The Sign of His Coming

For those who enjoy Bible study it will not be necessary to urge the reading of this book. The great themes of the Bible are a never failing source of joyous discovery for those who delve deeply into its exhaustless treasures. Long ago David sang, “Forever O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.” Psa. 119:89. Since God has settled His Word in heaven we might as well settle on it down here. Jesus compared His words to the solid rock on which a wise man might safely build both for time and eternity. Foolish indeed is the one who disregards its precepts or trifles with its commands.

The second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is of utmost significance to every believer. The prominence given this doctrine in the New Testament is adequate testimony of its importance. When we assert our firm belief in the Second Coming we do not differ from the vast majority of Christians who almost universally share the same hope. But when we endeavor to explain the manner of His coming, or to predict any of the events that precede or accompany His coming, we are confronted with an amazing labyrinth of different, conflicting and often confusing concepts.

While this unfortunate disagreement over details is regrettable it should not discourage anyone from seeking the truth. After all there are differences of opinion in almost every branch of human enquiry. For instance there are many prevalent theories about medicine advocated by eminent doctors, but that does not deter one from seeking health or trying to obtain the best means to combat the ravages of disease. Pupils are often given contradictory systems of instruction to enable them to master some instrument of music according to the different theories advocated by their teachers. This fact does not impair our appreciation for the harmony and melody of music. Bible doctrine should be regarded in a similar way. Its basic purpose is to reveal God to man and to help man to serve Him acceptably.

Broadly speaking there are just three general views of the Second Coming. These may be classified as the Amillennial, Premillennial and Postmillennial views. The Postmillennial concept is that the world will gradually get better and that eventually there will be a thousand years of peace before Christ comes. At one time this teaching had many adherents but events have contradicted its glowing promises and today very few people subscribe to this belief. Premillennialists teach that Christ will reign on the earth a thousand years before the final judgment. At the present time many evangelical groups hold to this view in one form or another. The Amillennialists, a term meaning no millennium, do not believe in an earthly reign of Christ but teach that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reign in the hearts of the believers. It is their view that when Christ comes again He will usher in the judgment and the end of the world.

It is obvious that the final court of appeal with respect to the interpretation of prophecy is the fulfillment of the event itself. Our belief concerning the Second Coming will not change that event as decreed in the council of God one iota; but our belief is vitally important as it relates to our conduct while we await that event. We should, therefore, approach this Bible study reverently in search of truth. We should not close our minds or fear to embrace truth even though it may run counter to some of our previous concepts. Bible truth never changes, but our knowledge and comprehension of that truth is subject to the normal growth of a child of God.

The Bible was written by ordinary men endowed with spiritual gifts and inspired by the Holy Ghost. It is our firm belief that God intended His Word to be understood by men of ordinary intelligence. It is profitable to enquire into the Word of God to ascertain what He has in store for His children. God is a God of Truth and of Light and He invites us to reason with Him. Isa. 1:18. This study, therefore, is to enquire reverently into the Scriptures to discover the true nature of the reign of Christ and the signs of His return. In it we shall examine the claims of the premillennial doctrine and compare them with the Word of God. H.C.H.re