Jesus Will Return

The return of Jesus Christ is part of the sixth essential element of the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1–3, CSB)

The above passage immediately came to mind after I had accepted the news of my dad’s passing. It was an immediate comfort in a time of loss. I was 24 years old at the time. My dad was just 56 when he died. I felt a huge void. It wasn’t because we were especially close. It was because I knew he was there. I knew that if I needed help of any kind I could always turn to him. Now that source of comfort is gone. 

While that source was gone, I was reminded that another source would always be there. I believed in God the Father and I believed in Jesus. I knew that He would not only take care of my dad, but He would take care of me. 

Jesus has promised His people His immediate and current presence through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I was comforted by that fact on the day of my dad’s passing but also many, many times since then. My experience demonstrated the truth of what Jesus promised his disciples that he would send another Helper or Counselor. He told them this:

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” (John 14:16, CSB)

He did just that, about 10 days after his ascension into heaven. It happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). All believers present were filled with the Holy Spirit. The good news is that we who believe in and follow Jesus the Messiah have the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit with us always. As we surrender to His lordship, we will receive power for living. 

But this good news gets better. Jesus himself will return. This is the great hope of believers everywhere. Without the return of Jesus Christ to earth, all the prophecies would be for nothing. There would be no hope for a better future. No hope for justice and righteousness to triumph without the return of Jesus Christ. Yet this was the promise from the angels on the day the Lord ascended to heaven.

“They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.” (Acts 1:11–12, CSB)

In this promise we are told the manner in which the victorious Jesus Christ will return. But there are also other promises from Jesus and from other places in Scripture where the Messiah will further claim his own, judge the rebellious and restore the universe to righteousness. 

The return of Jesus Christ is the one end-time teaching that all Christians everywhere agree on. When and under what circumstances He returns is not in universal agreement. In this blog I’m going to share the manner in which the Lord Jesus Christ will return. In my next blog I will attempt to give some understanding of His reign and rule. 

From the Book of Acts 1:11 and other Scriptures we find that there are at least seven aspects of how the Lord Jesus Christ will return. 

First, He will return personally. It is this same Jesus who was born under the law, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death and rose again who will come back. It will not be a prophet, someone else, or even an angel. It will be this same Jesus himself who will return. 

Second, Jesus will return bodily. His return will not be a vision. It will not be a symbol. Jesus will return in his resurrected body. The same body that he ascended to heaven and to His throne. It is the same body he will be in, and always be in at his return. 

Third, Jesus will return suddenly. “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.” “Otherwise, when he comes suddenly he might find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Be alert!” (Mark 13:33, 36–37, CSB) I believe that when the Lord does appear, it will be in a manner that will leave no time for anyone to make any changes. It will be sudden and it will be in fullness. We don’t know the “when”, but we do know the “how.” It will be sudden. 

Fourth, His return will be with the clouds. “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. So it is to be. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7, CSB) What does this mean? In the Old Testament, the cloud was depicted as the powerful presence of God. There was the cloud that guided and protected the Israelites by day as they made their way through the wilderness journey to the promised land. In the Psalms, Yahweh makes the clouds His chariot. This is God moving to war against his enemies. So, the Lord Jesus coming with the clouds is both protecting and guiding his people, but at the same time, making war against his enemies. 

Fifth, Jesus will return with the angels. “This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels,” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, CSB) Jude quotes from the Book of Enoch when he wrote: “It was about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied: “Look! The Lord comes with tens of thousands of his holy ones” (Jude 14, CSB) These angels are part of the army of the Lord. They will gather his elect from all over the earth. 

Sixth, the Lord Jesus will return with His saints. “May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13, CSB) Paul additionally wrote this promise, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4, CSB) 

Last, Jesus will return to the same place he left. This place is the Mount of Olives. “Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, forming a huge valley, so that half the mountain will move to the north and half to the south.” (Zechariah 14:3–4, CSB) This is the very place where Jesus suffered in the garden of Gethsemane and also the place where he went up to heaven. This is the place where the two angels told the disciples that Jesus would return. This is where Jesus touches down on earth. 

The return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and comfort. It is a further fulfillment of the promises of God, of which he has kept them all! Knowing that Jesus will return should not make us slack in our witness or the holiness in our lives. It should encourage us to do better. There will come a day, and perhaps soon where we will stand before Him. I pray He will say these words to us all. “His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:21, CSB)

Jesus Suffered and Rose from the Dead

“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,” (Luke 24:45–46, ESV)

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, died, and was buried;

He descended into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.- The Apostle’s Creed, lines 6-9

For many, including me, the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is the bedrock of the Christian faith. That Jesus suffered and rose from the dead is the fifth essential element of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Let me outline some reasons for this belief and how it is so central to the good news of the kingdom of God. 

First, let’s look at Jesus’ suffering. Jesus’ life and teachings challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. They challenge us in our time as well. It seemed like at some place and time every religious, economic, social, and political faction wanted either to co-opt Jesus or to do away with Him.  He spoke of love, forgiveness, and a coming Kingdom of God that was open to all who would receive Him. These teachings encouraged the masses of people, but also upset the status quo. 

As Jesus’ ministry gained popularity and traction with the crowds He would periodically remove himself from them. As His popularity grew, so did his exposure. Jesus didn’t want to come out publicly too soon. He foretold his disciples that he would have to suffer and die. The first occurrence of this was when Jesus and the disciples were in the region of Caesarea Phillipi and Jesus asked who they believed He was. After the confession of Peter that Jesus was the Messiah, was when Jesus began to tell them about His suffering, death and subsequent resurrection. 

“From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.” (Matthew 16:21, CSB)

Luke shorten’s Matthew's account. Jesus reminds them of this at least three more times (Mark 9:30-32; Matthew 20:17-19; and Matthew 26:1-2) just before the religious leaders enacted their plot to eliminate Jesus. Yet each time the disciples’ reaction was one of confusion or fear. 

When Jesus met at night with Nicodemus, as described in the Gospel of John, He told Nicodemus that “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:14–16, CSB)

So it was not a surprise to Jesus that he would suffer and die. He tried to make it an “open secret” with the apostles, but they could not comprehend it, yet. Even the powers of darkness could not see this plan of God. As Pau wrote: “None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8, CSB)

Second, let’s look at Jesus' death. The Scripture says that Jesus was crucified. His death by crucifixion is well attested by both Scripture and valid non-Christian sources. I don’t want to get bogged down into an apologetic, but here are just a few of the extra-biblical authors who reference the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth outside of Jerusalem. 

• Tacitus: A Roman historian writing around 110 AD, Tacitus mentions the execution of Jesus by Pontius Pilate in his work "Annals" [Tacitus Annals]. This is considered a strong confirmation of the crucifixion by a non-Christian source.

• Josephus: A Jewish historian from the 1st century AD, Josephus mentions Jesus in two passages in his works, "Antiquities of the Jews" and "Jewish Wars" [Josephus Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus Jewish Wars]. The authenticity of these passages, particularly the longer one, is debated by scholars, but they do offer some information about Jesus from a Jewish perspective.

• Pliny the Younger: A Roman governor, Pliny the Younger, wrote letters to Emperor Trajan around 112 AD. In one, he discusses how to deal with Christians, mentioning their belief in a man named Christ who was executed [Pliny the Younger Letters].

In fact, the crucifixion is easily one of the most secure historical facts of the New Testament. As important as the question of Jesus’ death is, a question of greater importance is, “Why did Jesus need to suffer and die?” 

Third, let’s look at the meaning of the suffering and death of Jesus. The suffering of Jesus of Nazareth on the cross is seen as a sacrifice. It is actually viewed as the complete, one and only sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. The biblical teaching is that humanity is inherently flawed by sin and therefore separated from the holy creator God. Jesus, through his sinless life, willingly took on the burden of humanities sin, enduring immense physical, emotional and spiritual pain reconciling us to God.

Jesus is the only one who could do this. He is the Son, the second person of the triune God. He took on flesh and lived the life of a sinless man and therefore was able to become the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As the Scriptures say:

“He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, CSB)

This is theologically called the penal substitutionary death of Christ. God is holy, righteous and love. There are moral principles that are inherent in the framework of reality that come from God Himself. Justice is one of these. 

God could not just forgive sins, there had to be a payment. The scales of justice needed to be balanced. If humanity were to pay, if each of us were to pay for our own sins before a holy, just and yes, loving God, we would be banished to hell. Hell is what we would deserve. Friends, hell is what we deserve. But God, rich in mercy and love, sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that He might live and die for us in our place. That is the substitutionary part. John the Baptist called Him “The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, CSB). Jesus took the punishment for sin in our place. That is the penal part. Jesus’ suffering and death acts as a bridge, allowing for reconciliation and a restored relationship with God. 

But, how do we know that the suffering and death of Jesus actually satisfied the justice of God? How do we know we truly can be forgiven? Well, we wouldn’t if Jesus had stayed dead in the grave. The Apostle Paul stated that himself when he wrote “If Christ is dead, you are still in your sins.” But Paul went on to say, “But as it is, Christ is raised from the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20). 

Last, let’s look at what the resurrection of Jesus means to us as believers. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us that death is not the end. It offers the hope that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers can experience eternal life with God. We can have a new beginning, to live free from the failures and regrets of the past and to look forward into the future. No longer are you estranged from God. Through Christ you are adopted into his family and made a child of God. Nothing can ever take that away. 

This passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is so helpful and hopeful. Please take a moment to read and to really let it get into your heart.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:4–10, CSB)

This is what God has done with you when you believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. You are saved by grace as a gift from God. You are to then live your life as a gift back to Him. Your life has meaning and purpose both now and for eternity. 

So when you think of the tremendous sacrifice of Christ, think of what it has done for you. This will cause your heart to swell with gratitude and love. For God loves you yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. The resurrection is proof positive that He will keep his word. 

Jesus is the Messiah

Messiah: The promised savior and deliverer, foretold in the Old Testament scriptures, who is believed to be the anointed one of God, sent to redeem and save humanity from sin and bring about God's kingdom on earth.

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”” (Matthew 16:16, CSB)

When we think about the good news of the kingdom of God we must, even early on, consider the Messiah. Every kingdom has a king. This king, this Messiah, according to the Scriptures is the one who will bring the manifestation of the kingdom of God on this earth. 

Jesus is the Messiah is the fourth of the nine essentials of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. 

The big question to consider is Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah and how would we know?

There are actually a lot of reasons for believing that Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Messiah. In fact, I can’t think of another person in history who would match up to the qualifications that Jesus brings to the table. 

You may ask, “Well, what are some good reasons for believing that anyone, let alone, Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah?” It’s a good question. I’ll list eight reasons, then I’ll look more in depth at three of them. Here are the eight.

1. Fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures.

2. Miracles performed by Him.

3. His life and teachings. 

4. His claim and demonstration of authority.

5. His death and resurrection.

6. The transformation of His followers.

7. The birth and growth of the early church.

8. The continuing impact of  personal meaning, purpose and transformation of individuals throughout history to today. 

There could be more listed, but I believe that I’ve covered the big ones. Now let’s move from the eight to what I call the big three. 

The first of the big three is also number one in the above list: Fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) for over one thousand years specifically promised a coming Messiah. These Scriptures spoke of the Messiah’s lineage, his substitutionary suffering, and the occasion and place of his birth. 

While we could look back even further, it was at the time of King David that God specifically linked a future descendant of David to establishing an everlasting kingdom. 

“Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.’ ”” (2 Samuel 7:16, CSB)

“The LORD said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn an oath to David my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’ ” Selah” (Psalm 89:3–4, CSB)

Besides the Messiah coming out of the lineage of David, this Messiah would also be born in the city of David, Bethlehem according to the Scriptures.

“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2, CSB)

The fulfillment. 

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,” (Matthew 2:1, ESV)

Besides the Scriptures citing the Messiah as coming from the line of David and his place of birth, I want to touch on just a few others. I’ll just make reference to them. 

• Isaiah 53. This passage speaks of a suffering servant bearing the punishment of the sin of others. Christians believe that Jesus did this on the cross. 

• Messianic Psalms. In speaking of the cross. Psalm 22 is a description of the scene of the crucifixion from the standpoint of the crucified Jesus. What is amazing in this as in all these Scriptures is that they were written hundreds and even over one thousand years before. 

• Book of Daniel. Especially note chapter 9:24-27 which is interpreted by Christians as a prophecy outlining the Messiah’s arrival and his sacrificial death. 

For more on this prophetic subject, I direct you to the Gospel According to Matthew. This gospel was written with a Jewish audience in mind and includes multiple references to the Old Testament Scriptures demonstrating that Jesus fits the bill to be the promised Messiah. 

The second of the big three would be Jesus’ ministry. This would include his life, his teaching and his miracles. His life was marked by acts of selfless love and service. He associated himself with those rejected by greater society. He washed his disciples’ feet. He and others claimed that He lived a sinless life, which was to be characteristic of the Messiah. 

When looking at Jesus’ teaching, He championed love, forgiveness and compassion. This resonated with the people. His “Sermon on the Mount” is considered by many to be the greatest sermon ever preached and it was completely counter-cultural. This can be found in Matthew’s Gospel, chapters 5-7. 

In addition to these teachings, Jesus challenged the status quo. In the later part of His earthly ministry He came into more and more conflict with religious and civil authorities. He advocated for the marginalized and criticized hypocrisy wherever he encountered it. 

The last of the big three is Jesus’ death and resurrection. This death and resurrection are considered a fulfillment of prophecy as well. Peter, in his sermon preserved for us in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2 explains as much. But aside from that, the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth is considered the ultimate sign of His divinity and power over death. Only God can conquer death and Jesus rising from the grave validates His claims as being the Son of God and the Messiah. With Jesus’ resurrection, it also gives all who will believe in Him the hope of eternal life. 

For those who don’t believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, I ask the question, “Then who else could be?” Who would better fit the job description than Jesus? Dallas Willard challenged a person on one occasion by stating:  “If you can find someone better than Jesus, then follow him. Who do you have?” That person was speechless. I think this is an appropriate challenge. Many may refuse to believe Jesus is the Messiah, but who do they have that is better? 

One last observation I want to make is about expectations and the Messiah. The rejection of Jesus as the Messiah for many in that day was due to their preconceived notions about what the Kingdom of God was going to be like and how the Messiah would come and introduce it. It appears that most wanted a political savior. Some scholars have thought that Judas' betrayal was a way for him to force Jesus’ hand and to overthrow the corrupt Jewish religious class and the oppressive Roman government. Yet, even the disciples were as blind to what God was doing. Jesus had to open their eyes and it wasn’t until the coming and filling of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, when the church was born, that they truly understood the mystery of God. 

Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus in order to persecute Christians when he met the resurrected Christ. This meeting changed his life. It took a revelation of God for Saul to believe. Perhaps that is what it will take for many that they may believe. But still we are commanded by our king to share the good news of the Kingdom with all peoples. Read the words of encouragement by Saul, who became known as the Apostle Paul. 

But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 

But, as it is written, 

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:7–10, ESV)