Question 30: Do you believe that Christ is going to return someday?

Answer: YES!!! His Word tells us in many places that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday. There are two “returns” that need to be reviewed here. The first “return” is called the rapture. I believe this great event is on the near horizon. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the rapture events for us: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ¹⁵For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. ¹⁶For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” The words “caught up” in this passage mean rapture. During this moment, those who have died throughout the ages having Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour will “rise first.” Next, those who are currently alive and saved will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 tells us that this event will happen very quickly: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” This great passage gives us the promise of a glorified body – one like Jesus Christ Himself – that is incorruptible for all eternity. Once this rapture takes place, it will usher in the seven year period of Tribulation that is covered in detail in the book of Revelation. This period will consist of 3.5 years of peace and 3.5 years of devastation like our world has never experienced. The Anti-Christ will be made known during this time as the great peacemaker. However, at the midpoint of this seven year period, he will turn from this role to reveal himself as the wicked and evil devil that he truly is. During the latter half of the Great Tribulation, all of the Judgments (7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, 7 Vials) described in Revelation will be unleashed with mighty fury upon this earth. After these Judgments have been executed, Jesus Christ will return (The Second Coming) for the great Battle of Armageddon. During this battle, the beast and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Satan himself will be bound in the “great abyss” (bottomless pit) for 1000 years. Although he will be allowed out for a short period after the Great Millennium, he will ultimately be thrown into the lake of fire to be “tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Christians look forward to that blessed day when we shall hear to trumpet sound and begin that glorious ascent to meet the Lord in the air – and we have the promise that “and so shall we ever be with the Lord!” AMEN! “Behold, I come quickly.”

Question 31: What do you believe will happen after his return?

Answer: See answer to #30 above