All About the Second Coming of Christ: “10 Lessons to Understand the Greatest Event in the History of the World”

By Dr. Neale B. Oliver

The Second Coming of Christ is fact and is a culmination of thousands of years of Bible prophecy. Jesus’ return reveals the future of the Jews, Gentiles, and the Christian church. His return also reveals the eternity of both the saved and unsaved. ALL ABOUT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST is a book that comes from over 20 years of research, study, and teaching about the greatest event in the history of the world. Pastor Neale takes you on a journey to help you understand what the Bible teaches about the events surrounding Jesus’ return.

ALL ABOUT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST is not a seminary textbook. Each chapter is tailored for the person sitting in the church pew, who desires to know what the Bible teaches about the Second Coming. When you finish reading this book you will have a good understanding of the events of Christ’s return as they unfold through the pages of the Bible.

This book is written to alert the world that Jesus is coming again, and it could happen today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973658269

Dr. Neale B. Oliver

DR. NEALE B. OLIVER has been blessed by God. He is the husband of Glynis, his forever always. Dad to Roger, Ryne, and Robbi-Ann, the three greatest accomplishments of his earthly life. Pops to Grayson, his only grandchild, but expecting more someday. Father-in-law to Ashton, his only daughter-in-law for now. Son to Roger and Lil Oliver, the best parents and best friends a man could have. Brother to Dee, Lee, and Laura, who made growing up in the 70’s cool and groovy. Humbled pastor to the great people of Henderson Street Baptist Church, who are the most encouraging people a pastor could ever serve. Finally and most importantly, he is a sinner saved by grace.

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Copyright © 2019 Dr. Neale B. Oliver.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5804-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5805-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5826-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019903584

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/20/2020

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the HCSB®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. HCSB® is a federally registered trademark of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

Scripture marked (KJV) is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Bible Translations Quoted: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), Amplified Bible (AMP), King James Bible (KJV), The Living Bible (LB), The Message (MGS)

CONTENTS

Endorsements

Acknowledgments

Preface: About This Book

Introduction

Chapter 1 The Rapture

Chapter 2 The New Heavenly Body

Chapter 3 The Judgment Seat Of Christ

Chapter 4 A Marriage Made For Heaven

Chapter 5 The Tribulation Period

Chapter 6 The Second Coming Of Christ

Chapter 7 The Millennial Reign Of

Christ On The Earth

Chapter 8 Satan’s Last Stand

Chapter 9 The Great White Throne Judgment

Chapter 10 Eternity In Heaven

Bibliography

Glossary

Group Discussion Guide

Abc’s Of Salvation

Endnotes

ENDORSEMENTS

Pastor Neale has written a must-read book for anyone wanting to make sense of the Second Coming of Christ. He writes in a simplistic way for all (believers and non-believers) to understand.

Darla Hamilton, Retired Teacher, Ft. Worth ISD

Pastor Neale Oliver has done a masterful job of breaking down the mystery surrounding the Second Coming of Christ and presenting it in a way anyone can understand. If you want to know more about Jesus’ return, the book you are holding is a good place to start! Engaging and informative, All About The Second Coming Of Christ will help you better understand the greatest event in the history of the world and give you new insight in how to live your life with meaning and purpose today!

Scott Whitson, Executive Director, Southwest

Metroplex Baptist Association

I could not put this book down. It is easy to read, but you will want to read it slowly so you can take in the wisdom and insight of each line. It is not what you think it is…it’s so much more! I learned so much about the many verses I read, more than I thought a book could teach. Dr. Neale Oliver’s style is warm and engaging, and how he delivered this message of the Second Coming of Christ was genius. I have almost every page highlighted. It’s a great, great book!

Power For Life Ministry President, Jerod Rost

I have over 3000 titles in my personal library, probably 10-20 concerning themselves with some facet of Biblical Revelation. This is the first book I have read that is orderly, organized, and succinct. It is not necessarily short; in fact, it is comprehensive, but so well written that it seems shorter than most. I have read all the different angles, thoughts, and …isms accepted today, and maybe it is because I lean this way in my own theological understanding, but I say, Good job, Neale! Or maybe it’s because I am well read that I feel yours is the best one presented between the two covers. I’ve read much about the subject, and you treated it vigorously, simply, and exhaustively, and most importantly Biblically.

Charles Garrett, Exec. Dir.,

The Christian Heritage Foundation

Cleburne, Texas

A user-friendly primer that clearly explains biblical prophecy in a manner that facilitates both individual spiritual growth as well as a ministry of small group or one-on-one disciple development.

Rev. John Kanter, Messianic Jew

Ministry Representative Sojourner Ministries

I loved getting a chance to read and learn! This is going to make a difference in the lives of so many. So glad your dream of publishing this has come to fruition! #proud.

Ashton Oliver, Teacher and Daughter-in-law

DEDICATION:

To my wife and best friend, Glynis. In the journey

of marriage and ministry, you have never wavered

in our call to serve the Lord and His church.

You are the best part of us. You are my forever always.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is proof God can use anyone. It is through His grace and goodness, certainly not my very limited abilities, that you are holding this book.

My greatest thanks to the people of Henderson Street Baptist Church in Cleburne, Texas. You took a chance on a discouraged and wounded pastor and restored my faith in God’s people and in God’s church. You are the most encouraging people I have ever had the pleasure of serving. I will be forever in your debt the rest of my life.

Also, my thanks to the people of First Baptist Church in Whitewright, Texas, who for nine years patiently let me learn what it means to be a pastor. You were the first to receive the teaching of this book through a series of Sunday night Bible Studies. Your initial feedback planted the idea that one day a book could be possible. One day took twenty years.

To James Claborn, my first prayer partner as a pastor. I cannot put into words the encouragement you were to me in those early days as a pastor. Your feedback to the first teaching of the book encouraged me to keep teaching Jesus’ Second Coming.

To Jason Summers, who kept telling me, Preach the Word! This book is directly from the Word.

To Norman Travis, who is at home with Jesus today. I love you in the Lord and cannot think about eternity without thinking of you. I look forward to serving in Jesus’ eternal kingdom with you.

To Charlie and Doris Whitworth, who traveled 2.5 hours every Sunday for twelve weeks to listen to me preach the sermon series to this book. I owe you gas money.

To all the ministers I have had the pleasure to serve the Lord with, either as a youth minister or as a pastor. I hope in some way I have impacted your ministry in some positive way. I know you have impacted mine.

To my volunteer editors, Glynis, Robbi, Ashton, Darla, Kathleen, and Ray. Your help with the manuscript was completely necessary, and your honest evaluation was extremely helpful.

To Sarah Beth Boss the general editor, you are a gift from God, thank you for editing the book. I look forward to working together in future projects.

To Toby K. Easley of Feder Ink Publishing for copyediting the book and fine-tuning the final copy for print. Thank you and I look forward to working with you in the future.

To my parents, Roger and Lil, who brought me into this world. You encouraged me to spread my wings and soar like an eagle. This book would not be possible without you, obviously!

To my children Roger, Ryne, and Robbi, who have been the best PK’s a father could ask for. You have never been a minute’s trouble to your family; to the churches we’ve served, or to the communities we’ve lived. For that I say, Thank you! I am proud of the Christian adults you have become. I look forward to living in the New Jerusalem next door to you.

Finally, to those who would choose to criticize me for the content in the book. There are many different views of the Second Coming. I firmly believe everything in this book. If you don’t, I would encourage you to write your book. The process will bless your life, as it has mine.

PREFACE: ABOUT THIS BOOK

T he Second Coming of Christ is fact and is a culmination of thousands of years of Bible prophecies from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus’ return reveals the future of the Jews, the Gentiles, and the Christian Church. His return also reveals the eternity of both the saved and the lost.

All About The Second Coming of Christ is a book that comes from over 20 years of research, study, and teaching about the greatest event in the history of the world. Pastor Neale takes you on a journey to help you understand what the Bible teaches about the events surrounding Christ’s return. Included at the end of the book is a glossary of Second Coming terms, and a group discussion guide that can be used in a large group, small group, or a one-on-one setting.

All About The Second Coming of Christ is not a seminary textbook. Each chapter is tailored for the person sitting in the church pew who desires to know what the Bible teaches about the Second Coming of Christ. When you finish reading this book you will have a good understanding of the events of Christ’s return as they unfold through the pages of the Bible.

This book is written to alert the world that Jesus is coming again, and it could happen today!

INTRODUCTION

W elcome to what I hope and pray will become one of the favorite books in your library. If you’re like me, studying the Second Coming of Christ is both fascinating and exciting. But it can also be intimidating and overwhelming. I hope this book will solve that problem for you. My goal is that what you read in the ten chapters of this book will give you a grasp of what I believe is the greatest event in the history of the world. I don’t claim to be an expert by any means, but I have figured out a few things from the Bible as I have studied the Second Coming for over twenty years, and I want to share with you the great things I have discovered.

If you’ve never studied the events of the Second Coming, then this book is for you. This book is not a theological textbook for a seminary classroom, but is intended for the average person sitting in the church pew who desires to know the basics about Jesus and His return.

I suggest that you read this book three times. The first time just read it as if you were reading a novel. Don’t make any notes in the margins or highlight any sentences or paragraphs, simply read for sheer information. The second time you read it underline, highlight, and write in the margin of the pages the things you want to remember. Review the seven points at the end of each chapter and answer the five questions. Finally, read the book a third time and soak in all the information—the notes in the margins, the highlighted parts in each chapter, the review points and the questions—just let it all sink in. Let each event roll over in your mind. Think about the chronological order of each event, starting with the Rapture and ending with eternity in the New Heaven on the New Earth living in the New Jerusalem.

It’s important that I tell you up front that my theological belief of the Second Coming is Dispensationalist. I believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church and I believe in a Pre-Millennial Second Coming. If you don’t understand what that means right now, don’t worry; you will by the end of the book. Dispensationalism has three main beliefs:

• God will keep His promises to both Israel and the church. God has a separate plan for both, and the church has not replaced Israel as God’s people or in God’s plan.

• We should read and interpret the Bible in the most plain, ordinary, normal manner, and as literally as possible.

• God does all things to reveal His glory to His creation.

Here is a list of pastors, scholars, and theologians who preach/teach the Dispensationalist view of the Bible:

• Dr. W.A. Criswell, Late Pastor of FBC Dallas for 46 years from 1944 to 1990.

• Dr. Tony Evans, Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Church, Dallas, TX.

• Dr. Billy Graham, Considered by many to be the greatest modern-day world evangelist.

• Dr. Tim LaHaye, Author of the Left Behind book series.

• Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor of Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA, President of Master’s University & Seminary, author of over 150 books, including The MacArthur Study Bible.

• Dr. Dwight L. Moody, Preacher and Evangelist. President of Chicago Bible Institute, later known as Moody Bible Institute.

• Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost, Professor of Bible Exposition Emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary until his death.

• Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, Professor & Dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, Editor of The Ryrie Study Bible. He is considered one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century.

• Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA, since 1971.

• Dr. Chuck Swindoll, Pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, TX, and serves as Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary.

• Dr. R.A. Torrey, Pastor and Evangelist, Dean of Bible Institute of Los Angeles in 1912 (now Biola University). He is the author of over 40 books.

• Dr. John Walvoord, President of Dallas Theological Seminary 1952-1986; Author of over 30 books primarily focusing on eschatology and theology, including the book The Rapture Question.

It’s important that you do not see the Second Coming as one single event, but see it as a series of events. Think of it as 4 phases: Phase 1: The Rapture; Phase 2: The Second Coming; Phase 3: The Millennial Kingdom; Phase 4: Eternity. Or, as a Two Act Play with an Intermission: Act 1: The Rapture; Intermission: The Tribulation; Act 2: The Second Coming.

In this book we will cover ten main events of the Second Coming: The Rapture, The New Heavenly Body, The Judgment Seat of Christ, A Marriage Made for Heaven, The Tribulation Period, The Second Coming of Christ, The Millennial Reign of Christ on the Earth, Satan’s Last Stand, The Great White Throne Judgment, and Eternity in Heaven.

If you have been with me as I have taught this series in the churches I’ve pastored, I want you to know up front that some of my beliefs have evolved as I have studied and become more acquainted with God’s Word. While these changes are minor in detail, my beliefs in the Dispensational view of the Second Coming have only become stronger. I always mention in the first session I teach that, while I believe everything in each lesson is Biblically accurate, I reserve the right to change my mind. I make that same claim to you, the reader of this book. However, in 20 years the only change in my teaching of the Second Coming from the first time I taught on it at First Baptist Church of Whitewright, Texas in 1998, to the most recent time I taught on it at Henderson Street Baptist Church in Cleburne, Texas in 2018, is in the eternal position of the New Jerusalem.

As you read this book you may become overwhelmed, but if you stick with it all the way to the end, I believe you will see the pieces of the puzzle come together, and by the conclusion of this book you will see a clear picture of Jesus and His Second Coming.

I have taken the opportunity to capitalize Earth, Heaven, Hell, and the Lake of Fire. It is my belief that these are real places just like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo. I have also capitalized Satan, Devil, anti-Christ, Beast, and False Prophet because they are the unholy trinity, just as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are recognized by Christians as the Holy Trinity.

Let me close with this story: I was in my first pastorate at First Baptist Church of Whitewright, Texas, when at a Sunday night service, I mentioned the Great White Throne Judgment. A day or two later a member of the church knocked on the door of the parsonage across the street from the church to inform me that my reference to the Great White Throne Judgment was in error. Then he proceeded to correct my timing of the judgment. I remember listening intently as this man laid out the judgment of the world and where I had gone wrong. It was at that point and on that day that I made it my mission to never step into the pulpit or the front of the classroom unless I had put in the time to study, research, and support with Scripture what I was teaching and preaching. What you will read in the following pages is to the best of my ability studied, researched, and supported by Scripture. I firmly believe that this is the way the events of the Second Coming will unfold in chronological order.

I want to thank my friend for taking the time to educate a young and inexperienced preacher on the importance of getting it right every time. My friend left FBC Whitewright not long after that, and I hope it wasn’t because he lost faith in me. What I do know is that God used him in my life to teach me a very important lesson. What you