Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 68, we are going to study the second part of 1 John 2:28.
Let’s read the verse.
1 John 2:28…So that when He appears…
Let’s define the words.
So that (2443. hina) — means in order that.
When (1437. ean) — means in case that or provided that.
He appears (5319. phaneroó) — means manifested, revealed, or made evident.
In the previous lesson, we learned twelve practical ways to abide in Christ.
John urges us to abide in Christ because Jesus could appear at any moment.
In this lesson, we will study what Scripture says about His appearing.
One truth is beyond dispute: Jesus will appear again.
What is debated is whether 1 John 2:28 points to the Rapture or the Second Coming, and how these events relate in time.
The Rapture is an event where believers are caught up to meet Christ in the air. They will be transformed and receive glorified bodies. The emphasis is on Christ coming for His people and gathering them to Himself.
The Second Coming is the visible return of Christ to earth in power and glory. He will defeat His enemies, judge the nations, and establish His kingdom. The focus is on Christ coming with His people for final judgment and renewal.
People have differing views on the timing of these events.
Let’s go through some of the most popular views together.
Pre-Tribulation Rapture
This view holds that the Rapture will happen before the seven-year Great Tribulation. This is a time when God pours out His wrath upon a rebellious and sinful world. The Rapture could happen at any moment without warning, and no prophetic events must occur beforehand. The Second Coming happens at the end of the tribulation when Christ returns with His people to judge the nations and establish His kingdom.
Mid-Tribulation Rapture
Some believe the Rapture will occur in the middle of the seven-year tribulation period. Believers are caught up just before God’s final judgments are poured out. The key thought here is that believers are kept safe from the very worst part of God's wrath, but they are present on earth for the first half of the tribulation. The Second Coming follows at the end of the Tribulation, when Christ returns visibly with His people to establish His kingdom.
Post-Tribulation Rapture
Some believe the Rapture and the Second Coming will happen together at the end of the tribulation. Believers rise to meet Christ and immediately return with Him to earth. In this view, there is no separate "rapture" event years before Christ's return. Instead, all believers will go through the tribulation period, and then Jesus will come to defeat evil and establish His kingdom.
No matter what view you hold, John’s message is clear: we are called to be ready for Christ’s return. We are ready when we abide in Him and live faithfully, so that we may stand before Him with confidence, not shame.
Let’s review some verses that speak about Christ’s appearing, what will happen when He appears, and the importance of being ready.
In John 14:1-3, we read that Jesus doesn’t want our hearts to be troubled. He reassures His followers that He is preparing a place for believers and promises that He will return for His people, so that they may be with Him forever.
John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. 2 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, we read about what will happen when Jesus comes again. Believers will be transformed and given imperishable, glorified bodies. Let this truth motivate you to abide in Christ, so that you are ready for His appearing.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed
In Matthew 24:40-44, Jesus gives a parable that teaches us about the suddenness and unpredictability of His coming. We must always be alert and prepared, for the Son of Man will come at an hour we do not expect.
Matthew 24:40-44 Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
In Revelation 3:11, Jesus reminds us that He is coming soon. He encourages us to hold fast to what we have, so that no one may take our crown. This crown represents the heavenly reward given to those who remain faithful and persevere in Him. We prepare to receive this reward by abiding in Christ and living faithfully.
Revelation 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
In conclusion, Jesus will appear again, so be ready at all times.
Here are some key takeaways from this lesson.
Regardless of your view on the appearing of Jesus, you are called to abide in Him so that you are ready.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Jesus is preparing a place for you.
When Jesus appears, believers will be transformed and receive imperishable, glorified bodies.
The Lord will descend from heaven, and believers—both living and resurrected—will meet Him in the clouds and live with Him forever.
Be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
Remember this, Jesus is coming and will return for His people.
Here’s a short prayer to help you be ready for His appearing.
Dear Lord, help me to abide in You and live faithfully, so I am ready for Your return. Calm my heart, strengthen my hope, and prepare me to stand confidently before You when You come. Amen.
Let’s read our verse, one more time.
1 John 2:28…So that when He appears…
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Listen to these lessons over and over again.
Meditate on God’s Word throughout the day. Pray continually. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
If you have any prayer requests, please share them in the comments.
Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
(Photo by Leo_Visions on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
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