Chapter 115
Casting Off on a Journey
- An awkward question15
- The window onto our subject15
Book Index
A complete table of contents for When Jesus Returns — twenty-seven chapters arranged in six sections, walking the reader through Scripture and the Reformed Confessions on Christ's return, judgment and the believer's eternal hope.
Back to homeCasting Off on a Journey
Section A — Our Perseverance
Chapter 221
Preface to this Bible Study
- The Bible23
- Do I understand the Bible correctly?24
- The protestant confessions28
Chapter 334
The Gospel, Weeds and the Apostles' Creed
- Background: the Bible canon and a confession34
- Development of the Canon of the NT35
- False teachings harass the young churches41
- The inception of a confession44
- Twelve articles of the Apostolic Creed47
- Role of the Creed49
- Article 37 of the Belgic Confession51
- Matthew 25:31–4653
Section B — The End of All Things
Chapter 456
The Mystery of the End of Time
- Inaccessibility of the future and end times?56
- A dependable future in sight for the faithful58
- Metaphors and symbols reveal end times61
Chapter 564
The Resurrection Miracle at the End of Time
- Our prospect of resurrection from the dead64
- Abundant Scriptural testimony to the prospect of our resurrection64
Chapter 679
Witnessing Christ's Ascension
- His ascension directly from the cross80
Chapter 784
Christ's Ascension 40 Days After Easter
- A time warp between the 5th and 6th Articles?84
- What does Scripture teach?84
- Does Matthew describe the ascension?85
- Does Mark describe the ascension?88
- The ascension according to Luke90
- Does John testify to the ascension?92
- Articles 5 and 6 rely on Scripture94
- Christ simultaneously in heaven and on earth96
Section C — Christ Shall Return
Chapter 899
The Bible Attests: Jesus Christ Will Return
- His return a golden thread throughout the NT99
Chapter 9104
Where the Deceased Reside Until Christ Returns
- A criminal goes direct to heaven post mortem104
- Do we also?105
Chapter 10112
Where Does Christ Return To From Heaven?
Chapter 11116
Who Are the Welcoming Multitude?
- Only the dead?116
- Peoples of earth and his chosen people119
- Heavenly bodies that never die120
- The joyous multitude on the right, goats to the left121
Section D — Events During His Return
Chapter 12125
The Purpose and Events of Christ's Parousia
- Christ comes to judge125
Chapter 13130
Judgment in Scripture and Confession
Chapter 14138
An Umbrella Interpretation of the Final Judgment
- The awe-inspiring judgments of God140
Chapter 15144
Keys to Understanding the Judgment Day
- The final judgment — the Judgment Day of God144
- A few applications149
- Conclusion153
Chapter 16157
Judgment According to Paul's Letters
Chapter 17163
The Judgment According to Matthew
Chapter 18173
The Final Judgment According to Revelation
Chapter 19178
The Faithful Before the Judgment Throne of God
- Point of departure: opening the fifth seal182
- Expecting Christ's return without fear184
- To wrap up this part of our study185
Chapter 20187
God's Building; Our Work Tested by Fire and Rewarded
- Introduction187
- God's secret truths187
- Jesus Christ: the foundation laid by Paul190
- God's building and our building work — the metaphor192
- God's characteristic judgments193
- Perspective: condemnation of sin and judging our building work195
- God's test by fire195
- God's test of fire and our reward197
- The building materials198
- Building work that withstands the test by fire200
- Building work which is burnt up202
- Conclusion205
Section E — Christ's Return Heralds a Day of Joy
Chapter 21208
The Son of Man Comes as King
- The Day of Joy about which the Creed is silent212
- Expect a Day of Joy during life already218
Chapter 22221
The Legacy We Receive from Christ
- A new heaven and earth; a new Jerusalem222
- The reward Christ brings with him for his children226
- The Lord's dwelling-place228
Chapter 23231
The Day of Joy and a Life in Gratitude
- A pleasant and comforting judgment?233
- The mental gymnastic236
- Observing judgment from the far right of the throne237
- A vexed question: a verdict of 'not guilty'?238
Chapter 24240
Thoughts About Life Hereafter
- Bridge to the future240
- Do the deceased simply hibernate in heaven?241
- The day of joy a challenge for the faithful242
Section F — Three Appendices
Chapter 25247
Article 37 of the Belgic Confession — The Last Judgment
- Clarity in expressing Art 37's confession216
Chapter 26251
The Apostles' Creed and the Seventh Confession
- Scriptural bases expressly stated251
Chapter 27256
Christian Joy Suitably Confessed Elsewhere?
- The Heidelberg Catechism (HC)256