Intro to Pentecostal Doctrine

Theo 114

CHAPTERS 12 & 13

Chapter 12: Living as though Jesus would come today

Our Blessed Hope!

This immanent (definite) return of Christ is the hope of the

church. Even though times of trouble and difficulty will come

as the world is drawn into a downward spiral, the believer has

the great hope of Christ’s return, which shines as a beacon of

light.

The immanence of Christ’s return (the fact that He could

return at any time) argues against setting any event of the

Great Tribulation before Christ’s return. Also, there is no

statement in Scripture that would support the idea that the

church must suffer God’s wrath as it is poured out during the

Tribulation period.

The A/G’s doctrinal belief is

Pre-Tribulation

We may experience

persecution, trials, and even

martyrdom. But the Great

Tribulation is God’s wrath

poured out upon the earth.

There are no scriptures that

support the believer will go

through the Great Trib.

Consider #4 and #8

Two phases of Jesus’ 2nd

Coming:

(1) the Rapture of the saints

before the Tribulation and

(2) the Second Coming of

Christ with His saints after

the Tribulation, to defeat

the antichrist in the Battle of

Armageddon. Satan’s

defeat will usher in the one-

thousand-year reign of

Christ.

A/G Doctrine

Tribulation, the Day

of the Lord, &

Christ’s Kingdom

UNIT #13

Events on Earth and in Heaven During the Tribulation

Events on earth during the Tribulation include:

(1) the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments described in Revelation;

(2) the revelation of the antichrist; and (3) the turning of many Jewish

people to Christ.

Events in heaven during the tribulation include:

(1) the judgment seat of Christ, where believers’ works are judged (I

Cor 3: 13) sometimes known as the bema judgement and

(2) the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

The phrase “Day of the Lord” is a broad term which refers to events

beginning with the Rapture and extending to the establishment of the

new heavens and the new earth.

I Corinthians 3: 10 –15

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise

builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should

build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than

the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on

this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or

straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the

Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will

test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built

survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the

builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as

one escaping through the flames.

Summary of believers’ judgement

(From Bible Hub commentary):

“I Cor 3: 13 assures that every believer’s labor will face Christ’s

penetrating evaluation. On the appointed Day, His holy fire will

expose motives, refine actions, and distinguish what was done

for His glory from what was done for self. Enduring works will gain

eternal reward; combustible works is lost, though the worker is

saved. Living with that certainty fuels humility, careful building,

and wholehearted service today –knowing the Master Builder

will soon inspect His house.”

Reigning with Christ and the Final Judgment of the wicked:

The sequence of events beginning with the return of Christ with the saints

after the Tribulation and extending to the new heavens and new earth.

1. The return of Christ to earth with the saints after the

Tribulation

2. The defeat of the antichrist at the Battle of Armageddon

3. The one-thousand-year reign of Christ on earth during the

Millennium

4. The final attempt of Satan to deceive the nations

5. Satan’s being cast into the lake of fire

6. The Great White Throne Judgment

7. New heavens and new earth

The study of end-times events should cause us to live with

eternity’s values in view. Sharing the good news, as the Holy

Spirit goes before us to open doors, is an awesome privilege. In

our personal lives, looking to Jesus will help us run this spiritual

race with perseverance and avoid the entangling sins that are

based ultimately on disbelief. The joy that is set before us can

also give renewed strength for life’s challenges.

Consider Hebrews 12: 1- 2

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great

cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that

hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us

run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing

our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For

the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its

shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of

God.