God the Son, Student Workbook, SW10

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G O D T H E S O N

the Second Coming proper, where Christ will appear in full glory, judging the wicked world system, and establishing his Kingdom upon it. (This view is prominent in the current Left Behind series by Timothy LaHaye). In regards to the Second Coming of Christ, what is essential for us to believe about it? For instance, must we take a position on the specific nature of the coming, or merely confess wholeheartedly that the Second Coming will occur? Another way of asking this question is this: does the Creed’s simple affirmation that he will come again in glory give too little information to really encourage the hearts of Christians awaiting Christ’s return? Defend your answer with Scripture. In a series at church on the Second Coming of Christ, a heated discussion has been brewing among several of the key teachers in the church. One of the leaders, deeply influenced by teaching that suggests the millennial Kingdom of Revelation 20 is a literal Kingdom on earth has begun to dialogue with one of her colleague who believes the Kingdom to be merely a symbolic and not a literal reign on the earth. These two are respected, well-learned, biblical people who both possess a fine heart for the Lord and deep walk with God. Yet, their discussion has become public and intense enough that it is plain that some kind of resolution of their dialogue must occur soon. How would your understanding of the “big picture” of the coming reign of Christ help you to resolve this more specific disagreement about the details of his coming? The various aspects and implications of Christ’s exaltation can be comprehended clearly on the basis of two critical salvific events; the resurrection and the ascension of Christ. The resurrection serves as a vindication of Jesus’ Messiahship and sonship, and his ascension grants to our Savior a position of dignity and authority that allows him to fill all things with his glory. The Christ event (i.e., Jesus’ preexistence, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and glory) can be thought of in terms of two movements, a movement of descent (into humiliation), and ascent (into exaltation). The resurrection and ascension are associated directly with Christ’s exaltation and glory. Three specific statements in the Nicene Creed speak of Jesus’ future work upon earth . First, the Creed asserts that Jesus Christ will return again in glory, which will be dramatic in character and has present significance for our lives and ministry. Next, There’ll Be No Real Kingdom

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Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis