InstaStudy

The Signs of Jesus’ Return: Understanding the Biblical Warnings and Hope of His Coming

A comprehensive Bible study exploring the prophetic signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ, the preparation of the church, and the blessed hope of the appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. Prophetic Signs in the World (The Warnings)

1.1 Moral and Spiritual Declension

Verses: 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:12
  • The last days will be characterized by perilous times and a widespread departure from biblical morality.
  • Love will grow cold as lawlessness abounds throughout society.
  • A form of godliness will exist without the true power of the Holy Spirit.

1.2 Geopolitical and Natural Upheavals

Verses: Matthew 24:6-8; Luke 21:11
  • Wars, rumors of wars, and nation rising against nation will signal the approaching end.
  • Natural disasters, including earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, will increase in frequency and intensity.
  • These events are described as the beginning of sorrows, pointing to the urgency of the hour.

1.3 Deception and False Doctrines

Verses: Matthew 24:4-5; 1 Timothy 4:1
  • Many will come in the name of Christ, deceiving many with false signs and wonders.
  • Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils will attempt to draw believers away from the absolute truth of God's Word.
  • Maintaining a steadfast commitment to the apostolic doctrine is essential for spiritual survival.

2. The Identity of the One Who Returns (The Revelation of Jesus Christ)

2.1 The Appearing of the One True God

Verses: Titus 2:13; Isaiah 9:6
  • Our blessed hope is the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
  • The One who returns is the Mighty God and Everlasting Father manifested in glorified flesh.
  • There is no division in the Godhead; the King of Kings who returns is the Lord God Almighty.

2.2 Every Eye Shall See Him

Verses: Revelation 1:7; Zechariah 14:4
  • Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended, visible to all humanity.
  • His feet will stand upon the Mount of Olives, establishing His absolute sovereignty.
  • Those who pierced Him will mourn, recognizing Him as the one true Lord.

3. The Preparation of the Bride (The Hope and Readiness)

3.1 Filled with the Holy Spirit

Verses: Matthew 25:1-13; Acts 2:4
  • The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the absolute necessity of having oil in our vessels.
  • The oil represents the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • Only those actively walking in the power of the Spirit will be ready for the Bridegroom's sudden return.

3.2 Walking in Holiness and Separation

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23
  • Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord; the church must remain undefiled by the world.
  • True holiness encompasses both inward purity of heart and outward separation from worldly practices.
  • Our entire spirit, soul, and body must be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3.3 The Urgency of the Great Commission

Verses: Matthew 24:14; Acts 2:38
  • The gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations before the end comes.
  • We must urgently proclaim the saving message of repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  • The harvest is plentiful, and the church must actively labor to win souls in these final hours.