FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

resurrection bodies as well (1Thessalonians 4:17). Although graveyards are solemn, quiet places now, that will not be the case at the Second Coming. Finally, Jesus will come back victoriously – We touched on this in chapter 8, yet it’s worth reviewing. Remem- ber that the good guys are on the verge of defeat as the great tribulation is drawing to a close. And then, personally, sudden- ly, and spectacularly, Christ theWarrior King bursts forth from heaven. The following, taken from Revelation 19, underscore the militant nature of Jesus’ return. He will come riding a white horse (vs. 11) – In the ancient world, leaders on horses suggested war, whereas those riding donkeys were an indication of peace.This brings to mind Jesus making His death march into Jerusalem on PassionWeek, humbly mounted on a donkey (John 12:14). His Second Coming will be altogether different, as he comes prepared for battle, ready to carry our justice. Of course, the color white depicts purity and underscores His purity. He will have a sword coming from His mouth (vs.15) - It is highly likely that the only weapon involved in this final decisive conflict will be the word of Christ. Just like God spoke the world into being in the beginning, Jesus will voice victo- ry over his enemies in the end. As was prophesied centuries before His first coming, Christ “will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked (Isaiah 11:4). This is certainly not the first time God’sWord is symbolized as a sword (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12). He will be wearing a bloody robe (vs. 13) - We nor-mally think of Jesus’ blood in connection with salvation. How-ever, “the picture here is of Christ the warrior and conqueror of evil, not of Christ the redeemer.” 421 Even though the battle

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