I want to take us back into the Word this week, back to Revelation 19.  Before leaving for Israel, we had the opportunity to examine briefly that opening scene of the marriage supper of the Lamb.  What an exciting event that will be.  It is the prelude to the event that God is even now preparing.  The coming of Jesus Christ to sit upon the throne of David and to rule in His Messianic Kingdom.  Friends, I am convinced that all that is happening in our world right now - the nuclear ambitions of Iran, the strengthening of Russia, the violence of the radical Islamists, the teetering of world economies, the increase in the presence of evil, and the apathy of the worldwide Church - are only building blocks in God's timetable to usher in the King!  So, let us look at that wonderfully exciting passage in Revelation, coupled with other significant passages that describe that most prophesied event in the Bible.  This week I would like to focus upon the coming of Christ...next week upon the battle that precipitates His coming, namely Armageddon.

 

There are at least 20 major passages which deal with the Second Coming as found in the New Testament.  They are: Matthew 19:28, 23:39, and 24:3-25:46; Mark 13:24-37; Luke 12:35-48, 17:22-37, 21:25-28, 18:8; Acts 1:10-11, 15:16-18; Romans 11:25-27; 1 Corinthians 11:26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Peter 3:3-4; Jude 14-15; Revelation 1:7-8, 2:25-28, 16:15, 19:11-21, and 22:20.

 

I.  His names at His coming

 

    A.  Faithful and True - Revelation 1:5, Revelation 3:7 - words represent the demonstration of God's sovereignty

    B.  A name which no one knows except Himself - speaks of His eternality

    C.  The Word of God - refers to His incarnation; only John uses this name for Christ

    D.  King of kings and Lord of lords - represents His ultimate sovereignty

 

II.  His appearance at His coming

 

    A.  His eyes were as flames of fire - nothing escapes Him; no one is able to hide from Him; He is about to execute judgment upon His enemies; phrase speaks of His righteous judgment upon sin.

    B.  On His head were many crowns - this is expressive of His royal majesty and sovereignty; from now on Christ is the uncontested ruler of the world

    C.  His clothes already dipped in blood - Isaiah 63:2-6; He comes to execute judgment on the earth

 

III.  The place of His coming - the Mount of Olives - Zechariah 14:4

 

IV.  How shall He come?

 

    A.  He shall come personally - Acts 1:11; Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 35:4;Zechariah 14:3-4; Matthew 24:27, 30

    B.  He shall come boldly - Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Zechariah 14:4; Daniel 7:13-14

    C.  He shall come visibly - Matthew 24:27, 30; Mark 13:26; Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:11; Matthew 26:64

    D.  He shall come surrounded with glory - Matthew 16:27; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64

    E.  He shall come with all His angels - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Jude 14-15; Matthew 13:38-41; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:31; Matthew 25:31

    F.  He shall come with all His saints - Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 1:6-7

 

V.  Why shall He come?

    

    Jesus Christ comes to judge the earth - Psalm 96:13; Matthew 25:31-46 (upon the Gentiles); Ezekiel 20:35-38 (upon Israel); Luke 12:37, 45-47; Luke 17:26-30 (just like the days of Noah); 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 14-15; Revelation 2:27

 

Thoughts to Ponder: I noticed in the text that when Jesus Christ comes from heaven withe armies of glory, there is a unique feature about Him and His actions which distinguishes Him from those who join with Him.  They are riding white horses just as He is, but they are clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  The clothing of Jesus has been splattered with blood.  Perhaps it is the stains of His blood upon the cross for the redemption of mankind.  Perhaps it is the blood of those saints who have been martyred for His name.  Perhaps it is the blood of those who have already perished because of their refusal to believe in Him.  Perhaps the differences in the vestures are to remind us that this conflict is His.  He is the one who slays the unredeemed who are gathered to assault His name.  And the weapon He uses is the truth as revealed within the Word of God.  Even to the very end God's truth remains sure and it will be the ultimate victor.