If we were to appraise the doctrines of the Bible by their frequency of mention, then the doctrine of the second coming of Christ would be at the top of the list.
An instructor in Bible college rightfully stated that every major doctrine of the Bible has a chapter devoted to it. To name a few, I Corinthians 13 expounds on love; I Corinthians 15 on the resurrection; Romans 4 on justification by faith; Romans 10 on salvation; Hebrews 9 on the blood of Christ; and Hebrews 11 on faith.
When we examine the doctrine of Christ’s second coming, however, we do not notice that a single chapter is devoted to its exposition; rather, we see that many chapters are set aside to declare the truths regarding that precious doctrine. What chapters come to mind when you think of the doctrine of the second coming? I think immediately of Matthew chapters 24 and 25. Then, I think of Mark’s version of the Olivet Discourse, found in Mark 13. One’s study of the second coming would be incomplete if he has not studied Luke 17 and Luke 21. The Old Testament gives many prophecies regarding the second coming of Christ. Isaiah 11 and Zechariah 14 are such chapters.
Not only are many Bible chapters devoted to this Bible doctrine, there is an entire book of the Bible which reveals to the church the coming Christ, and that is the book of Revelation. So, not only is there a chapter devoted to this great subject; there are MANY chapters devoted to it. In addition to the many chapters that deal with this subject, there is an entire New Testament book that expounds upon this subject.
In addition to these truths, nearly all of the Old Testament writers prophesy regarding the second coming of Christ, either in word or in allegory; and every New Testament writer, without exception, explicitly states the fact of our Lord’s return, many of them doing so repeatedly.
So, it is clear that if we ministers do not preach the second coming of Christ, we are neglecting a major doctrine of the word of God. You cannot preach the “whole counsel of God” while neglecting to declare the truth of Christ’s return to this earth.
Why This Major Doctrine is Often Neglected
Let me, from the beginning, state that although I do not find it justifiable, I do understand why this great teaching of Christ’s second coming is neglected by the good, well-meaning ministers of our day.
First, the doctrine of Christ’s second coming is neglected by some because they do not understand much of the doctrine. Most ministers understand that Christ is coming, but there is so much included in that doctrine. To illustrate the point, when one studies the second coming of Christ, he cannot do so without studying the antichrist, the Great Tribulation, Israel, the church, the last days, and other subjects. This fact overwhelms some ministers to the point of negligence.
Second, this precious doctrine is often neglected because, in some areas, it is a controversial subject. It is difficult to either study or teach this doctrine without delving into the controversy regarding the relation of the church to the Great Tribulation. To avoid this debate, some merely dismiss the subject altogether.
Third, some fail to preach the second coming of Christ because it has been abused through the years. The Millerites in the middle of the nineteenth century predicted that Christ would return on a certain day in 1844. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have repeatedly set a date for Christ’s coming, as have the Seventh-Day Adventists. In recent years, nearly every reader will recall the Harold Camping hoax, when Judgment Day was predicted for May 11, 2011, then again in October 2011. Also in 2011, it went around in some circles that Joe Biden was soon to be the antichrist because something was going to happen to President Barack Obama in his first term that he would no longer be the U.S. President. These are all gross and pathetic abuses of the precious doctrine of Christ’s second coming. Because some have abused the doctrine of Christ’s second coming, some shy away from it altogether.
Preach the Second Coming Anyway!
In spite of these understandable facts, we ministers should declare with boldness that Christ is coming to this world to judge the quick and the dead! The skeptics will mock, but they always have. Paul gives us the formula for dealing with skeptics in Romans 3:3-4, where he said, “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.” Not believing in the second coming won’t keep Him from coming. Not believing in hell won’t put out the flames! Not believing in God won’t cause Him to cease to be! It is in your power to believe what you wish; but it is not in your power to cause your beliefs to change the truth!
If you are a minister who likes to keep it simple and perhaps it wears you out to think of studying all the aspects of Christ’s coming, then preach His coming and leave it at that! Preach that He is coming again, and try to win souls until He does! If you are a minister who doesn’t care for controversy, then let me be frank with you. Get over it! Controversy is part of preaching the gospel! In Acts 17:17, Paul disputed with the Jews in their own synagogues! The doctrine of the second coming of Christ is a controversial one, but we ministers must get over that! No matter how you preach the second coming, someone won’t like it! So, the best thing to do is to preach the second coming of Christ, and enjoy the controversy that is sure to follow! Perhaps you neglect to preach this great doctrine because it has been abused through the years. To you, let me say that this is a prime reason to preach the second coming! The world has heard all kinds of unscriptural teaching regarding the second coming. It is time that they hear the truth of the matter that Christ is coming literally and bodily to judge the quick and the dead!
