The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Pocket Size Booklet, 25 pages
Copyright © 1995 James L. Melton
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One only has to read a newspaper or listen to a newscast in order to see Bible prophecy being fulfilled. There have been more prophecies fulfilled in the twentieth century than in any other time in church history. We believe there is a great reason for this. We believe that the time is rapidly approaching for the Lord Jesus Christ to return to this earth and take the kingdoms of this world for Himself.
In this tract, we will attempt to show you from God's word the chronological order of future prophetic events. That is, we will attempt to TEACH you some basic Bible doctrine about the Second Coming. It is our prayer that you will read carefully through these pages, asking the Holy Spirit of God to lead and guide you through the truths in His word (Jhn. 16:13). Please check all Scripture references very carefully for a better understanding. May God richly bless your study.
The Coming Righteous Kingdom
One of the main subjects of the Bible is the Kingdom that God the Father has promised to Jesus Christ. There are many Bible prophecies that speak of this coming King and Kingdom. Some are as follows:
"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. 49:10)
"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." (Psa. 2:1-8)
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isa. 11:1-6)
"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." (Jer. 23:5)
Such Old Testament verses as these state very clearly that God intends to set the Lord Jesus Christ up as King over the earth. There have been many kings to rise and fall throughout history, but God has in mind a PERFECT King for His promised Kingdom.
Coming to the New Testament we find that God still has this Kingdom very much in mind. In Luke chapter one, verses thirty-one through thirty-three, the angel says to Mary:
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
John the Baptist came preaching that this Kingdom was at hand in Matthew 3:2, and Jesus also preached this message when He began to preach (Mat. 4:17).
During the actual ministry of Christ, He preached mostly to His people, the Jews (Mat. 10:5-6; 15:24), because Israel is the one nation that God chose long ago to be a shining light to this lost and dying world. In Isaiah 62:1 God says, "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." God will not rest until His chosen nation is established in the earth as a BURNING LAMP (Gen. 15:17) to this lost and dying world. Starting with Abraham in Genesis chapter twelve, God begins to focus on ONE CHOSEN PEOPLE to bring forth His King for the coming Kingdom. All of the promises that God made to Abraham and his descendants are still in effect today, and they will soon reach their fulfillment, for the Kingdom WILL come.
Many teach that the Kingdom promises are no longer valid, because the Jews rejected Christ, but this is a false teaching. In Acts 1:6-7, before Jesus ascended into Heaven, the apostles asked Him about this Kingdom, saying, " . . . Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" If the Kingdom promises were no longer valid, then Jesus would have told them so, but instead He says, "...It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." So Israel's rejection of Christ doesn't make void the promises of God. God will chastise the Jews for their sin, and then He will restore the Kingdom to Israel (Psa. 89:29-36).
Someone says, "If the Jews won't receive their King, then how can God restore the Kingdom? Doesn't this put God in some sort of a jam?" No, God has a master plan. He knows exactly what He will do. In Hebrews 8:8-10, we read some interesting words quoted from Jeremiah chapter 31: "For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"
The words "after those days" clearly refer to a future time when Israel will be converted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul tells us in Romans 11:25-27 that Israel has been BLINDED for this present age, but that "all Israel shall be saved" because God will "take away their sins." God promised Israel a Kingdom, so there WILL be a Kingdom.
Since this Kingdom wasn't established at the First Coming of Christ, it must be established at the Second Coming. God knew that the Jews would reject His Son; so He predetermined that Christ's shed Blood on Calvary would serve as an atonement for the sin of the world. This was God's plan all along--to come into the world and pay for the sins of all men (Jhn. 1:29; Rev. 13:8). So the First Coming was one of suffering and shame, but the Second Coming will be one of glory, honor, and praise (1 Pet. 1:10-12). The first time Jesus received a crown of thorns, but when He comes again He will have MANY crowns (Rev. 19:12). He was the "lamb of God" when He came the first time, but He will be the "lion of the tribe of Judah" the second time (Rev. 5:5). The First Coming gave Jesus Christ to the world, but the Second Coming will give the world to Jesus Christ! Just as David was chosen to be the king of Israel many years before he actually received the kingdom (1 Sam. 16), the Lord Jesus Christ has been chosen to take over the kingdoms of this world and rule as God's "KING OF KINGS" (Rev. 11:15; 19:16).
A "Christianity" without a Second Coming is a very selfish religion, for it robs Jesus Christ of all God's precious promises to Him. The teaching and preaching of the Second Coming is very essential, because it speaks of God's righteous King returning to this earth and taking what rightfully belongs to Him. Christians should be rejoicing! The Lord Jesus Christ, the Captain of your Salvation (if you're saved), will soon return to this earth and set things in order and YOU can be on the winning side!
The Pre-Millennial View
The first few verses of Revelation chapter twenty speak of this coming Kingdom being one thousand years long. Verse six says that the saints will reign with Christ for a thousand years. That is, we will reign with Him for a thousand literal years in a literal, physical, and visible earthly Kingdom, and then we will reign forever in the New Heavens and the New Earth (Rev. 5:10; 22:5; 11:15; chapters 21 and 22).
Many these days are teaching false doctrines about the Millennium (the one thousand-year reign). Some teach the "Post-Millennial" view, believing that mankind will become good enough to usher in this righteous Kingdom WITHOUT Jesus Christ. Post-Millennialism teaches that the Church's influence on the world will become stronger and stronger, and the world will become better and better until we all enter a happy golden age of peace and prosperity. At the end of this utopian age, the Lord Jesus Christ will supposedly return and reward the Church for a job well done.
A more popular view is the "A-millennial" view. This is the false teaching that there will be no Millennium, only a "general judgment" someday and that's all.
Both of the above views are heresy, for the Bible teaches that there WILL be a Millennium, and it teaches that it will not begin until the Lord Jesus Christ returns and establishes it and rules over it Himself. This means that only the "PRE-MILLENNIAL" view is correct. This is the doctrine that Christ will return BEFORE the Millennium to destroy the wicked, take over the kingdoms of this world, and set up the Kingdom that His Father has promised Him. Pre-Millennialism correctly says that there will be no world peace until the Prince of Peace returns (Isa. 9:6). Pre-Millennialism has a very NEGATIVE outlook toward this present world system, as does the Bible, but a very POSITIVE outlook toward the soon appearing of the King of Kings. A Christian who holds the Pre-Millennial view is a Christian who believes exactly what God says about giving His beloved Son the kingdoms of this world.
Now, before the Millennium can begin, there are many prophecies that must be fulfilled. These prophecies must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED (2 Tim. 2:15) or confusion and heresy will prevail. We must study Bible prophecy SCRIPTURE with SCRIPTURE, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (Jhn. 16:13). Now let's look at some more significant events in Bible prophecy.
The Restoration of Israel
God cannot establish His Son in Israel as King of the Jews unless the Jews are living in Palestine, their promised homeland, so it is God's plan to restore the Jews to Palestine before the Second Coming of Christ:
"But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers." (Jer. 16:15)
"And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God." (Amos 9:14-15)
Since Israel rejected Christ, God allowed the Romans to destroy Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and the Jews were dispersed among the Gentile nations of the world. Since then they have wondered from nation to nation suffering bitter persecution. However, in the late 1800's a remarkable thing started happening. In large numbers, the Jews began returning to Palestine, and in 1887 they made formal statements that they intended to REPOSSESS THEIR HOMELAND!
When World War I began in 1914, there were 80,000 Jews living in Palestine. England's Balfour Declaration of 1917 gave strong approval for the Jews to establish a national homeland, but England reneged due to Arab pressure. Nevertheless, 400,000 Jews had settled in the homeland by 1939.
Satan saw what was happening. He knew that the Lord was re-gathering the Jews for a reason, and he knew the reason: the Second Coming of Christ. So Satan raised up Adolph Hitler to murder six million of God's chosen people as an outright act of hate and revenge. This massive slaughter created enough sympathy for the Jews that the United Nations granted 5000 square miles of Palestinian land to them after World War II. Then in 1948 Israel became an independent nation for the first time in many centuries! The Arabs have fought viciously to destroy Israel, but with no success. God wants His people IN PALESTINE (Amos 9:14-15), because the Lord Jesus Christ is coming very soon. During the Six Day War of 1967, Israel even gained possession of the ancient temple sight, and plans are currently underway to rebuild the temple.
Jesus likens Israel unto a "fig tree" in Matthew 24:32-34, and He likens the restoration of Israel unto a fig tree putting forth leaves. He said that He would return during the same generation which witnesses Israel putting forth leaves as a nation. We are living in that generation! There are some four million Jews living in Palestine today. We have seen the Jews return to Palestine, and we have seen the nation of Israel prosper. Friend, there's a reason for all of this: the Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon!
The Rapture of the Church
Up until now, we've said very little about the Church, because Bible prophecy deals mainly with Israel, but the Church is also very important. In fact, the Church has a very SPECIAL relationship with Christ: she is His BRIDE (Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 19:7-9).
Before God can swing His full attention back to Israel, He must fulfill certain promises that He has made to the Church. While He has spent the last two thousand years chastising Israel for her disobedience, He has also been calling out a Gentile bride for the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph found a Gentile bride while he was separated from his brethren (Gen. 41:45), Jesus finds a Gentile bride while He is separated from the Jews. It is true that many Jews have been saved by receiving Christ, but most have not. The Church consists mostly of converted Gentiles. God is taking out from among the Gentiles a people for His name, and then He will once again take up His dealings with Israel as a nation. Notice what the Bible says in Acts 15:14-16:
"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:"
In the near future God will put Israel through a very troublesome period of time known as the "great tribulation" (Mat. 24:21), but Christians will not have to endure the Tribulation. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 that the Church is waiting for the Lord from Heaven, not for the Great Tribulation, because He has delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says that God has not appointed us (Christians) to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Christ. Those who have been "born again" (John 3:3) will soon be "caught up" to Heaven without dying. Notice what the word of God says:
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1 Cor. 15:51-52)
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Ths. 4:16-18)
It is a "comfort" for Christians to have this blessed promise. It would NOT be a comfort if Christians had to endure the Great Tribulation. Our merciful Lord will call the Church out of this world BEFORE the Tribulation starts. After all, the Church was never really a part of this evil world system anyhow (Jas. 4:4; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:2)! We're just passing through this world to a much better place (Gal. 4:26), and we will be leaving very soon! What about you?
This great departure of the saints is pictured on various occasions in the Bible. Just as God took Enoch out of the world before the flood (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5), He will take His Church out of the world before the Tribulation. Just as God delivered Lot and his family from the violent judgment upon Sodom (Gen. 19:22-24), He will deliver His saints from the coming judgment of the Great Tribulation. Like any responsible Father, God will take proper care of His children. He will destroy the Devil's children (Jhn. 8:44; 1 Jhn. 3:10), but His own children are safe and secure. As Psalm 145:20 assures us, "The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy."
This calling-out of the Church is commonly referred to as the "Rapture" because of the quick and surprising nature in which it occurs. The world will stand in shock when millions of Christians suddenly vanish from the face of the earth! The freeways, the subways, the airports and streets will be in a total shambles as thousands and thousands of drivers suddenly vanish from their seats! No doubt, millions of people will be killed immediately.
Those remaining alive will be in shock as they search for their loved ones among all the demolished cars and buildings. Communications will also be greatly disrupted, because many key communications people will be caught up in the Rapture.
Opportunists will add to the confusion by looting and killing. They'll feel that during such an emergency they can get away with anything. There will be worldwide chaos!
Authorities may attempt to explain the millions of missing people, but make no mistake about it: GOD TOOK THEM! He promised that He would call out His people, so He will call them out. That's all there is to it.
Many people laugh and make jokes about this Bible doctrine, but there's coming a day when the laughing will end. Noah was a preacher of righteousness who probably received a great deal of mocking and ridicule from the world as he built the ark upon dry ground, but the mocking stopped when the flood waters began to rise. God was true to His word then, and God will be true to His word today. Jesus is coming soon, and you will either be caught up to meet Him, or you will be left behind to enter the Great Tribulation. The choice is yours.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Once Christians have been caught up to Heaven, we will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged by the Lord for our Christian service. Paul wrote about this judgment to the Romans and to the Corinthians:
"But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Rom. 14:10)
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Cor. 3:11-15)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10)
As these verses reveal, a Christian isn't judged to determine his eternal destiny. A Christian's eternal destiny is established the moment he receives Jesus Christ as Saviour. The Judgment Seat of Christ is for judging the Christian's SERVICE while on this earth. Rewards will be given to some, while others will lose rewards (2 Jhn. 8), but no one goes to Hell at this judgment.
After the Judgment Seat of Christ, we (Christians) will wait with the Lord in Heaven until the Great Tribulation is over on earth. We will then take part in the Marriage of the Lamb and in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9). This is when the Lord Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church, are officially united.
We will then return with the Lord to the earth, and He will destroy the wicked and establish the Millennial Kingdom, and His saints will reign with Him on earth for one thousand years (Rev. 20:1-7).
The Great Tribulation
Jesus said in Matthew 24:21, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
It will be during this short time period that the wicked Antichrist will rise to power and dictate the world. He will have nearly everyone deceived into believing that he is the answer to their many troubles (Rev. 13:3). Those who reject the truth today will fall for his lies in the Tribulation, because God will send them "strong delusion," causing them to believe a lie (2 Ths. 2:11-12). The Antichrist will have supernatural powers and great charisma. People will gladly follow after him (Rev. 13:5, 13-14; 2 Ths. 2:7-10).
All of the horrible events in Revelation chapters six through nineteen will occur during the Tribulation. In fact, most of these events will occur during a forty-two month time period, which is the last half of the Tribulation (Rev. 11:2; 13:5). There will be war, famine, and death (Rev. 6:2-8). Satan will have power to kill one fourth of the earth's population (Rev. 6:8), and many who choose to follow Christ at this time will be killed (Rev. 6:9; 20:4). There will be great earthquakes (Rev. 6:12), awesome changes in the skies (Rev. 6:13-14; 8:8, 12), and men will be tormented five months by the horrible locust creatures of Revelation chapter nine. In addition to all of this, Satan and his angels will be cast out into the earth (Rev. 12:9)!
Once Satan has been cast down to the earth, he will incarnate himself into a man and become the Antichrist. Just as Jesus was "God manifest in the flesh," Antichrist will be Satan manifest in the flesh. According to Revelation 13:16-18, this "beast" (Antichrist) will cause everyone to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead. This mark will allow people to buy and sell, and no one will be permitted to buy and sell without it. The number "666" will be connected with the mark, and credit cards, checks, and debit cards will become useless, while computerized scanning devices in the stores will keep track of bank account debits and credits. Everyone MUST take the Mark of the Beast, and Hell awaits those who do (Rev. 14:11). For further reading about this subject, please write for our tract titled Signs of the Times.
The Soviet Union will continue with their "democratic reform," and the European Communities will also be unified with their "United States in Europe" as they've dreamed of for so long (Rev. 17:12-13). The world will think that universal peace has been achieved. The Antichrist will head up the "New World Order" that so many are talking about today. He will even confirm a seven year peace treaty with the nation of Israel (Dan. 9:27). Everyone will think that peace and safety has arrived at last, but the Bible says, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." (1 Ths. 5:3) Satan, the "god of this world" is leading this world into a trap that will damn billions to Hell forever (Rev. 12:9).
In the middle of the Tribulation the Antichrist will turn against Israel (Dan. 9:27). He will enter the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and sit down in the Holy Place and demand to be worshipped as God (2 Ths. 2:3-4). Satan desired to have Jesus worship him in Matthew 4:9, and he WILL have the world worshipping him in the Tribulation. Those who refuse will be killed (Rev. 6:9; 20:4).
However, God will preserve a faithful remnant of Jews throughout this period (Rev. 12:6; Hos. 2:14-17), because He still plans to send Jesus back to establish the promised Kingdom. The Antichrist will think that he has taken full control and that nothing can stop him. The humanists, the liberals, and the New Agers will think that they've finally won in their struggle to wipe out all traces of Bible-believing Christianity. While Satan is laughing in the face of God, thinking that he has won and that the kingdoms of this world will NEVER belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, all the hosts of Heaven will be rejoicing, because THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH IS JUST BEGINNING!
Christ's Second Advent
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." (Rev. 19:11-21)
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Mat. 24:29-30)
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Isa. 2:2-4)
"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11:15)
These are just a few of the many prophecies to be fulfilled when Jesus returns to this earth to take over the kingdoms of this world. This will be a time of JUSTICE and JUDGMENT on the earth. The Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:20), and Satan himself will be chained in the "bottomless pit" for the duration of the Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 20:1-7). The nations of the earth will be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ, and some will be admitted into the Kingdom, while others will not (Mat. 25:31-46; Joel. 3:1-2).
Once all wickedness has been defeated, the Lord Jesus Christ will rule over the earth in righteousness from the Throne of His Glory in Jerusalem. He will be the King of all kings, and all nations will be subject unto Him. Friend, the Kingdom will come and the King of kings will reign.
The Millennial Reign of Christ
This will be the great "golden age" which the ancient philosophers only dreamed about. This will be GOD'S New World Order, rather than man's. This will be a time of world peace, for the Prince of Peace will be ruling the world in righteousness (Isa. 9:6; Luk. 1:32; Isa. 2:2-4).
There will be only ONE RELIGION during the Millennium. Those who refuse to worship Christ will be punished (Zec. 14:16-19).
People will be happy during this time, because Satan will no longer be around to tempt them. The curse of Genesis chapter three will be lifted, and men will once again live long lives as they did in the days of Adam, Noah, and Methuselah (Isa. 33:24; 65:20).
There will be better farming and weather conditions (Isa. 30:23-26; Amos 9:13-15; Joel 2:19-24; Ezk. 36:29-30), and wild animals will become tame (Isa. 11:6-9; Rom. 8:20-21).
The so-called "lost tribes" of Israel will be fully restored to their proper land divisions (Ezk. 36-48). Jerusalem will be the capital city of the world (Jer. 3:17; Mic. 4:8), and the violent acts of Arab terrorism will not be tolerated. Justice will be executed in the earth like never before. Good will overcome evil. Things will be done on earth as they are in Heaven (Mat. 6:10). Christ and His saints will reign over the earth for one thousand years!
Are You Ready?
There isn't enough space in this tract to cover the reasons why we believe the Lord's return is very near. Our Signs of the Times tract covers this subject in detail, and is freely available upon request. What we would like to address in closing is your PERSONAL SALVATION. Friend, have you ever turned from your sins and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (Jhn. 3:16)
Many have the idea that our good works can save us and get us into Heaven, but the Bible says this isn't so:
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom. 3:10)
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom. 3:23)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
We have no really "good" works, because we're all SINNERS by nature. We were born into this world as sinners (Psa. 51:5), and this is why Jesus said we must be "born again" (Jhn. 3:3).
This new birth is given to us freely, and was made possible when Christ died and shed His blood at Calvary for our sins. By receiving Jesus Christ as your Saviour, trusting Him alone to save you, you can be born again. You can have eternal life TODAY by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Friend, why not turn from your sin of unbelief right now and call upon the Lord to save your soul? Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour and serve Him faithfully until He returns.
If you've received Christ as your Saviour, then we urge you to follow the Lord in baptism, find a good Bible-believing church and join it. If we can assist you in any way, please contact us. If you need more information about salvation, please write and ask for a free copy of Understanding God's Salvation Plan.
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"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (II Pet. 3:3-4)
This portion of scripture tells us that people are going to be doubting the Second Coming of Christ in the last days. Do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon? If not, have you taken the time to study this matter to see what the word of God says about it? Did you know that the Bible has a great deal to say about the days preceding the Second Coming of Christ? Friend, don't be like the ignorant scoffers in the above portion of scripture. Don't allow the philosophies of your fellow men to damn your soul to Hell! Why not get the facts? The Bible has much to say about the time of the Second Coming. Just like signs on a highway, the Lord has given us many signs which suggest that His return is very near. Why not take a few minutes to consider the signs of the times?
The Fulfillment of the Matthew 24 Prophecies
In Matthew chapter 24, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of various signs that would precede His return. Among these signs, Jesus mentions false Christs, wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. Some might argue that people have witnessed such things throughout history and that nothing really new is happening today, but this is NOT true. The very words of the Lord Jesus Christ are being fulfilled today before our very eyes, and this has NOT been true throughout history.
Jesus said that false Christs would arise. So we shouldn't be surprised to see such people as David Koresh, "Reverend Moon", and Daniel Waswa professing to be Christ, the Messiah. In this century alone, there have been over one thousand religious leaders around the world who have claimed to be Christ. This cannot be said of any other century in history.
I have in my files a copy of a full page advertisement from USA TODAY, January 12, 1987, which says "THE CHRIST IS IN THE WORLD." The ad goes on to say that "A great World Teacher for people of every religion and no religion...Christ is here, my Friends, Your Brother walks among you." The ad was sponsored by a New Age group in California. Only in our lifetime have so many people been so bold, and Jesus told us this would happen.
The Lord said there would be WARS, and that kingdoms would rise against kingdoms. Only in the twentieth century have we had two "World Wars." It is true that men have always fought, but never like today. It has been estimated that 100,000,000 people have lost their lives due to the wars of the 1900's! With nuclear weapons now on the scene, a Third World War would be catastrophic. Perhaps this is why Jesus says, "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved..." (Mat. 24:22)
Jesus also spoke of famines and pestilences. In spite of the advancement of science, technology, and medicine, people are still dying by the millions from starvation and disease. The World Health Organization estimates that ONE THIRD of the world is starving. Around four million people die from starvation annually.
New diseases are affecting millions also. Just in the past twenty years we have witnessed the emergence of such new diseases as Toxic Shock Syndrome, Lyme disease, and A.I.D.S. Discovered only in 1981, HIV (the AIDS virus) has already infected over one million people in America alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Earthquakes? A person would have to be very blind to think that earthquake activity hasn't increased in the past few decades. It has increased enormously! From 1900 through 1969, there were 48 major earthquakes, an average of about 7 per decade. Then from 1970 through 1989, there were 33 major earthquakes, an average of 17 per decade. Since 1989, there have been well over 200 major earthquakes! Twenty thousand people die per year due to earthquakes, which totals about 1.9 million since 1900. At no other time in history have earthquakes been as frequent and as catastrophic as they are today. Friend, God's word is true. The very words of the Lord Jesus Christ are being fulfilled every day!
The Restoration of Israel
The restoration of Israel as a nation is perhaps the greatest sign that Jesus is coming soon. God allowed the Romans to destroy Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and He allowed the Jews to be dispersed among the gentile nations of the world. Throughout church history the Jews have wondered from nation to nation suffering persecution all over the world. Many have traditionally believed that God is finished with the Jews because they rejected Christ, but this is NOT what the Bible says. The Bible firmly declares that God is NOT finished with Israel, and that He has every intention of restoring the Jews to their ancient homeland and re-establishing them as a nation:
"But, the LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers." (Jer. 16:15)
"And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God." (Amos 9:14-15)
Paul writes in Romans 11:25-26 that all of Israel will be converted. Acts 15:14-16 tells us that the "tabernacle of David" will be rebuilt. We read in Hebrews 8:8-10 that God plans to make a "new covenant" with the house of Israel. If there is one thing clear in the Bible, it is the fact that God has every intention of keeping His promises to Israel.
But we have a lot more than promises. We have actually lived to see many of these promises fulfilled! It wasn't until the late 1800's that the Jews began to migrate back to Palestine in large numbers. By 1939, when World War II began, there were over 400,000 Jews living in Palestine. After the war, the United Nations granted 5000 square miles of Palestinian land to the Jews. In 1948, Israel became an independent nation for the first time in over 2,500 years! Today there are over 4,000,000 Jews living in Israel (over 200,000 migrated from the Soviet Union in 1990!). Friend, why has God restored Israel as a nation, if He isn't fulfilling His promises to them and preparing them for His Second Coming? He IS preparing them for His return! Israel, the "fig tree" (Jer. 24:2-8; Luk. 13:6-9) has put forth leaves as a nation, and Jesus said that the generation which witnesses this will also witness His return (Mat. 24:32-34)! The restoration of Israel is a definite sign that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon--very soon.
The Revised Roman Empire
Did you know that modern Europe is in the Bible? Did you know that the Bible speaks of ten European powers being associated with the coming Antichrist? It's true. Daniel 7:1-8 speaks of four separate "beasts" rising up from the sea. We are told in Daniel 7:17-28 that these four beasts represent four "kings" and "kingdoms" which would rise to power, and the fourth beast is said to be worse than all of the other three. Most agree that these four beasts represent the empires of Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome, and we know from history that these four kingdoms did arise in this order, with the fourth kingdom, Rome, being the most "dreadful and terrible" beast of all (Dan. 7:7).
However, the prophecies about this fourth beast have not been completely fulfilled. In fact, this same beast reappears in Revelation 13:1-2, which is PROPHECY--not history! The "ten horns" on this beast are "ten kings," according to Daniel 7:24, and they reappear in Revelation 13:1-2. These ten horns are ten kings which will be associated with the Antichrist (Rev. 17:12-13), and they are PART of the Roman beast. That is, they make up the Revised Roman Empire. We are seeing this prophecy coming to pass before our very eyes!
For centuries Europe has wanted to reunite its separate nations, but only in the twentieth century have we seen the actual formation of the "European Community." Since World War II, various treaties have been signed and various organizations have been established to bring Europe closer to being a world super power (NATO, 1949; Treaty of Paris, 1951; Treaty of Rome, 1957; The Merger Treaty, 1965; The European Monetary System, 1979; The European Single Act, 1986; The European Economic Area, 1991). The EC is the world's largest trading power controlling about twenty percent of all international trade, and there is presently much talk about a "common currency" for the member nations of the EC. Some European leaders are even considering the elimination of all currency, by replacing it with "Smart Cards."
The EC also consists of a European Commission, a Council of Ministers, a European Parliament, and a European Court of Justice. So with every passing day, the nations of the ancient Roman Empire grow a step closer to forming their own federated kingdom. The Bible says there will be TEN kings which make up this federation, and that they will give their power to the Antichrist who also rises up among them (Rev. 13:1-8; 17:12-13). No one knows for sure which ten European nations will make up this federation in its final form, but one thing is very certain: The "ten horns" of Revelation 13:1 and 17:12-13 are now a reality. Europe has come a long way in her attempts to revise the Roman Empire, and it is only a matter of time before the "United States in Europe" is formed with the Antichrist in control. Dr. Henry Spaak, former Secretary General of NATO said it this way: "What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the alliances of all people and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and be he god or devil, we will receive him."
Mark of the Beast Technology
"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six." (Rev. 13:16-18)
Many Bible readers over the centuries have been puzzled, wondering just how such a system could ever be established, but it's no longer a puzzle. Advanced technology has brought the world closer to the Mark of the Beast than anything else in history.
We know that the coming Mark of the Beast will somehow be connected with the economy, for the Bible says that no one may buy or sell without it. It may very well be that cash, checks, and credit cards are soon to become a thing of the past, because electronic money is becoming more popular all the time.
One form of electronic money is the use of smart cards. A smart card looks like a credit or debit card, except it contains a small computer chip with all sorts of information about the card holder, including bank account numbers and balances. When a smart card is used, the card holder's bank account is immediately debited at the point of sale by computer transaction. This means more profits to retailers and banks alike, for bad checks and credit card abuse would be eliminated.
Many banks and credit card companies believe that electronic money will eventually usher in a cashless society where everyone will buy and sell electronically. Terry Galanoy, former director of communications for what is now Visa International has made this bold remark: "Protesting too loudly about it isn't going to help either, because the disturbance you kick up is going to end up in one of your files. And on that come-and-get-it day when we're all totally and completely dependent upon our card--or whatever security device might replace it--you might be left all alone without one!"
In promotional literature from the Danyl Corporation of Moorestown, New Jersey, Robert J. Merkert, Sr., senior vice president, says: "One day in the near future, we'll be able to pay for almost everything with just one 'prepaid stored value' or 'smart card.'"
Though many industry leaders are very much in favor of a cashless society where buying and selling is done electronically, there is a problem. How can it be guaranteed that the individual using a Smart Card is the authorized card holder? Some believe that this problem can be solved by combining Smart Card technology with Biometric Technology. After all, a Smart "Card" is only a piece of plastic. It's the computer chip inside the card that stores the needed information. As unbelievable as it may sound, biometric technology has now made it possible to implant small computer chips under the skin of animals and people. The European Community's Executive Commission has already passed legislation which REQUIRES farmers in the EC to have their livestock implanted with microchips! In many cities across the U.S., the Humane Society is selling such implants for pets, as a replacement for dog tags.
You say, "Well, that's just for animals. No one would ever try this technology on people." I wouldn't be too sure about that. According to the book, The Mark of the Beast, by Peter and Paul Lalond, a plastic surgeon in Florida has hit upon the idea of implanting microchips in people. This would be helpful in locating missing people, such as run away children, kidnapped children, wondering victims of Alzheimer's disease, and parolees.
Just for a moment, use your imagination and think about the convenience of implanted microchips. You wouldn't need any cash or checks for making purchases, for your bank account would be automatically debited every time you went through a check-out stand. You wouldn't need to keep up with a social security card, a driver's license, a Medicare card, a credit card, or even a smart card, because all of this information could be stored in the implanted chip. You wouldn't have to worry about getting mugged on the street, because there would be no demand for cash in a cashless society.
We are not saying that the government is going to make you receive a microchip implant. We are simply pointing out the fact that THE TECHNOLOGY IS HERE. We do not know exactly what the Mark of the Beast will be in it's final form, but it is obvious that the possibilities are greater today than ever before.
The Forming of a New World Order
The Bible says that "all the world" will conform to the system of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:3-8; 19:19), but this will not be possible unless Satan is successful in bringing about a "New World Order" where the people of the world are brought under the control of ONE central government. As eerie as this may sound, we must be honest enough to face the fact that this is precisely what the Bible says will happen. Notice the prophetic words of Zephaniah 3:8: "Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy." God said that He would "assemble the kingdoms." Have you ever heard of the United Nations General ASSEMBLY? Our world leaders are fulfilling Bible prophecy by bringing about their own destruction!
God created man and gave him the responsibility of governing society on a NATIONAL basis (Gen. 10:5; Deu. 32:8), but God despises the idea of man trying to govern society on an INTERNATIONAL basis. Remember the tower of Babel in Genesis chapter eleven? It has never been God's will for men to form a single world government. The right of governing the world is reserved for none other than God's beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Psa. 8; Rev. 20:1-7; Isa. 2:1-4); therefore, any attempt by man to establish a one-world government is purely Satanic, and it will end with the intervening judgment of God.
Nevertheless, man has ignored God and went about establishing all sorts of world government organizations. Such establishments as the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Court, the International Finance Corporation, the World Trade Organization, and the Council of Foreign Relations are all wicked, because they are all a part of man's open rebellion against God.
Politicians today are pushing harder than ever for a "New World Order," and the Bible says that they are going to push themselves right into the hands of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:1-18).
God's Millennial Sabbath Rest
II Peter 3:8 tells us that "...one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." This means that the coming one thousand-year kingdom of Christ will only be ONE DAY in God's eyes. This is interesting, for we read in Hebrews chapter four that there is going to be a REST for God's people. This means that the one thousand-year reign of Revelation 20:1-7 will be a SABBATH REST. As everyone knows, God RESTED on the SEVENTH day of creation (Gen. 2:1-3). He worked for six days, and then He rested on the seventh day.
Well, that was SIX thousand years ago. Man has been on earth for about six thousand years; so the SEVENTH millennium will be a SABBATH millennium, a time of rest for God's creation. The Millennial Reign of Revelation 20:1-7 will be the SEVENTH DAY of world history in God's eyes, because II Peter 3:8 tells us that one day is like a thousand years.
This becomes more interesting when we consider a few other portions of scripture. For example, Hosea 6:1-2 says that God will revive Israel after TWO DAYS. This is exactly what is happening! Israel rejected Christ nearly 2000 years ago (two DAYS), but God is restoring the nation in this present century. Hosea 6:2 says, "After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight." The verse says that the Jews will live IN HIS SIGHT in the THIRD DAY, so the church age is around 2000 years in length, or two days, and then the Lord returns and establishes the promised Kingdom, which is the THIRD DAY after Israel rejected Him. It's the SEVENTH day in history, and it's the THIRD day after the First Coming.
Notice in John chapter eleven that Jesus waits TWO DAYS before going to raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:6, 43-44). This pictures the fact that He has waited 2000 years to revive Israel as a nation, and to call the church out to be with Him. Similar references concerning the "two days" can be found in Luke 13:31-33 and John 4:43-45.
God has a 7000-year plan, and we are right on the threshold of God's Sabbath Rest, the Kingdom of Christ and His saints. If you have never repented (turned from) your sins and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then right now is the time. God has given you many signs to warn you, because He doesn't want you to go to hell. Only by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior can you be taken up to Heaven before God's judgment strikes this earth (I Ths. 4:13-18; 1:10; 5:9).
When you are ready to accept the fact that you are a lost and dying sinner and that your "good works" are unacceptable to God (Rom. 3:10, 23; 4:5; 10:1), then you can begin to see your need for Jesus Christ. He came into this world to lay down His sinless life for YOU--to pay for your sins, because you couldn't. Jesus is your only hope for salvation. Only by receiving Him as your Savior can you enter the gates of Heaven. There is no other way.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6.
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12.
The Lord Jesus Christ has come and PAID for your sins by shedding His own Blood on Calvary. By receiving Him as your Savior, you can be WASHED from all your sins in His precious Blood (Rev. 1:5; Col. 1:14; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 1:18-19). Notice these important words from Romans 5:8-9:
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
Jesus PAID your way to Heaven for you! By receiving Him as your Savior, you will be receiving God's ONLY means of Salvation for you. Are you willing to forsake YOUR righteousness and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, your ONLY HOPE for Salvation? Romans 10:13 says, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Are you willing to forsake your own righteousness, and trust Jesus Christ alone? He will save you just as He promised. Why not receive Him today? Tomorrow could be too late.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Letter Size Tract, Tri-fold
Copyright © 2001 James L. Melton
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“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Rom. 14:10)
“ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (II Cor. 5:10)
These are the two places in the Bible where we read the term “judgment seat of Christ.” As you can see, neither passage speaks of hell or destruction for the lost. The later plainly states that the Judgment Seat of Christ is for receiving the things done in our BODY. That is, the Christian’s body. If you have been born again through believing on Jesus Christ, then your body belongs to God (I Cor. 6:19-20), and God has commanded you to glorify Him in your body.
We are to YIELD our bodies to Him (Rom. 12:1-2). We are to DENY OURSELVES and be HIS disciples (Luke 9:23). So the Judgment Seat of Christ will TRY us and determine whether or not we have done our duty.
A fine companion passage for this is I Corinthians 3:11-15: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
A Christian’s foundation is his salvation in Jesus Christ (Mat. 7:24). Then after being saved, the Christian is expected to yield himself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit so he can be useful to Christ. If he does this, he will bear the FRUIT of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and please his Saviour. This fruit or good work is likened unto GOLD, SILVER, and PRECIOUS STONES, things of great value. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Godly Christian service produces TREASURE in Heaven for the Christian. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, we (Christians) will receive our rewards. II John 8 says, “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” Most people are only concerned with going to Heaven or Hell, if even that, but the Bible instructs us to be concerned about our REWARDS. My eternal RESIDENCE was settled when I trusted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, but my eternal REWARDS are only settled when I deny myself and serve God in the Spirit.
Notice that no one goes to Hell at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Some people lose rewards, but they are still SAVED (I Cor 3:15). This is like Lot, the righteous man who lost all he had, yet he himself was saved from the fiery destruction (Gen. 20; II Pet. 2:6-8). Jesus said there would be two kinds of saints in the last days: those who are faithful like Noah and those who are slothful like Lot (Luke 17:26, 28). Just as “one star differeth from another star in glory” (I Cor. 15:41), one Christian will differ from another in Heaven in regards to earned rewards.
In Revelation 3:11, the Lord Jesus says, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (also see I Cor. 9:25, I Ths. 2:19, II Tim. 4:8, James 1:12, I Peter 5:4) Revelation 4:10 even has the elders casting their crowns at the Saviour’s feet. Most Christians will have no crown to cast at the Lord’s feet in that day, for they forfeited their heavenly rewards in order to live a more comfortable and conformable life in this present evil world.
The believer’s judgment is threefold. At Calvary I was judged as a SINNER with Jesus taking my place and bearing my punishment. Today I am judged as a SON, being chastened by my heavenly Father when I am disobedient (Heb. 12:4-8; I Cor. 11:30-31). At the Judgment Seat of Christ I will be judged as a SERVANT, giving full account to my Master for my Christian service.
What “sort” is your service?
According to God’s word in I Corinthians 3:13, the big issue at the Judgment Seat of Christ will be the “sort” of work that we have done while on this earth: “and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.” God is interested in the QUALITY of our Christian service. Are we doing our very best for the Lord, or are we just doing “more good than bad?” Bob Jones Sr. once said, “It’s always a sin to do less that your best.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Christian, are you serving God with your “might” and doing your very best for Him? What “sort” is your service to the Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s briefly consider the “sort” of work which God expects from us.
First, true Christ-honoring service must be done through a proper medium. The flesh profits nothing (John 6:63). Every Christian has God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within them (Eph. 4:30; II Cor. 1:22; Rom. 8:9), yet not every Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit. Even though we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are yet commanded to be FILLED with the Spirit: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18) We are told to mortify the deeds of the flesh and yield to the Lord (Rom. 8:13; 6:13, 16). The issue isn’t what I do for the Lord, but rather what the Lord does through me.
Jesus said, “without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Friend, there is a proper medium by which we are to serve Christ, and that medium is the power of the Holy Spirit. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6) Self denial is the first law of true discipleship. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) There is a world of difference between doing religious things FOR Christ and allowing Christ to work THROUGH us. OUR will must yield to GOD’S will, not just on the day of our conversion, but on every day. Self denial is a daily sacrifice which allows for the filling and guiding power of God’s Spirit. When self is not denied then the Holy Spirit is “quenched” (I Ths. 5:19) and our “Christian service” is that of the flesh, an improper medium. When we empty ourselves of all carnal efforts and yield to God’s peaceful and guiding Spirit, we are truly serving the Lord.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23) Jesus said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Mat. 7:20) Friend, are you bearing the true fruit of the Holy Spirit or are you yet attempting to serve God in the power and will of the flesh? “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” (Romans 8:13)
Also, our service to the Lord is to be done in a prescribed manner. That manner is faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Paul told the carnal Corinthians, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Cor. 5:7) This faith is not to be based upon our feelings or our own plans and purposes, but rather upon God’s word. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Our Christian conduct and service is to be based on the promises and commands of God’s word.
For example, a man may be the best Bible teacher in his church and everyone may know it, but does he teach in God’s prescribed manner? Does he labor to be a good teacher because he has great faith in the value of God’s word in the lives of people, or is it because he enjoys tickling ears and impressing people with his knowledge? Is he really seeking to edify God’s people with God’s precious words, or is he just trying to meet everyone’s expectations?
Does a Christian father exercise Biblical faith when he just assumes that his children will grow into godly men and women, or does he exercise Biblical faith when he endeavors to study and apply God’s word in his home?
Friend, there is a prescribed manner in which we are to serve God in our daily lives, and that manner is applied faith based on the holy words of God. Anything less is sin, and, therefore, unacceptable: “ . . . for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom. 14:23)
In addition to serving our Lord through the proper medium and doing so in the prescribed manner, we must also have a pure motive. In laboring for the Lord, our purest motive is love. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” True ministry is rooted in a true love for God. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Mat. 22:37-38) My motive for giving financially to the ministry should be that I love God, not that I need a good tax write-off. My motive for working to produce thousands of gospel tracts and booklets per month should not be to get a name for myself or to bring in more donations for the ministry. My primary driving motive should always be my love for God.
What motivates you to serve God? What motivates you to teach a Sunday school class or sing in the choir? Why do you really take your turn in the nursery or help to clean the church building? Do you serve out of necessity, or do you serve out of a genuine love for the Lord?
Christian, God knows the true “sort” of our conduct and service, and His word declares that our work will be tried at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Now is the time to examine our hearts and amend our ways. The Judgment Seat of Christ will be a terrible day for many Christians (II Cor. 5:10-11), but it doesn’t have to be for you. Confess your sins to God and find forgiveness (I John 1:9). Then purpose in your heart to begin serving God through the power of the Holy Spirit, in Biblical faith, and with a devout love for God.
According to I Corinthians 3:11-15, the Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal gold, silver and precious stones for some Christians, but wood, hay, and stubble for others. Some will have treasures, while others will have trash. What will YOU have when you stand before your Lord?
Escape from Planet Earth
Letter Size Tract, Tri-fold
Copyright © 1999 James L. Melton
Suggested Donation: 8 cents each
As our troubled world begins its journey through a new millennium, hundreds of millions of people are subscribing to the vain philosophy that men must work together harder than ever in a joint effort to make this world a better and safer place for our children and grandchildren. The United Nations are forcing their version of “democracy” on independent sovereign nations in an effort to bring about a “New World Order.” The environmentalists are “cleaning up” the planet, and the ecumenical leaders are promoting “religious unity” so that Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Christians can all get along and worship “god” together in a brand new utopian age of peace, love, and understanding.
There’s just one problem: GOD DOESN’T LIKE IT! Every few decades some deluded fool sets out to save the world and damns millions of souls to Hell in the process. There is only ONE MAN capable to saving this world, and the world had Him crucified. You can forget world peace because you killed the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). You can forget a cure for disease because you murdered the Great Physician (Mat. 9:12). This world will never stop famine because it killed the Great Provider (Mat. 14:17-21). Good world leadership is not attainable because the world murdered the KING OF KINGS (Rev. 19:16).
Like it or not, man is on a collision course with Hell. Things are NOT improving; they’re falling apart! God declares that this world is His condemned enemy (James 4:4; John 3:18), so man’s efforts to “save” the planet are totally in vain. It’s going to burn (II Pet. 3:10), and no man can do anything about it. If you have good sense you’ll GET OFF THE PLANET. That’s right, get OFF the planet. Just as you would abandon a burning house, your only hope is to abandon planet earth for a better home above. Go ahead and laugh. You won’t be the first to laugh his way into a burning Hell.
The Worst Is Yet to Come
Why leave the planet? Because this wicked world is approaching the most horrible period of time it has ever known. Jesus said, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Mat. 24:21). The worst is yet to come! All the warning signs are flashing, the time is near, Satan is setting his stage, and YOU are running out of time!
Over 75,000,000 people died in the wars of the twentieth century, and there are more on the way (Mat. 24:8). Over 20,000,000 people starve to death every year, and there are more on the way (Mat. 24:7). The twentieth century brought more earthquakes than any other century in history (over TEN TIMES as many), and there are more on the way (Mat. 24:7). The Bible speaks of more disease, more violence, more greed, and more deception. Men will NOT make this world a better place for us all because God says it will just get worse and worse. “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4)
Antichrist Is Coming
Since the Lord Jesus Christ will have nothing to do with man’s new age dream, the devil himself will provide the great leader to bring it all together. God’s word gives us many warnings of this evil character. Over half of the book of Revelation deals with this coming “beast.” He will take over the world governments, the world economy, and the world religions. He will bring the world into his control, and he will murder those who refuse to follow him (Rev. 13:1-18; 20:4). Those who do follow him will burn in Hell forever (Rev. 14:11).
You say, “Oh, that’s not real! That’s not literal!” Friend, you are a fool. You have spent so much of your life looking at television, movies, video games, and magazines that Satan has you right where he wants you: in dreamland. You can’t face reality because your whole life has been wasted on fiction. The Bible is not fiction, and you’d better start believing it before you end up in Hell.
The Antichrist will soon arise and deceive billions. God’s wrath will be poured out upon the earth (Rev. 16). One third of the earth’s population will die (Rev. 9:15), while millions of others will be horribly tortured (Rev. 6:8; 9:5; 12:12; 16:1-21).
The Great Escape
Rough times are coming, and most of the world will find themselves in the Great Tribulation, and finally in Hell, but God has a different plan for His own people. The Bible says in I Thessalonians 1:10 that the Church is waiting for the Lord from Heaven, not for the Great Tribulation, because He has delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 says that God has not appointed us (Christians) to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Christ. Those who have been "born again" (John 3:3) will soon be "caught up" to Heaven without dying. Notice what the word of God says:
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1 Cor. 15:51-52)
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Ths. 4:16-18)
It is a "comfort" for Christians to have this blessed promise. It would NOT be a comfort if Christians had to endure the Great Tribulation. Our merciful Lord will call the Church out of this world BEFORE the Tribulation starts. After all, the Church was never really a part of this evil world system anyhow (Jas. 4:4; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:2)! We're just passing through this world to a much better place (Gal. 4:26), and we will be leaving very soon! What about you?
This great departure of the saints is pictured on various occasions in the Bible. Just as God took Enoch out of the world before the flood (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5), He will take His Church out of the world before the Tribulation. Just as God delivered Lot and his family from the violent judgment upon Sodom (Gen. 19:22-24), He will deliver His saints from the coming judgment of the Great Tribulation. Like any responsible Father, God will take proper care of His children. He will destroy the Devil's children (Jhn. 8:44; 1 Jhn. 3:10), but His own children are safe and secure. As Psalm 145:20 assures us, "The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy."
This calling-out of the Church is commonly referred to as the "Rapture" because of the quick and surprising nature in which it occurs. The world will stand in shock when millions of Christians suddenly vanish from the face of the earth! The freeways, the subways, the airports and streets will be in a total shambles as thousands and thousands of drivers suddenly vanish from their seats! No doubt, millions of people will be killed immediately.
Those remaining alive will be in shock as they search for their loved ones among all the demolished cars and buildings. Communications will also be greatly disrupted, because many key communications people will be caught up in the Rapture.
Opportunists will add to the confusion by looting and killing. They'll feel that during such an emergency they can get away with anything. There will be worldwide chaos!
Authorities may attempt to explain the millions of missing people, but make no mistake about it: GOD TOOK THEM! He promised that He would call out His people, so He will call them out. That's all there is to it.
Many people laugh and make jokes about this Bible doctrine, but there's coming a day when the laughing will end. Noah was a preacher of righteousness who probably received a great deal of mocking and ridicule from the world as he built the ark upon dry ground, but the mocking stopped when the flood waters began to rise. God was true to His word then, and God will be true to His word today. Jesus is coming soon, and you will either be caught up to meet Him, or you will be left behind to enter the Great Tribulation. The choice is yours.
Jesus Christ Is Your Only Escape
Friend, have you ever turned from your sins and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (Jhn. 3:16)
Many have the idea that our good works can save us and get us into Heaven, but the Bible says this isn't so:
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom. 3:10)
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Rom. 3:23)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
We have no really "good" works, because we're all SINNERS by nature. We were born into this world as sinners (Psa. 51:5), and this is why Jesus said we must be "born again" (Jhn. 3:3).
This new birth is given to us freely, and was made possible when Christ died and shed His blood at Calvary for our sins. By receiving Jesus Christ as your Saviour, trusting Him alone to save you, you can be born again. You can have eternal life TODAY by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Friend, why not turn from your sins right now and call upon the Lord to save your soul? Receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour and serve Him faithfully until He returns.
If you've received Christ as your Saviour, then we urge you to follow the Lord in baptism, find a good Bible-believing church and join it. If we can assist you in any way, please contact us.
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