What's Next? Revelation Series With Skip HeitzigSample

The Return

Path
We now come to the culmination of all redemptive history--the second coming of Jesus Christ. After history runs its sinister course--after the final period of man's rebellion, Satan's retaliation, and God's judgment--the end of the world will come. But the end of this world will be the beginning of a new one.

Points
His Coming Is Anticipated by Prophecy (v. 10)

• Christ's second coming is mentioned 1,845 times in the Bible.
• The second coming will fulfill the promises of:
  • Satan's defeat (see Genesis 3:15)
  • The tribe of Judah's restoration (see Genesis 49:8-12)
  • The culmination of the kingdom:
    • Son of David (see 2 Samuel 7)
    • Future kingdom (see Daniel 2:35-45)
    • Awaited rule: "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10)
  • The Messiah's birth, life, and death: "Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given" (Isaiah 9:6; see also Isaiah 53)
  • Judgment: "The Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 24:30)

His Coming Will Interrupt Hostility (vv. 11-21)

• During His time on earth, Jesus viewed people with eyes of compassion; at the second coming, He will have eyes "like a flame of fire" (v. 12).
• At His crucifixion, Jesus had a crown of thorns on His head; when He returns, He will come with many crowns of authority.
• Jesus told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36); Jesus will return with armies as the judge and conquering King.
• Now, we think of Christ's clothes stained with His own blood; when He returns, Jesus' robe will be dipped in the blood of His enemies.

His Coming Will Be Seen Universally (vv. 11a, 17a, 19a)

• Jesus ascended physically, visibly, and at the Mount of Olives (see Acts 1:11); His return will be the same.
• "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him" (Revelation 1:7).

His Coming Results in Humility (vv. 11, 16)

• Faithful and True: Jesus keeps His promises.
• A name no one knows except Himself: no one has the right to name Him and usurp His authority.
• King of Kings and Lord of Lords: His identity will be realized as He comes and "all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him" (Revelation 1:7).

His Coming Ushers in Tranquility (vv. 15-16)

• Jesus Christ will ride a white horse of victory.
• The purpose of prophecy isn't to cause fear but to create faith.

Practice

Connect Up: Discuss the importance of Christ's return. Why is it considered an essential belief for biblical Christianity?

Connect In: Knowing that Christ will return physically to this earth to rule and reign, what does that say about God's created world?

Connect Out: Using the acronym KING as a model, consider ways you can reach out to people who don't know Christ:

• Keep it real.
• Invite them to church.
• Notice the details: if they're in need, show them the love of Christ by helping.
• Give them answers to their questions.