The Way of Truth

Study 11: The Second Coming of Isa

Isa rose from the dead according to Allah’s plan

We have seen in the last lesson how Isa’s death and resurrection were in total agreement with scriptural prophecy and his own teachings. Let us look now at the present position of Isa and what he said about the end times. As we saw in the last lesson, after the crucifixion Isa’s enemies believed that he was finished. But they were wrong. It appeared temporarily that death had defeated him, but it was only an illusion. As he himself claimed, “I am the life”. It was impossible for death to finally destroy him. In the end it was he who defeated death and rose victoriously from the grave. The Jews had thought they had destroyed him. They thought he was once and for all dead. They were totally wrong. Just as the prophet Shaya had prophesied, “It was the will of the Lord to bruise him”. Allah had planned his death and resurrection ages before and the Jews were but tools to carry out Allah’s will. In fact, the Jews could not even carry out the punishment of Isa but were forced to turn him over to the Roman authorities for punishment. Thus, the Jews in their attempt to kill Isa were completely thwarted and failed.

Isa was taken alive to heaven where he now intercedes for his disciples

He said, as we have seen, was taken bodily to heaven by Allah 40 days after rising from the dead. Having conquered death, the Injil says Isa will live forever in Allah’s presence. According to the Injil, his present work consists of interceding before Allah for those who have believed in him. It is written in the Injil,

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to Allah through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

Only Isa, of all men who ever lived, is still alive and in Allah’s presence. Only he is able to intercede for his followers. All other men are in the grave. All other men will have to stand before Allah and be judged for their own sins. Thus, it is impossible for them to intercede for others. Only Isa was sinless. Only Isa will not stand before Allah and be judged by him. This is a very important matter. Today there are many that claim to have the power to intercede for others. It is much like an illustration Isa once gave,

Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit. (Matthew 15:14)

Those men who now claim the power to intercede are all sinners themselves. Far from having the power to intercede for others they themselves need intercession. Because they are sinners they will soon die and be put in the grave to face judgment one day. All those who trust in them will face exactly the same fate. They too will die and face the same judgment. It is like a man who claims to be able to cure cancer but is himself dying of cancer. The one who claims power of intercession is seen to be no different from the one he claims to intercede for. It is just the blind leading the blind, first into the grave, and then judgment. Of all men only Isa is different. Only Isa was without sin. Only Isa conquered the grave, and has power over death. According to the Injil, only Isa is able to intercede for others. Thus, right now Isa’s is at Allah’s right hand interceding for his disciples. Yet, according to the Scriptures he will come again to the earth one day.

Isa will return to earth before the last day

Before his death Isa explained to his disciples that he would leave them and go to heaven. Yet, he also said he would return before the Day of Judgment. He also explained to them the signs of his coming. The following are few of the things he explained must happen prior to his return to earth,

1. Many Antichrists will come
2. There will be wars and rumors of wars
3. There will be many famines in various places
4. There will be an increase in earthquakes
5. Believers in Allah will be persecuted for their faith
6. Many false prophets will arise
7. Men’s love will grow cold
8. The good news of the Messiah would be preached throughout the whole world

These were all things that Isa said must occur before he would return. Once these things occurred, his return would be near. Do you see any similarities between this list and the things happening today?

Isa will reign for 1000 years

Besides telling his disciples how to know the time of his return to earth, he also told them why he was to return. He was returning first of all to reign on earth with his followers for 1000 years. At that time no other government or ruler or set of rules will stand. Isa will be in complete control. At that time all men will have to acknowledge his authority and live in obedience to his rule of justice and righteousness. As is recorded in the Injil,

that at the name of Isa every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that ‘Isa al-Masih is Lord, to the glory of Allah the Father. (Philippians 2:10, 11)

Isa will be given responsibility for judging

Secondly, Isa is returning to earth so he may judge men. According to the Injil, Allah will give responsibility for judging men into his hands. As the only sinless man he alone has the ability and right to judge others. It is written,

Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22)

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)

This will take place on the day when Allah will judge men’s secrets through ‘Isa al-Masih, as my gospel declares. (Romans 2:16)

Isa will take his disciples to heaven

Finally, Isa is returning to earth to take his followers to heaven to be with Allah. In the Injil he told his disciples,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in Allah ; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.(John 14:1-3)

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest promises ever made. If Isa is going to take his disciples to heaven, if he is going to intercede for his disciples, then it is very important that we know whether we are his disciples were not. If going to heaven depends on being his disciple then it is essential that we know how we can be his disciple. In the next lesson we shall look at how a man becomes his disciple.

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QUESTIONS:

1. Were the Jews successful in carrying out their plans to destroy Isa?

a. Yes
b. no

2. How many days after his resurrection did Isa preach and teach before being taken by Allah to heaven?

A. 10 days
B. 40 days
C. 70 days
D. 95 days

3. Give two reasons why Isa is able to intercede for others right now.

A.
B.

4. List six signs of Isa’s Second Coming,

5. When Isa returns to earth who will rule?

A. Earthly kings
B. Isa
C. A special king appointed by Isa

6. Why is Allah able to give Isa the responsibility for judging men?

7. According to the Injil (John 14) what is one other purpose for Isa’s returning to earth besides ruling and judging?

8. Are you looking forward to the Second Coming of Isa? Why?