, 21).


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. “If the literal sense makes good sense, seek

no other sense, lest it result in nonsense.”


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. “If the literal sense makes good sense, seek

no other sense, lest it result in nonsense.”

Literal interpretation demands it Literal interpretation demands it

1. It is the normal approach of all people in all languages.

2. All non-literal interpretation depend on the literal meaning.

3. It is inconsistent to use the literal method on some but not all of the Bible.

4. It is inconsistent to use it on some prophecy but not all prophecy.

5. It is a check on the wild imagination of depraved minds.

6. Even those who deny the literal method want their denial to be understood literally.

7. Failure to use it on other parts of the Bible undermines the fundamentals of the Faith.

1. It is the normal approach of all people in all languages.

2. All non-literal interpretation depend on the literal meaning.

3. It is inconsistent to use the literal method on some but not all of the Bible.

4. It is inconsistent to use it on some prophecy but not all prophecy.

5. It is a check on the wild imagination of depraved minds.

6. Even those who deny the literal method want their denial to be understood literally.

7. Failure to use it on other parts of the Bible undermines the fundamentals of the Faith.

OutlineOutlineII. The Physical Nature

A. He will return the way He left B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. F. Early Creeds proclaimed it


B. Every eye will see Him C. Victory over death demands it. D. His First Coming assures it. E. Literal interpretation demands it. F. Early Creeds proclaimed it

The Apostles’ CreedThe Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of

heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. (He descended into hell.) The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. (He descended into hell.) The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Nicene Creed (325)

The Nicene Creed (325)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father… He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit…who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father… He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit…who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

IV. The Doctrinal ImportanceIV. The Doctrinal ImportanceThe Second Coming is Necessary—

A. To complete our salvation

B. To defeat death

C. To restore Paradise

D. To destroy Satan

E. To punish evil (Hell)

F. To preserve good (Heaven)

The Second Coming is Necessary—


B. To defeat death

C. To restore Paradise

D. To destroy Satan


F. To preserve good (Heaven)

IV. The Doctrinal ImportanceIV. The Doctrinal Importance



(by providing glorification).

1. Justification—saved from penalty

2. Sanctification—saved from power

3. Glorification—saved from presence



(by providing glorification).

1. Justification—saved from penalty

2. Sanctification—saved from power

3. Glorification—saved from presence

I. Essential to Justification:

1. Human depravity

2. Mary’s virginity

3. Christ’s purity

4. Christ’s deity

5. Christ’s humanity

6. God’s unity

7. God’s tri-unity

8. The necessity of God’s grace

9. The necessity of our Faith

10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection


1. Human depravity



4. Christ’s deity


6. God’s unity







1. Human depravity



4. Christ’s deity


6. God’s unity






II. Essentials to Sanctification

12. Christ’s bodily ascension

13. Christ present session


1. Human depravity



4. Christ’s deity


6. God’s unity










1. Human depravity



4. Christ’s deity


6. God’s unity









III. Essentials to Glorification

14. Christ’s bodily return


1. Human depravity



4. Christ’s deity


6. God’s unity









III. Essentials to Glorification

14. Christ’s bodily return



B. To defeat death “Then comes the end, when he delivers the




B. To defeat death “Then comes the end, when he delivers the




B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

“He Himself [Christ] shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14 cf. Rev. 20:10).



B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

“He Himself [Christ] shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14 cf. Rev. 20:10).



B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

D. To restore Paradise (Heaven) “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth and the first earth

had passed away… then I John saw the New Jerusalem, coming down our of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:1-2).



B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

D. To restore Paradise (Heaven) “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth and the first earth

had passed away… then I John saw the New Jerusalem, coming down our of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:1-2).



B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

D. To Restore Paradise (Heaven)




B. To defeat death

C. To destroy Satan

D. To Restore Paradise (Heaven)


E. To punish evil (Hell)E. To punish evil (Hell) Rev. 20:11-15.--“Then I saw a great white throne and him who

was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…And death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Rev. 20:11-15.--“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened…. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…And death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”





V. The Doctrinal Dispute





V. The Doctrinal Dispute

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth B. The Physical Resurrection of the Dead 1. Heaven- eternal destiny of the saved 2. Hell— eternal destiny of the lost

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth B. The Physical Resurrection of the Dead 1. Heaven- eternal destiny of the saved 2. Hell— eternal destiny of the lost

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth B. The Physical Resurrection of the Dead 1. Heaven- eternal destiny of the saved 2. Hell— eternal destiny of the lostII. What Orthodox Christians Disagree About A. Amillennialism (No literal millennium) B. Postmillennialism (Christ returns after the millenn.) C. Premillennialism (Christ returns before the millenn.) 1. Pretribulation (Rapture before the 7 yr. Tribulation) 2. Midtribulation (Rapture in the middle of it) 3. Prewrath (Rapture near end of it just prior to wrath 4. Postribulation (Rapture at end of the Tribulation) 5. Preterism (No Future Tribulation; it was 64-70 AD)

I. What All Orthodox Christians Agree On A. The Bodily Return of Christ to Earth B. The Physical Resurrection of the Dead 1. Heaven- eternal destiny of the saved 2. Hell— eternal destiny of the lostII. What Orthodox Christians Disagree About A. Amillennialism (No literal millennium) B. Postmillennialism (Christ returns after the millenn.) C. Premillennialism (Christ returns before the millenn.) 1. Pretribulation (Rapture before the 7 yr. Tribulation) 2. Midtribulation (Rapture in the middle of it) 3. Prewrath (Rapture near end of it just prior to wrath 4. Postribulation (Rapture at end of the Tribulation) 5. Preterism (No Future Tribulation; it was 64-70 AD)

How Then Should We Live? Titus 2:11-13.--“For the grace of God that brings salvation has

appeared,…teaching us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

I John 3:2-3.—“We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

2 Peter 3:10-11.—“Both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God….”

How Then Should We Live? Titus 2:11-13.--“For the grace of God that brings salvation has

appeared,…teaching us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

I John 3:2-3.—“We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

2 Peter 3:10-11.—“Both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God….”

Will You Be Ready?Will You Be Ready?

One DayOne DayOne day when heaven was filled with His praises, One day when sins [1] was as dark as can be,Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin [2], Dwelt among men—My example is He! [3]Living, He loved me; Dying, He saved me; [4] Buried, He carried my sin far away; [5]Rising, He justified freely forever; [6] One day He’s coming—O glorious day! [7]

One day when heaven was filled with His praises, One day when sins [1] was as dark as can be,Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin [2], Dwelt among men—My example is He! [3]Living, He loved me; Dying, He saved me; [4] Buried, He carried my sin far away; [5]Rising, He justified freely forever; [6] One day He’s coming—O glorious day! [7]

When the Roll is Called Up YonderWhen the Roll is Called Up YonderWhen the trumpet of the Lord shall sound,

And time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather

Over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.

Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,


When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound,

And time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather

Over on the other shore,


Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.

Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,


The Second Coming of Christ Copyright by N. L. Geisler 2007.

Documents

Transcript of The Second Coming of Christ Copyright by N. L. Geisler 2007.