Last week we considered why Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus as Messiah at His first coming. They only accepted the prophecies of the King coming to conquer and bring in His glorious Kingdom. The humble beginnings of a Baby born in a stable of a lowly family, who meekly preached and ministered to needy people for 3½ years before His crucifixion did not fit the “narrative” they had anticipated. Also, someone questioned Gen. 3:15, from last week’s article. Dr. M.R. DeHaan explained that a baby in utero does not receive any actual blood from the father, only the mother. Jesus was not born of the seed of Adam, only of the Holy Spirit.
In The Case for Christmas, Lee Strobel reveals facts convincing him of the truth of who Jesus was. Of course, after the birth, there was that difficult and tragic time when Jesus lived, died, then rose again to take away the sins of the world. I offered a few Bible prophecy quotes last week concerning that first coming. It is well worth it to research the many more prophecies that prove the salvation message is vital for everyone to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Isaiah 9:6 records a prophecy of both His first and the second comings: “For unto us a Son is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
There are many more prophecies relating to His Second Coming. Dr. David Jeremiah asserted, “Scholars count 1,845 biblical references to the second coming, including 318 in the New Testament…The Lord Himself referred to His return twenty-one times.” The angels told His disciples when He ascended on a cloud after His resurrection, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) An O. T. prophecy, Zech. 14, 3-4, tells of a day when He will fight against godless nations, returning to earth to stand with His feet on the Mt. of Olives. (Also see Matt. 24, Luke 21, Mark 13.)
Pastor Josh Howerton explained ten Second Coming prophecies being currently fulfilled. Daniel prophesied great increase in travel, and that knowledge shall increase. It is doubling every 14 to 20 days, say experts. Globalism is gaining success with Rev. 8,15-19 being made possible, with the mark of the beast being required to live. The nation of Israel was “birthed in a day” in 1948 on the land that God had given to Israelites thousands of years before.(Isa. 66:7-9) Deception is rampant (Matt. 24), and people are being beheaded (Rev. 20:4). Persecution of Christians is happening here and worldwide, as described in John 16:2. Rev. 11:7-8 describes events happening, with technology enabling the whole earth’s population able to see them simultaneously. Two prophecies still in progress are the gospel being preached to the whole world, (Matt. 24:14) and a mass apostasy or “a falling away” with the man of sin, the son of perdition being revealed. (II Thess. 2:3)
Let us watch and pray that we “may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son of man.” (Luke 21:36)
People get ready, Jesus is coming soon!
You may contact me at lagnesrussell@gmail.com or 601-635-3282.
