Theory question 110
The Second Coming of Christ(a) Why, according to Paul, should believers prepare for the second coming of the Lord?
(b) State two reasons why this second coming is significant.
Show the model answer
(a) The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, suddenly, when people say "peace and security" (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
Believers are sons of light and of the day, so they must not sleep but keep awake and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8).
God has not destined them for wrath but to obtain salvation through Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
The Lord will descend; the dead in Christ will rise and the living will be caught up to meet Him, to be with Him always (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
He will judge and punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
He will be glorified in His saints (2 Thessalonians 1:10).
God wants them sanctified wholly and kept blameless at the coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
(b) Any two: believers will be with the Lord for ever; the dead in Christ will be raised; final judgement of the wicked and reward of the faithful; final defeat of evil (the lawless one, 2 Thessalonians 2:8); comfort and hope for believers.
Give Paul's reasons with references, then two points of significance.