Signs of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
The coming of the Lord Jesus to the world unfolds in three major phases, each with distinct signs and purposes according to Scripture.
1.His Birth through the Virgin Mary
The first coming of Christ was a unique historical event where God became flesh through the virgin Mary (John 1:14). This event fulfilled Old Testament messianic prophecies, including the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14).
Luke 1:30-32 (ESV) states:
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.’”
- Incarnation: God taking on human flesh to redeem humanity.
- Messiah’s Davidic lineage: Jesus inherits the throne of David, affirming His role as the promised King (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
- Grace: Mary was chosen by grace, signifying God’s sovereign plan.
2.The Rapture of the Church
The second coming involves the rapture a sudden, secret catching up of believers to meet Christ in the air before the Great Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The event is sudden and selective, as Jesus described in Luke 17:34-36 (NIV):
“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.”
- Imminence: This event can happen at any time, encouraging believers to be spiritually ready (Matthew 24:42-44).
- Separation: The rapture divides the faithful from those who are not ready or who reject Christ.
- Hope: The rapture is a blessed hope for the church (Titus 2:13).
Signs preceding the rapture (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21):
- False Christs and false prophets deceiving many.
- Wars, rumors of wars.
- Increase of lawlessness and coldness of love.
- Natural disasters.
- Persecution of believers.
These signs are described as “birth pains” (Matthew 24:8, ESV), indicating the approach but not the immediate arrival of Christ.
3.The Visible Return for the Millennial Reign
The third coming of Christ is visible to all, with every eye seeing Him (Revelation 1:7), and will inaugurate His 1,000 year kingdom on earth (Revelation 20). This happens after the Tribulation period and the rise of the Antichrist.
Revelation 1:7 (NIV) says:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.”
- Judgment: The rebellious are judged and mourn.
- Kingdom establishment: Christ reigns physically on earth for a thousand years.
- Fulfillment of prophecy: God’s promises to Israel and the nations are fulfilled.
Signs that Precede Each Coming
Before the First Coming: The Coming of Elijah/John the Baptist
The Old Testament prophet Malachi 4:5 prophesied Elijah’s return before the Messiah. This was fulfilled by John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Luke 1:13-17 (NIV):
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard… Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be great in the sight of the Lord… He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children.”
John’s ministry prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-3).
Before the Second Coming: Signs Leading to the Rapture
Jesus gave several signs signaling the approach of His return and the rapture of the church, as recorded in Matthew 24 (ESV) and Luke 21:
- Deception by false Messiahs.
- Wars and conflicts.
- Famines and earthquakes.
- Persecution of believers.
- Increase in wickedness and moral decay.
These signs are called “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), meaning the rapture is imminent but not immediate.
Before the Third Coming: Cosmic Signs and the Great Tribulation
The final coming will be preceded by dramatic cosmic disturbances signaling the end of the age:
- The sun darkened.
- The moon turning blood red.
- Stars falling from heaven.
Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV):
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light… Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven… And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call to gather his elect.”
Luke 21:25-27 (NIV) also describes these signs, emphasizing the fear and awe of the nations at His visible return.
These signs follow the Great Tribulation period, during which the church is absent (having been raptured).
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
- Are you confident that if He returned today, you would go with Him in the rapture?
- If unsure, seek Him earnestly, for the time is near.
Maranatha! “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
What Does the Word “fear” Mean? (Deuteronomy 1:17)
Answer:
The world “to fear,” which means “to reverence,” or “to respect.” In biblical theology, fear (yirah in Hebrew) is a profound reverence and awe toward God, encompassing respect, worship, and obedience.
- When a person fears another person, it means they hold them in respect and obey their authority.
- When a person fears God, it means they honor Him, obey His commands, and live in submission to His will.
- Conversely, to “fear” means not to fear or respect to disregard or reject that reverence.
This fear of God is foundational to biblical faith, as Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (ESV).
1. The Prohibition of Fearing People
Deuteronomy 1:17 (ESV):
“You shall not show partiality in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is God’s.”
Here, God commands His people not to fear or show partiality toward any human being, reminding them that ultimate justice belongs to God alone. This frees believers from intimidation and calls them to rely on God’s sovereignty.
Similarly, Joshua 10:25 records Joshua encouraging his people, “Do not be afraid of them,” underscoring God’s protection over His people.
2. The Prohibition of Fearing Other Gods
2 Kings 17:35, 37 (ESV):
“The LORD made a covenant with them and charged them, ‘You shall not fear other gods or bow down to them or serve them or sacrifice to them.'”
“Take care to keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and walk in his ways. You shall not fear other gods.”
The Old Testament repeatedly warns Israel against the worship and fear of false gods (idolatry). Such fear leads to spiritual unfaithfulness and judgment (see also Exodus 20:3-5).
3. The Call to Fear the One True God
Joshua 24:14 (ESV):
“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.”
God calls His people to fear Him alone, which means wholehearted worship and obedience, renouncing all false gods. This fear is the basis of covenant faithfulness and life.
Other supportive passages include:
Deuteronomy 13:4: “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments.”
1 Samuel 12:24: “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully.”
Psalm 34:9: “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!”
1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
Revelation 14:7: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.”
- The fear of God is not mere terror but a reverential awe that leads to worship, obedience, and trust.
- Humans are commanded not to fear other humans in a way that compromises their obedience to God.
- Worship of and fear toward false gods or idols is strictly forbidden.
- True wisdom, peace, and life come from fearing the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.
Revelation 14:7 (ESV):
“Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Have you been born again? Are you confident that if Jesus returns today, you would be ready to meet Him? If not, this is your call to repentance and faith. Receive Jesus now, and He will cleanse you, forgive you, and give you the assurance of eternal life.
Maranatha The Lord is coming!
THE PLAGUE OF THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN
Blessed be the glorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you ever pondered why Pharaoh’s heart remained hard through the first nine plagues, yet it was only after the final plague the death of the firstborn that he finally let the Israelites go? This narrative reveals profound truths about God’s judgment, spiritual authority, and the significance of the firstborn in biblical theology.
Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart: Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The Bible consistently describes Pharaoh’s heart as hardened but does not say God softened it until the very end. In fact, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened until he faces total destruction at the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a key theological theme:
- God’s sovereignty: God allows Pharaoh’s heart to remain hard to demonstrate His power over Egypt and its gods (Exodus 9:12 NIV).
- Human responsibility: Pharaoh hardens his own heart through repeated rebellion (Exodus 8:15, 32).
This interplay shows that God’s judgments are just, even when they involve allowing stubborn hearts to persist for His purposes (Romans 9:17-18).
The Unique Power of the Death of the Firstborn
Exodus 11:1 (NIV):
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here; when he does, he will drive you out completely.’”
The final plague is unique in its effect. No prior plague compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Theologically, this plague is significant because it strikes directly at the heart of Egyptian religious belief:
- The firstborn sons of Egypt, including Pharaoh’s heir, were regarded as living embodiments of the gods and heirs to their power.
- The death of the firstborn is therefore a judgment not only on the Egyptians but also on their gods (Exodus 12:12 NIV).
Judgment Against the Egyptian Gods
Exodus 12:12 (NIV):
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human and animal. I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.”
This verse affirms God’s supremacy over all false gods. The death of the firstborn is a direct attack on the spiritual powers Egypt revered. The firstborn were priests and representatives of these gods, so their death symbolized the defeat of the entire pantheon.
This also aligns with the Old Testament theme of Yahweh as the one true God who judges false gods (Isaiah 46:9-11).
The Role of the Firstborn in Ancient Cultures
In ancient Egypt and many other ancient cultures the firstborn sons were considered holy and often dedicated to priestly service. This explains the biblical emphasis on redeeming or consecrating the firstborn to God.
- The firstborn carried priestly responsibilities as mediators between the people and their gods (see Numbers 3:12-13).
- Animals firstborn to a household were also sacrificed as offerings to the gods.
Thus, the plagues were both natural judgments and deeply spiritual acts confronting false religious systems.
Redemption of the Firstborn in Israel
God established a law requiring Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons through sacrifice, symbolizing that the firstborn belonged to Him and were set apart for priestly purposes.
Numbers 3:12-13 (NIV):
“I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, both human and animal. They are mine. I am the LORD.”
Later, the tribe of Levi was given the priestly role, replacing the firstborn sons of Israel in this duty (see Numbers 8:14-18).
The New Covenant and the Priesthood of All Believers
Under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, the old law concerning physical redemption of the firstborn no longer applies:
- All believers are priests: Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are sanctified and given direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
- Jesus as the ultimate firstborn: Jesus is called the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18 NIV), symbolizing the fulfillment and transformation of the role of firstborn.
Revelation 1:6 (NIV):
“And has made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 12:23 (NIV):
“To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”
This means the Church collectively is the “firstborn,” the spiritual priesthood, rendering the old practice of redeeming physical firstborn obsolete.
Practical and Spiritual Application
The story of the death of the firstborn challenges believers to consider:
- What or who holds first place in your life? (Matthew 6:33)
- Are there “gods” or idols you are unknowingly serving? (1 John 5:21)
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ as the ultimate firstborn, your Lord and Savior?
The plagues and the death of the firstborn demonstrate God’s absolute authority over all powers human, spiritual, and cosmic. Pharaoh’s resistance was not just political but spiritual. The release of the Israelites signifies God’s victory over false gods and the setting apart of His people.
May Jesus Christ always be first in your life the true Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
God bless you.
Biblical Foundations of Christian Marriage
1. Marriage as a Divine Institution
Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
- This foundational verse establishes marriage as a divine institution, instituted by God from the beginning. It underscores the covenantal nature of marriage, where two individuals become one in purpose and unity. (G3Min)
Matthew 19:4-6: “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’”
- Jesus reaffirms the Genesis account, emphasizing the permanence and sanctity of the marital bond.
2. Spiritual Compatibility in Marriage
2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”
- Paul advises believers to marry fellow believers to maintain spiritual harmony and unity, avoiding potential conflicts in faith and values.
1 Corinthians 7:39: “A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
- This verse highlights the importance of marrying within the faith, ensuring that the new union is in alignment with Christian beliefs.
3. The Covenant Nature of Marriage
Malachi 2:14: “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
- Marriage is depicted as a covenant before God, emphasizing faithfulness and commitment. (G3Min)
Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
- The husband’s role mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church, highlighting the sanctifying and purifying aspect of the marital relationship.
4. Mutual Roles and Responsibilities
Ephesians 5:21: “Submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
- Mutual submission is foundational in Christian marriage, where both spouses honor and respect each other.(WISDOM FROM HEAVEN)
Ephesians 5:22-24: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
- Wives are called to respect and support their husbands, acknowledging their leadership role.
Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
- Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.
5. Purity and Fidelity in Marriage
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
- The sanctity of the marriage bed is emphasized, condemning sexual immorality and adultery. (ESV Bible)
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Paul lists behaviors that are incompatible with the Christian faith, underscoring the importance of moral purity.
6. The Role of the Church in Marriage
1 Corinthians 6:1-3: “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”
- Believers are encouraged to resolve disputes within the church, reflecting the community’s role in upholding Christian values.
Matthew 18:15-17: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.”
- This passage outlines the process of reconciliation within the church, emphasizing accountability and restoration.
Christian marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. It is characterized by mutual love, respect, and commitment, underpinned by biblical principles. While the church setting provides a formal and supportive environment for the union, the essence of Christian marriage lies in the adherence to these divine principles, regardless of the ceremony’s location.
Was Satan Bound When Jesus Was Born?
Question: According to Matthew 12:29, was Satan bound at the time of Jesus’ birth?
Answer: Let’s examine this carefully.
Matthew 12:29 (ESV)
“Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.”
This verse comes from Jesus’ teaching during a confrontation with the Pharisees, who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Satan’s power). Jesus uses a vivid analogy: before someone can “plunder” or take over a strong man’s house, they must first “bind” the strong man.
Was Satan Bound at Jesus’ Birth?
The short answer is No. Satan was not bound at the time of Jesus’ birth, and in fact, Scripture shows that Satan is still active today. If Satan had been bound at Jesus’ birth, Herod would not have felt threatened or sought to kill the infant Jesus:
Matthew 2:13 (NIV)
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”
This shows Satan’s influence remained intact; Herod’s murderous intent was likely inspired by demonic forces opposed to God’s redemptive plan.
Satan’s Activity During Jesus’ Ministry
Later, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, an event that could not happen if Satan were bound:
Matthew 4:1-3 (NIV)
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’”
This highlights that Satan was free to tempt and oppose Jesus personally.
The Present Spiritual Reality
Satan’s freedom explains why sin and evil persist today, and why Scripture warns believers not to give the devil a foothold:
Ephesians 4:27-28 (NIV)
“Do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
The “foothold” (Greek: topos) metaphorically means a position of influence or opportunity.
The Future Binding of Satan
The Bible prophesies that Satan will be bound during Christ’s millennial reign a literal thousand year period of peace on earth after the tribulation:
Revelation 20:1-3 (KJV)
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”
This binding prevents Satan from deceiving the nations during the millennial kingdom, fulfilling God’s justice and peace on earth.
What Does Matthew 12:29 Mean Then?
When Jesus spoke of “binding the strong man,” He was referring to His authority over the spiritual kingdom of darkness during His ministry. He wasn’t saying Satan was entirely powerless or absent but that Jesus had come to overpower Satan’s works and deliver people from his bondage.
The context of Matthew 12 shows Jesus casting out demons, which the Pharisees wrongly attributed to demonic power. Jesus corrects them, showing that only God’s power could overcome Satan’s kingdom:
- Satan cannot cast out Satan (which would be self destructive).
- Jesus, with greater authority, “binds” the strong man (Satan) to “plunder” his house (rescue those held captive).
This spiritual binding involves restraining Satan’s influence over individuals and communities, setting captives free, and establishing God’s kingdom.
Believers’ Authority Over Satan
Jesus gave believers authority to “bind and loose” spiritual forces:
Matthew 18:18 (ESV)
“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
This authority is exercised through faith, prayer, and obedience, resisting the devil’s schemes (James 4:7), and walking in the Spirit.
Present Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Though Satan is not bound in the ultimate sense until the millennium, Jesus’ victory on the cross has already disarmed Satan’s power over believers:
Colossians 2:15 (NIV)
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The spiritual warfare continues, but the victory is assured for those who are in Christ.
The Urgency of Salvation Today
The Bible warns that Satan’s time is short:
Revelation 12:12 (NIV)
“Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV) calls believers not to love the world, which is passing away, but to live for God’s eternal purposes.
- Satan was not bound at Jesus’ birth and is still active today.
- Jesus’ ministry involved binding Satan’s power to free people from his control.
- Satan will be literally bound for a thousand years during Christ’s millennial reign after the tribulation.
- Believers share in Jesus’ authority to “bind and loose” demonic powers in their lives.
- The final judgment and eternal defeat of Satan are yet to come.
