What Are Some of the Significant Events Surrounding the Second Advent?

The observant Bible student is surprised at the numerous details given in Scripture describing the Second Advent, undoubtedly the most frequently mentioned prophetic event of Scripture. The following is a tentative effort to place the events surrounding the Second Advent in their correct sequence.

1. The Second Coming is unexpected, though predictable for people living prior to it (Mt. 24:39,50). From the signing of the covenant between Antichrist and Israel, exactly seven years will elapse until the retum of Christ (Dan. 9:26) and yet, earthlings will be oblivious to the impending judgment.

2. Atmospheric and stellar disturbances will horrify mankind (Joel 2:30f., Mt. 24:29, Is. 24:23).

3. Eerie phenomena on earth will cause world-wide consternation (Joel 2:30, Zech 14:6-7).

4. The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the heavens (Mt. 24:31). What that sign is no one knows, but the world will see the return in progress.

5. The Son of Man appears in power and glory (Mt. 24:30).

6. The earthlings mourn as the Judge approaches (Mt. 24:30).

7. The saints in heaven descend with the Savior on white horses (Rev. 19:11,14).

8. Many Jews see Christ’s wounds and will believe (Zech 12:10).

9. Angels gather the elect from around the world with trumpet sound (Mt. 24:31).

10. An angel invites the fowl of the air to a banquet, to consume the flesh of the invaders of Israel (Rev. 19:17-18).

11. Armageddon armies assault the Savior and the Saints as they approach (Rev. 19:12).

12. A sword of judgment destroys the antagonists (Rev. 19:15,25).

13. The rebels become disembodied spirits (Zech. 14:12).

14. The animals of the invaders perish in a plague (Zech. 14:13).

15. Some armies decimate each other in fierce combat (Zech 14:13).

16. Judah plunders the riches of the invaders (Zech. 14:14).

17. Christ removes Antichrist and the False Prophet and places them into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 10:20).

18. An angel constrains Satan by placing him into a pit for 1000 years (Rev. 20:1-3).

19. All evil spirits - possibly a reference to demon forces - are removed from the land (Zech. 13:2).

20. Tribulation martyrs who were killed for their testimony are resurrected from the dead (Rev. 20:4).

21. Old Testament saints who just returned with Christ will receive resurrection bodies (Dan. 12:2). Church age saints will have received their new bodies seven years prior, at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:16).

22. The Jews are judged in the wilderness, presumably Wadi Arava, the valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (Is. 63:1-3, Ez. 20:34-37). The rebels will be purged out and perish; however, it seems that one-third of the Jews will trust in their Messiah during the tribulation period (Zech. 13:8).

23. The Gentiles are judged from Jerusalem in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2,12). This may be the Kidron Valley or a new east-west valley, but will definitely be located somewhere near Jerusalem, since Christ is seated on His throne in Jerusalem (Mt. 25:31).

24. Christ is offically elevated to the Throne of David by His Father (Ps. 2:6; Is. 24:23).

25. A banquet will be served for every person on earth in Jerusalem. It will include the best of foods and the finest of drinks (Is. 25:6).

Christ’s millennial reign will apparently commence officially 75 days after the Second Advent (Ryrie Study Bible, note on Dan 12:12).

© Manfred E Kober