The Second Coming - an Introduction
A Sermon on the Second Coming
Originally preached Jan. 7, 1955
Scripture
Sermon Description
When will Jesus return and how will anyone recognize the second coming of Christ? In this sermon on the Second Coming, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches a message on the second coming of Jesus Christ. There is much confusion over what the second coming refers to, and some argue about its timing. Did the second coming happen at Pentecost? Did it happen when the temple was destroyed in AD 70 or will it happen in the future? The coming of Christ is a topic all throughout Scripture—some have said that one in every thirteen verses refer to this, with those referring to His second coming being eight times more frequent than those about His birth. Why is it so important to understand this doctrine? Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this doctrine is one of the most important for the church, especially since it was used by Paul and the other early apostles to encourage Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also issues a warning to those who undertake a study of this subject—to take topics in Scripture that are unclear and make them requirements to be a Christian is to abuse the word of God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches on the second coming of Christ and addresses issues that arise when studying this topic.
Sermon Breakdown
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones introduces the topic of eschatology and the doctrine of last things.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines that the doctrine of last things can be divided into two categories: individual destiny and the destiny of the whole world. The sermon will focus on the general aspect, specifically the second coming of Jesus Christ.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the importance and centrality of the second coming of Jesus in Scripture. He cites statistics showing one in thirty verses refer to the second coming and there are eight references to the second coming for every one reference to the first coming.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that the doctrine is often neglected for various reasons, including spiritual lethargy, false views of the second coming, and extravagant or unbalanced teaching on the topic. He warns against losing balance or becoming obsessive in studying this doctrine.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones introduces the terms used to refer to the second coming: apocalypse (revelation), epiphany (appearance), and parousia (presence). He argues these terms are interchangeable, contrary to some teachings.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the manner of the second coming: it will be personal, physical, visible, sudden, and glorious. He contrasts this with spiritual or secret comings of Jesus.
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Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by exhorting the listeners to study this doctrine devotionally and let it lead to humility, worship, realization of the shortness of time, and holy living. He prays for grace to approach this truth in the right way.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on The Second Coming of Christ: Questions and Answers
What is the importance of the Second Coming doctrine according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Second Coming is an extremely important doctrine that is prevalent throughout Scripture. He points out that "one in every 30 verses in the scriptures is a reference to the second coming of our Lord," and that for every one reference to Christ's first coming, there are eight references to His second coming. He notes that entire biblical chapters (Matthew 24-25) and arguably whole epistles (Thessalonians) focus primarily on this topic. Lloyd-Jones also emphasizes that Christ Himself frequently taught about His return, making it a central element of the Lord's teaching.
What are the main terms used in Scripture to describe Christ's Second Coming?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies three primary technical terms used for Christ's Second Coming: 1. "Apocalypse" - meaning revelation or unveiling 2. "Epiphany" - meaning appearance or manifestation 3. "Parousia" - meaning presence
He also mentions several other descriptive terms including: "the day of God," "the day of the Lord," "the day of Jesus Christ," "that day," "the last day," "the great day," "the day of wrath," and "the day of judgment."
Why has the doctrine of the Second Coming been neglected according to Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests several reasons for the neglect of this doctrine: 1. Spiritual lethargy - our tendency to become "victims of life and circumstances" 2. False views that misinterpret the Second Coming (as merely meaning death, Pentecost, or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD) 3. A "shyness and carefulness" among Christians due to the extravagant and often dogmatic teaching by some who have made specific predictions about dates and details 4. People becoming so obsessed with the doctrine that they lose balance in their approach to Scripture
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the proper approach to studying the Second Coming?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones recommends: 1. Start with studying the Scriptures themselves carefully 2. Read balanced material representing different viewpoints 3. Test all readings against Scripture 4. Maintain balance rather than becoming obsessed with this single doctrine 5. Approach the subject devotionally rather than merely theoretically or academically
He provides this test: "If your study of it humbles you, you're studying it in the right way. If it inflates you or inflames your mind and your passion, you're studying it in the wrong way." He also adds that right study leads to worship, adoration, praise, and practical holiness, not merely intellectual satisfaction.
What are the key characteristics of Christ's Second Coming according to Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies five key characteristics of Christ's genuine Second Coming: 1. It will be personal - not merely His influence but Christ Himself 2. It will be physical - not merely spiritual but bodily 3. It will be visible - "every eye shall see him" (not secret) 4. It will be sudden - like "the flashing of lightning" or a "thief in the night" 5. It will be glorious - He will come "as the king of kings and as the Lord of lords," with angels and heralded by a trumpet
Great Biblical Doctrines
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.