Ep 482 – Revelation 1:4-8

All those who call themselves Christians share a common belief in the eventual return of Jesus Christ. It is most often referred to as His second coming in order to distinguish it from His incarnation, when He came to earth the first time, in the form of a baby and born to a virgin named Mary. The four Gospels provide us with the details concerning Jesus' first arrival on planet earth. But it is the book of Revelation that provides us with the still future aspects of His second coming. And in Revelation 1:4-8. John reveals to the seven churches to whom his letter was addressed, that Jesus was going to come again, on the clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, a reference to the Jewish people who had demanded His crucifixion and death. While the book of Revelation will dedicate just a few chapters to the return of Jesus to earth, its entire contents is designed to preface its eventual occurrence. There will be much that must take place on the earth before Jesus can come back. But we are given repeated assurances throughout the book that He will indeed return. He promised to return. And it is His return that will bring about the end of the centuries-worth of sin's deadly influence and Satan's oppressive rule over this planet. There is going to be a vast difference between the way Jesus came the first time and how He will appear in the future. He will not return as a baby in a manger. He will not return as a meek and mild carpenter who heals the sick and preaches a message of salvation to the lost. No, when He returns, it will be as a conquering King who reasserts His right to rule and reign over the world He Himself created. The New Testament writers typically describe Jesus as seated at the right hand of God the Father. He is in heaven, occupying His rightful place at His Father's side. But there is a day coming when Jesus will establish His Kingdom on earth, fulfilling the promise made by God to Jesus' ancient ancestor, King David.