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Home , Apocalyptic literature

SURELY, I WILL COME!

Week 49: The of Jesus (Selected Passages)

In Week 48, the Book of and the four common views regarding its interpretation was summarized (Idealism, , Historicism, ). A fifth concept propositioned by Michael Wilcox in his commentary The Message of Revelation, (The Speaks Today Series) was also added to the discussion. For the sake of labeling, we will call this fifth view Cyclism or Recapitulationism, which emphasizes the idea that the is not to be read linearly, but rather as eight scenes describing the same pattern of events which culminates in an ultimate never-before-experienced kind of tribulation, then the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then the new age of God’s perfect reign in absolute harmony.

In the Nicene Creed we confess, “…He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end....We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the . Amen.”

But regarding particularly, Christ’s Second , or the parousia, various are found in Scripture, some of which will be read this week. Views about the nature of Jesus’ Second Coming vary among denominations but most affirm three eschatological (study of last things) concepts: 1) There will be a physical return of Jesus Christ to earth 2) There will be a bodily resurrection of the living and the dead 3) The Lord will make all things right

As one studies the Return of Christ, it is important to consider the genre of the literature being read. Perhaps the teaching of Jesus or Paul (as found in or ) provides a more didactic, Rockwell-isque portrait of events rather than the abstract apocalyptic literature of Revelation. Also, when numbers are provided in the last book of the Bible, it is good to remember the idea that numbers are conveying more of a concept rather than actual literal figure (e.g., 144,000 as the number of those redeemed, Rev. 14:3). When symbolism or figures are used, it is good to trace it throughout the Old and New Testament to get the Bible’s understanding of it.

Revelation 20 discusses the millennium—a thousand year reign of Christ. There are three main views of understanding the millennium. understands Christ’s return to occur before the 1,000 year reign, similar to how it is portrayed in the series. The believers are raptured away, then the occurs, and then Jesus comes back and reigns for a 1,000 years on earth. This view is the most literal and probably the most prevalent in American churches today.

Those holding a Postmillennial view believe this present age will end with a worldwide spiritual revival resulting from the being preached to all nations. They believe that the world will be Christianized and brought to liberation through the gospel before the return of Christ—the Millennium occurring prior to the second coming of Christ. So their position is not so much a literal reign of Christ on earth as much as the Kingdom of God triumphing in this world in this age.

Amillennialism does not interpret the numbers of Revelation to be literal, including the millennium. They believe that was conquered at the first coming of Christ, and that this present age (between the first and second coming of Christ) is the fulfillment of the millennial kingdom through the Church.

Clearly there is considerable difference in opinions concerning Christ’s return and the millennium. The most certain statement we can make is that all the questions surrounding this subject will be answered only when the actual is fulfilled. But one constant throughout Scripture should give us all rest in the middle of the discussion—this is God’s Story, and it is in His care and control! 3 VIEWS OF CHRIST’S RETURN

Premillennial Literal Millennium Second Last Coming Judgment

Postmillennial Literal or Symbolic Millennium Second Coming &

Amillennial Symbolic/Spiritual Millennium Second Coming & Last Judgment

Will Jesus Return Soon? Though we may not know the details of Christ’s return, we can be confident that chapters 21 and 22 provide the Percent of U.S. Christians who say Jesus imagery of what the end will be like! God will finally dwell will return to earth in the next 40 years with His people—His heart cry from the beginning! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will 10% dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself Definitely will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear will not from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed 27% return Definitely away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making 28% everything new!" —Revelation 21:3-5 will return Probably will not Week Forty-Nine Reading Plan return Acts 1:1-11 The Greatest Sequel 20% of All Time Probably 14% 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:24 If I Should Die Before I Wake will return Don’t 2 Thessalonians 1:3-2:12 Don’t be Alarmed know :1-18 Waiting for ? Luke 21:1-38 Be Watchful Matthew 23:37-24:51 The Great Tribulation Revelation 22:7-21 Jesus is Coming! Pew Research Center survey, April 21-28, 2010

If you are interested in more details, Rev. Clay Lein taught on Revelation in 2008 during a two-year Fellow’s Program at St. Philip’s. His five lectures and handouts are available on the St. Philip’s God’s Story page at www.stphilipsfrisco.org/CBR.