The Second Coming of Isa

by T.H.

When will the world as we know it come to an end? That is the same question that Isa’s disciples came and asked Him privately while he was sitting on the Mount of Olives. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Injil. Matthew 24:3). It is also a question that multitudes have been asking for thousands of years. With the current deterioration of morals both nationally and global and the ability of modern communications to report those circumstances, they see the present relevancy of this ancient question.

However, before we look further at this question, I want to address another question, “Why does humankind continue to show such great interest in the end times?” Amidst the prevalence of war, national disasters and evil, man has a longing to know his future. This answer, although simple, is ridiculed by many. But within the human spirit, Allah has created the knowledge that life continues after death. Some people suppress this natural conviction from Allah that man’s soul is eternal. Others believe that at death we just cease to exist. Others know that their soul will live on, yet they have no assurance that their way of living has pleased Allah.

My friend, we can have peace and assurance from Allah as we face the uncertainty of the end times if we have put our trust in Isa Al-Masih. Let us not focus on the world calamities that are ever increasing, but let us look intently and expectantly for the second coming of Isa Al-Masih.

Two Comings

Two Comings of Isa

Isa’s first coming to earth was foretold almost immediately after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Speaking to the serpent, Satan, Allah said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). The suffering of Isa for us was foretold, literally promised, as well as the ultimate destruction of Satan.

Isa’s first coming was for our benefit. We needed Him to do something for us because the effects and penalty of Adam’s sin had tainted all of humankind. We were hopelessly lost because of sin.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful natureand following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God [Allah], who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ [Al-Masih] even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:1-5).

Thank you Isa for coming and giving yourself for us!

Just as the prophets of old prophesied of Isa’s first coming, Allah’s Word tells us that He will be coming back. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus [Isa], who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11).

Allah’s Word tells us that some believers were greatly concerned because they had loved ones die and Isa had not yet returned. They were worried that they had missed His second coming and all that was involved in it for the individuals who had truly placed their faith in Isa. Allah gave them the following encouragement through His Word:

We tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God [Allah], and the dead in Jesus [Isa] will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

Just as we needed Isa’s first coming and others expected it, we must live with a great expectation for His second coming. This thought is a constant encouragement for the one who believes.

Two Questions

Two Questions the Disciples Asked Isa

As we saw earlier, the disciples asked Isa, “When will this happen?” Isa responded by telling them that “Allah alone knows.”

1. “When will this happen?”

Numerous men, in their quest to appear more knowledgeable than others, have attempted to set specific dates and predict the return of Isa. Allah foretold their foolishness. They are among those who deceive. Unfortunately, many believe that the world is just going to continue on indefinitely. They too are misguided.

Isa is coming back with power and great glory. He is coming back for those who have put their faith and trust in Him. We do not know the exact moment of His return, but HE IS COMING BACK! We read in the Holy Scriptures: “He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Injil, Matthew 24:31). Are we ready?

The second question Isa’s disciples asked Him was “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

2. “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Isa told them that perilous times were ahead. There would be wars, lawlessness, false prophets and false messiahs. In the last days, He further warned that others would come and deceive by word, and with signs and wonders. Many will be misled. During those days, some believers will allow their love for Isa to grow cold. As a result, they belittle those who continue to follow Isa. Some will even die because they refuse to give up their faith in Isa. My response to the scoffer’s charge that throughout history these signs have been fulfilled is YES! However, they have increased in scope and impact.

Two Responses

Two Responses to the Promised Return of Isa

What should be our response to Isa’s promised return?

The first response we can make is the same as many who lived during the days of Noah [Nuh]. We can ignore the message in the Scriptures, refuse His wonderful grace and mercy and suffer the consequences.

1. Ignore the message!

Remember Noah and seven other family members were the only ones who heeded Allah’s warning. Noah and his family were saved from the flood because they believed the words of Allah. Everyone else continued to live a life of indifference toward Allah. They all suffered Allah’s judgment for their sins and for their refusal to accept the provision of salvation offered to them. When Isa returns, a similar rejection to the warnings from Allah will be evident. Mockers will be following their own lust as they walk down a road that leads them to face the judgment of Allah.

2. Be ready!

The better response would be to be ready just as the Scriptures say: So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Isa] will come at an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:44). Isa shared with His disciples that being ready included: enduring, praying, refusing to be deceived, watching, and being sober, faithful and wise. Believers who live a life like this will still not know the day of Isa’s return, but they will have the peace and assurance that they are in a right relationship with Allah. They have the Blessed Hope as it says in Titus 2:11-14:

For the grace of Allah that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God [Allah] and Savior, Jesus Christ [Isa Al-Masih], who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Two Results

Two Results at Isa’s Coming

My friend, Isa is coming again. We don’t know the exact time, but we do know that the signs announcing His return are everywhere. When Isa returns, two people will be working side by side. One will be taken with Isa and the other one will be left behind. Two will be asleep and one will be taken and the other will be left behind.

1. Be Taken with Isa!

What determines who will have the opportunity to go with Isa and who will be left behind? It is faith in Isa that makes the difference. Faith in Isa is a faith in His exemplary life, His sacrificial death for our sins, and His resurrection. By His resurrection he showed that the last enemy, death, was defeated.

2. Be Left Behind!

Isa is coming and I want us to be ready. It takes simple faith. With it we can pray the final prayer found in Allah’s word, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen (Revelation 22:20-21).