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Scripture Reading:  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Day of Christ's Return

Intro.

1.  2 Pet. 3:3-4 – The promise of His coming is mocked & scoffed at, minimized & rejected, but its surety rests upon the integrity of God’s word (3:5, 7) & Christ’s promise (Jno. 14:1-3).

2.  It is called “the day of Christ” / “day of the Lord” because it will be the day of His coming, His power & His glory (2 Ths. 1:7-10; 1 Ths. 5:2).

3.  Are you ready for that day to come?

I.  THE LAST DAY – Jno. 12:48.

    A.  Will Come Suddenly, Without Warning – 1 Ths. 5:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:10.

    B.  The Day of His Appearing – 1 Ths. 4:16.

    C.  No More Days on this Earth – 2 Pet. 3:10-11.

        1.  “New heavens & a new earth” are in the spiritual & immortal realm of eternity, not the physical & mortal realm of planet earth - 2 Pet. 3:13.

        2.  Therefore, be prepared! – Matt. 25:1-13; 1 Ths. 5:1-9

II.  THE RESURRECTION DAY – Jno. 11:23-26.

    A.  Of All Humanity – Jno. 5:28-29.

        -One resurrection of all – Acts 24:15 (same time, same resurrection!).

        1.  Of the wicked – Jno. 5:29.

        2.  Of the righteous – Jno. 6:39-40, 44, 54.

    B.  A Bodily Resurrection – 1 Cor. 15:20, 35-53.

        1.  Like Christ’s – 15:20 (first fruits).

        2.  The kind of body – 15:35-53.

          a.  Given by God as He pleases – 15:38.

          b.  Spiritual body – 15:44.

            -(Incorruptible, glorious, in power, 15:42-43, 50-53)

    C.  Therefore, Put Your Faith in Christ! – 1 Cor. 15:19-22

        1.  Be saved, endure trials & don’t be corrupted by evil – 15:29-34.

        2.  We have victory over sin & death in Christ! – 15:54-58

III.  THE JUDGMENT DAY – Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:16.

    -Judgment is not the day we die (Heb. 9:27).

    A.  An Answering Day – Rom. 14:12; 1 Pet. 4:5.

        1.  To God for our thoughts & deeds (Eccl. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:5).

        2.  God’s truth will be the standard – Jno. 12:48; Rev. 20:12. 

            -True, righteous & impartial, Rom. 2:2, 5, 11

    B.  Therefore, Obey the Word of God!

        1.  Purge yourself of every evil thought & deed; Repent & fear God – 1 Pet. 1:17 (Eccl. 12:13).

        2.  What will your answer be?

IV.  THE RECEIVING DAY – 2 Cor. 5:10.

    A.  We Will Reap as We have Sown – Gal. 6:7-8.

        1.  God will render (give in return) to us according to our deeds – Rom. 2:6; Rev. 20:13 (Matt. 25:31-46).

        2.  Punishment – 2 Ths. 1:8-9 (Matt. 10:28; Mk. 9:43-48).

          a.  Do not obey the truth – Rom. 2:8-9.

          b.  Horrible day of wrath for sinners (cf. Rev. 6:12-17, punishment of persecuting power a foretaste of final judgment of wicked).

        3.  Reward – 2 Tim. 4:7-8.

          a.  Patient continuance in doing good – Rom. 2:7, 10.

          b.  Glorious day of praise, honor & exaltation of God & His Christ! – Phil. 2:9-11

VI.  THE DESTRUCTION DAY – 2 Pet. 3:7, 10-12.

    A.  Therefore, Live Holy & Godly (3:11).

        -If you do, should look forward to that day! – 3:12-13; Tit. 2:12-13

VII.  THE DELIVERY DAY – 1 Cor. 15:23-24.

    A.  The Kingdom will be Delivered to God the Father – 1 Cor. 15:24.

        1.  The church presented to Christ – Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7-9.

        2.  Why we must live pure lives now!  (2 Cor. 11:2)

Conclusion

1.  A day like none other awaits us – Will we be ready for that day?

2.  Will the day of Christ’s return be a day of joy & gladness or unending sorrow?  (Col. 3:1-4)