CHAPTERS 12 & 13

DOCTRINES #13 - #16

THEO 211

#13 BLESSED HOPE

The resurrection of those who have fallen

asleep in Christ and their translation together

with those who are alive and remain unto the

coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed

hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17;

Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52).

TWO PHASES OF JESUS’ RETURN:

•The term rapture is not found in English Bibles. It comes from the Latin

word for “caught up.” It refers to Jesus’ return for those who believe in

Him. Read I Thess 4: 16-18.

•I Cor 15: 51-53: the rapture is sudden and we will receive our immortal

bodies

•Mark 13:33–37 states that no one will know when the Rapture is going

to happen. The lawless one will not be revealed until the church has

been taken away (2 Thess 2:7–8). Paul assured the church that we

need not fear missing the Rapture. We believe the Antichrist will not

be revealed until God takes the church to heaven in the Rapture. The

Tribulation is a period of suffering for those who do not serve God,

which we believe will happen before Christ’s millennial reign.

Three Views of the Rapture

Christians commonly hold one of three views about the

timing of the Rapture:

1. Pre-Tribulation view—the Rapture will happen before the

Tribulation takes place, saving believers from enduring any

part of it. (The A/G view –belief)

2. Mid-Tribulation view—the Rapture will happen during the

Tribulation, so believers will endure a portion of the suffering

during the Tribulation.

3. Post-Tribulation view—the Rapture will happen after the

Tribulation, and believers will experience the entire event

before being taken to heaven.

Remember:

Acts 1:7–8

“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father

has set by his own authority. But you will receive

power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you

will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea

and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

CHAPTER 13: DOCTRINE #14

The Millennial Reign of Christ

•The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the

saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible

return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one

thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matt 24:27, 30; Rev 1:7;

19:11–14; 20:1–6).

•This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel

(Eze 37:21–22; Zeph 3:19–20; Romans 11:26–27) and the

establishment of universal peace (Is 11:6–9; Ps 72:3–8; Micah

4:3–4).

A/G View

#15. The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead

will be raised and judged according to their works.

Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together

with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false

prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the

lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the

second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43–48; Revelation

19:20; 20:11–15; 21:8).

#16. The New Heavens and the New Earth

“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new

earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation

21–22).

The heavens and earth will be destroyed after the

Millennium, and God will create new heavens and a new

earth. This will complete the plan God had when He

created Adam and Eve. He will create a completely new

and wonderful world where He can live with His people.

City of God

The New Jerusalem is described as beautiful, like a new bride.

▪It is large—1,380 miles in length, and just as tall and wide.

▪It is beautiful, shining with the glory of God.

▪The foundation is made of precious stones.

▪The gates are made of pearls.

▪The streets are made of gold.