Christ return: 1 event 2 Stages, 7 years tribulation
Rapture: Christ returns for his church, no sign, before the tribulation (3 1/2 years) Second coming: Christ returns with his church, many signs, after the tribulation (3 1/2 years)
While the general time can be known, the exact moment of second coming is unknown.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ( Matthew 24:36 NIV )
When Jesus returns to the earth, unbelievers will be unprepared.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ( Matthew 24:38-39 NIV )
We must be ready at all times for Christ to return.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. ( Matthew 24:43-44 NIV )
How to be ready?
- Turn to Christ in repentance and faith
- A Admit your sin
- B Believe Jesus died for you
- C Confess him as your Savior
- Daily read scriptures and pray
- Meet regularly with other believers
- Share the gospel and make disciples
- Remain spiritualy vigilant, we are in spiritual battle each day
- Love others deeply
- Obey God daily, and when you fall, confess your sin and rise up again
While we await Christ returns, be faithful.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. ( Matthew 24:45-46 NIV )
Key take-away
Live your life as though Jesus might come today. If you do, you’ll never be disappointed.