End Time Insights

In his introduction to First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul describes members of the congregation as those who are “ eagerly waiting for the Revelation of our Lord Jesus ,” an event he connects to the “ Day of the Lord .” In his letters, Paul refers to this glorious event as the ‘ Parousia ’ (“ arrival ”), the ‘ erchomai ’ (“ coming ”), and the ‘ epiphaneia ’ (“ manifestation ”) of Jesus, as well as his “ Revelation ” or ‘ apocalypsis .” By comparing how he applies these several terms, it becomes apparent that the same event is in view in each case, and always he applies whichever noun he uses in the singular number.

In the three synoptic gospels, the term “ Son of Man ” is the self-designation found most often on the lips of Jesus. It is derived from Daniel’s vision of the one “ like a Son of Man ” who received the “ dominion and kingdom ” from the “ Ancient of Days .” According to Jesus, “ All the tribes of the Earth ” will mourn when “ they see the Son of man coming on the clouds of Heaven .”

After describing the destruction of the Temple, Jesus went on to the subject of his return. How much time would pass between the Temple’s demise and his arrival he did not say, but in the intervening period, he warned his disciples to steer clear of deceivers and “ false prophets ” who would disseminate false information about his coming.

SYNOPSIS  -  Peter exhorts Christians to persevere in suffering and persecution, and to live holy lives in the knowledge of Christ’s impending return  -  1 Peter 3:3-12 . I n his first epistle, Peter addressed Christians in Asia Minor who were experiencing pressure to conform to the demands and expectations of the surrounding pagan society. The situation was not unique to his churches - They were part of a worldwide suffering community. A dominant theme in this letter to them was the call to persevere through their sufferings and persecution.

In Chapter 3 of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he issues a prayer that concludes the first half of the Letter. In it, he reiterates two requests stated previously. First, for the opportunity to return to Thessalonica to continue ministering to the congregation. Second, for God to increase the Assembly’s love for him and others. The fulfillment of both requests will make the faith of the Thessalonians complete on the day when Jesus “arrives” from Heaven.

If anyone fails to keep the words of the book, he will be excluded from citizenship in the city of New Jerusalem  – Revelation 22:6-21.  The book of   concludes with an epilogue that recalls the earlier promises to “ overcoming saints ,” reiterates warnings against faithlessness, summons believers to render homage to God alone, and calls for Jesus to “ come quickly .” Testimony from uncontestable sources attests to the trustworthiness of the “ words of the book .”

The “coming” of Jesus will mean the vindication of the righteous and the judgment and condemnation of the wicked .  In the New Testament, several Greek terms are applied to the return of Jesus at the end of the present age, including parousia (“arrival”), erchomai (“coming”), and epiphaneia (“appearance”). Regardless of which term is used, in each instance, it is found in the singular number; it describes only one “ coming ” of Jesus. Each passage provides only a limited amount of information about the event.

In explaining the future resurrection, Paul listed the key events that would precede or coincide with the arrival of Jesus at the end of the age .  In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul outlined the events that will occur at the “ arrival ” or ‘ parousia ’ of Jesus, one of several Greek terms applied by him to Christ’s return. But regardless of which term he used, Paul always spoke of one “ coming ,” “ revelation ,” or “ appearance ” of Jesus at the end of the age.

Foundational to the believer’s future hope is the bodily resurrection of the righteous dead when Jesus arrives in glory . Paul’s description of the “ arrival ” or ‘ Parousia ’ of Jesus in his first letter to the Thessalonians was written to comfort the Assembly concerning the fate of their compatriots who died before that event could take place. They needed not sorrow “ like the others ” since the righteous dead would be resurrected when the Lord “ arrived ” from Heaven.

The discourse of Jesus given on the Mount of Olives includes instructions for his disciples about the future. In it, he warns repeatedly of the “ many deceivers ” and “ false prophets ” who will appear among his followers, spreading false information about his return and the end of the age and otherwise striving to mislead “ the elect .” Constant vigilance by his Church is vital for avoiding deception and apostasy.

Some members of the Corinthian congregation denied the bodily resurrection of the righteous. The Apostle Paul responded not only by stressing the necessity for it but also by appealing to the past resurrection of Jesus, which was and remains the precedent for the coming resurrection of believers. His faithful disciples will be raised bodily from the dead when he “ arrives ” at the end of the age, and his appearance will result in the termination of Death itself.