The Kingdom of God, Mentor Guide, MG02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

for every person (2 Cor. 5.1-10; Phil. 1.20-21), and who will raise all believers who have died back to life again to enjoy unending peace in a new heaven and earth. This is the meaning of the Kingdom’s consummation for us who believe (1 Cor. 15.20; Col. 1.12).

These questions are designed to highlight the main points associated with the first video segment. Remember the good advice given before, and concentrate on the ways the various questions help us understand the centrality of Christ in the consummation of the Kingdom. In one sense, all issues of the Kingdom’s consummation are ultimately issues that relate to the person of Jesus Christ. Pay attention to the questions your students have regarding this data, but make certain that they understand that the Christocentric focus of the end times represents a master key to understanding all of the fullness of God’s revelation on these subjects. The Church of Jesus Christ is organically connected to Christ, whose person, works, and benefits accrue to us now by faith, through the Holy Spirit. Keep this truth in the center as you discuss the details of eschatology now.

8 Page 111 Student Questions and Response

It is important to note the various terms that theologians use when speaking of the comings and/or manifestations of Christ in the world.

9 Page 112 Outline Point I-A

Parousia

This is perhaps the most frequently used of Jesus’ Second Coming, and literally means “being by.” It signifies and means “presence, coming, or arrival.” Paul uses the term in 1 Thessalonians 4.15 to designate Jesus’ arrival to come and to raise the righteous dead and catch them up (i.e. rapture) to be forever with him. The term is also associated with that phase of his arrival which involves the destruction of the man of lawlessness, the anti-Christ (2 Thess. 2.8). Parousia is neither a secret or hidden happening, but a glorious revelation and demonstration. The term is also associated with its corollary ethical meaning; through Paul’s instruction, believers are to ready themselves, to ask God for his strengthening grace in order that they