Dictionaries :: Concerning Redemption, Eschatology

Concerning Redemption, Eschatology: The Second Advent and the General Judgment

a. The meaning of the expression, "the coming" or "the day of the Lord," as used in both the Old and New Testaments.

1. For any special manifestation of God's presence.

Isa 13:6; Jer 46:10; Jhn 14:18,23

2. By way of eminence.

a. In the Old Testament, for the coming of Christ in the flesh, and the abrogation of the Jewish economy.

Mal 3:2; 4:5

b. In the New Testament, for the second and final coming of Christ.

b. The several terms referring to this last great event are:--

1. His "revelation."

1Cr 1:7; 2Th 1:7; 1Pe 1:7,13; 4:13

2. "Presence," "coming."

Mat 24:3,27,37,39; 1Cr 15:23; 1Th 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2Th 2:1-9; Jam 5:7,8; 2Pe 1:16; 3:4,12; 1Jo 2:28

3. "Appearing," "manifestation."

2Th 2:8; 1Ti 6:14; 2Ti 4:1,8; Tts 2:13

4. "The day of the Lord," or a similar expression.

Jhn 6:39-54; Rom 2:5; 1Cr 1:8; Phl 1:6,10; 1Th 5:2; 2Th 1:10; 2Ti 1:12,18; 2Pe 2:9; 3:10,12; Jud 1:6; Rev 6:17

Christ is called "the coming One" with reference to both advents.

Mat 21:9; Luk 7:19,20; 19:38; Jhn 3:31; Rev 1:4; 4:8

c. Evidence that a literal, personal advent of Christ still future is taught in the Bible.

1. The analogy of the first advent.

2. The coming itself, its manner and purpose, are alike defined.

Mat 16:27; 24:30; 25:31; 26:64; Mar 8:38; Luk 21:27

3. The apostles understood these predictions to relate to a literal advent of Christ in person.

Act 1:11; 3:19-21; 1Cr 4:5; 11:26; 15:23; Hbr 9:28; 10:37

d. The exact time declared to be unknown.

Mat 24:36; Mar 13:32; Luk 12:40; Act 1:6,7; 1Th 5:1-3; 2Pe 3:3,4,10; Rev 16:15

e. The Judge of the world.

This will be Jesus Christ, in His official character as mediator, in both natures, as the God-man. This is evident,--

1. Because as judge He is called

the "Son of man" (Mat 25:31,32), and

"the man ordained by God." Act 17:31

2. Because it pertains to Him as mediator to complete and publicly manifest the salvation of His people and the overthrow of His enemies, together with the glorious righteousness of His work in both respects.

2Th 1:7-10; Rev 1:7

f. The subjects of the judgment.

1. The whole race of man. The dead will be raised, and the living changed simultaneously.

Mat 25:31-46; 1Cr 15:51,52; 2Cr 5:10; 1Th 4:17; 2Th 1:6-10; Rev 20:11-15

2. All evil angels.

2Pe 2:4; Jud 1:6.

Good angels appearing as attendants and ministers.

Mat 13:41,42

g. The moral effect of the Scripture teaching as to Christ's second advent.

Christians ought thereby to be comforted when in sorrow, and always stimulated to duty.

Phl 3:20; Col 3:4,5; Jam 5:7; 1Jo 3:2,3

Their duty also to love, watch, wait for, and hasten to, the coming of their Lord.

Luk 12:35-37; 1Cr 1:7,8; Phl 3:20; 1Th 1:9,10; 2Ti 4:8; 2Pe 3:12; Rev 22:20

Unbelievers should be filled with fearful apprehension, and should come to immediate repentance.

Mar 13:35,37; 2Pe 3:9,10; Jud 1:14,15