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The Return of ChristIntroduction:
1. With this lesson we are beginning a study of some important subjects that are associated with "final events." 2. Because of the attention presently being given to "the end of the world," perhaps this is a good time to study these subjects. 3. In our first lesson we are concentrating on "the return of Christ." Discussion: I. THE RETURN OF CHRIST HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE A MISUNDERSTOOD BIBLE SUBJECT A. Many attempts have been made to predict when Christ will return. B. Some claim that the signs given in Matthew 24 will occur just before Christ returns. C. The Christians in Thessalonica misunderstood the Lord's return (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). D. Some claim that Christ has already returned (2 Timothy 2:16-18). E. Peter warned about scoffers who would question the Lord's return (2 Peter 3:3-4). F. To properly understand this subject we must follow the instructions given in 2 Peter 3:1-2. II. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT CHRIST WILL RETURN A. Jesus promised His apostles that He will return (John 14:1-3). B. Two angels told the apostles that Christ will return (Acts 1:9-11). C. An inspired apostle said that Jesus will return (Revelation 1:7). III. WHEN WILL CHRIST RETURN? A. No man knows when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). B. However, God has "appointed a day" for the Lord's return (Acts 17:30-31). C. The day of the Lord's return will arrive "as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10a). D. The signs given in Matthew 24:4-35: 1. do not apply to the Lord's return 2. applied to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. IV. ADDITIONAL DETAILS RELATING TO THE RETURN OF CHRIST A. Christ will be accompanied by the holy angels (Matthew 25:31). B. He will "descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). C. He will come "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him" (Revelation 1:7). D. Everything will be burned up when He returns (2 Peter 3:10). E. The Lord's return should motivate us to live right (2 Peter 3:11-14). | ||