Coming, The Second

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This generally refers to the second visit of Christ to this earth, when He will be accompanied by His saints and all the holy angels (Rev. 20., Jude, &c.) to execute judgment on all those who know not God and obey not the gospel (2 Thess. 2, Jude, &c.); His feet will then stand on the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14. Acts 1.). We find another coming or revelation of Christ spoken of (1 Cor. 15:2323But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23), 1 Cor. 1:77So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1 Corinthians 1:7), 1 Thess. 1:1010And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)) quite distinct from and previous to this. It is not to the earth, but into the air only (1 Thess. 4). It is not public or for judgment, but is the secret catching away (or “rapture”) of all who are Christ’s (the dead being raised first and the living changed) to heaven, whence they will subsequently come with Christ to the earth. It is for this rapture that the Christian waits (Rev. 22) He also looks forward to the public second coming as the time when he will receive the reward of his labors (1 Tim. 6:1414That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1 Timothy 6:14), 2 Tim. 4:1, 81I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2 Timothy 4:1)
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8), &c.). The “rapture” may take place at any moment, and is an express revelation to Paul (1 Thess. 4). The public coming is the subject of Old Testament prophecy.