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8. The Clear Signs of Christ’s Second Coming (Matthew 24:27-31)
MATTHEW 24:27-31
27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together. 29 But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; 30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Isaiah 13:10, Daniel 7:13-14, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 17:37, 21:25-28, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 1:7, 6:12-13, 8:2, 19:11-13)
The Second Coming of Christ will be the most important event in the future. All historical developments until now have been directed toward this event. Blessed is the man that is prepared to meet His King, who is coming with great glory.
The Creator will come with all His power for the last harvest. We are told, "For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together." In the book of Revelation (19:17-21) we read that the angel of the Lord calls all birds together to feed on the carcasses of the slain enemies of Christ. He will conquer the Beast and all his followers, and establish His kingdom of peace on our earth.
Shortly before the next coming of Christ, changes in nature will take place. The light of the sun and the moon will be obscured, there will be earthquakes and raging seas, and the heavenly bodies will be moved in some way. These changes in space also indicate a spiritual struggle, for Christ will come with all His angels triumphing over the armies of Satan. All will see the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens.
At that time, Christ will raise those who are dead. Those who rejected God will have no hope, and wail because there is no place to flee from the light of God. Dear friend, turn to the Lord while there is time! Confess to Him your sins, and the blood of Christ will purify you forever. His mighty Spirit will give you life and make you a clean spiritual person. Without Christ's spirit in you, you will stay dead and corrupt. The angels of judgment will gather you and throw you as a dry log into the flames of eternal fire. But if you are filled with the goodness of the Holy Spirit, Christ will know you on the last day and invite you to His marriage feast along with all other believers. By accepting Christ, you become a part of His spiritual body, where His light will flood over you. You will be overwhelmed in your senses, and Jesus will say to you, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).
PRAYER: Holy Lord, I am not worthy of raising my face to the brightness of Your glory that is coming to us. Forgive my proud nature, wipe out my lies, cleanse me from my filthiness, and sanctify me completely that I become a part of Your love and remain a member of Your spiritual body, prepared for Your great coming. Come, Lord Jesus, for darkness is increasing. Come quickly.
QUESTION:
- What is the sign of the Son of Man’s coming?