Theology Bites
“Theology Bites” are short theological and biblical instances that hopefully explain in “layman’s” terms the event described. Obviously, I cannot give a thorough study in these short bites, but the purpose is to offer enough information to jump start your own study.
The Holy Scriptures include 66 whole books written over thousands of years by different authors over a wide variety of cultures and timeframes. Yet, they still reference one another (often unbeknownst to its author) to give us God’s Holy Word. It is worth our time to dig into it.
Jesus, the Messiah Will Return
Just as Jesus came the first time as a “suffering servant” (Isaiah 53) to suffer and die for all humanity’s sin past and present, scriptures say He will return to fulfill the final prophecies, but with an entirely different agenda! We’ve heard it said that He first came as an innocent and gentle lamb but the second time will be as the “lion of Judah”.
The “second coming” of Christ is referenced over 1500 times in the Old Testament and multiple times throughout the New Testament. It is prophesied. Many biblical prophecies have been fulfilled; however, there are many yet unfulfilled giving us little doubt that it will happen. Jesus’s reasons for returning to humanity on earth will accomplish the following: He will come to gather (resurrect) the dead and judge His enemies. While I won’t get into these deep theological narratives now, know that this gives us hope as believers in Him! There are multiple scriptures describing this fascinating event! Below is just one, but it’s certainly clear!
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). God’s Holy Spirit will resurrect the dead!
He Foretold It
“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 1:9-12).
This passage, written by Luke, needs no further explanation. He spoke plainly so no one can misconstrue the event. The disciples witnessed the ascension and it was recorded in multiple places in scripture.
Everyone Will See!
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27).
Matthew highlights that just as lightning cannot be missed, ALL will see the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ! He will not appear on white, puffy clouds as many artists depict. It will be in great, thunderous storm clouds with lightning throughout the sky such as we have never seen. We have all seen lightning like this. It’s terrifying but we gaze on it in humble and reverent awe as we witness its immense power.
Nations Will Mourn
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30).
Why does Matthew write “all the nations will mourn”? Once again, scripture is plain and unambiguous. The nations will mourn because they know who He is and why He has come again. They will know it is now too late for them to repent and they will be judged by God Almighty! Nations and people who have done wicked things toward others will now face the final judgment. So, these “clouds of the sky” in this passage are dark, stormy and tumultuous and bring forth the ultimate “Lion of Judah”, roaring with a righteous anger. He comes the final time to judge and bring vengeance to His enemies. It will be a time of sobering justice.
So We Pray
So, what do we do as we wait for this final event? We pray and we serve others. Jesus said serving others serves Him. This ministry is my way to serve others and to serve Him – to tell others about Him. There is so much more, but I’ll leave it here for now. Just know that His love is greater than anything we humans can imagine. We do not understand His ways, but since He is God and we are not, we trust Him and follow His lead. We ask for forgiveness when we mess up in this messed up world – but Hope is coming …. again. Maranatha.
Tonya Noren
July 10, 2022