rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 16–17, NIV; see also Titus 2:13). This is the first resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52–57; 2 Corinthians 5:4; 1 John 3:2).
3. Next comes the judgment seat of Christ for believers (2 Corinthians 5:10). Believers will be judged for their faithfulness in life and service (1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 4:1–5). But they will not be judged for their sins. That was taken care of at Calvary (2 Corinthians 5:21).
4. The Great Tribulation period comes next (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21, 29; Revelation 7:14); and the "man of sin" (Antichrist) will be manifested (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 8; Revelation 13:1–10).
5. Christ returns (second stage) as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11–16). The decisive Battle of Armageddon takes place (Joel 3:12; Revelation 16:16; 19:17–21).
6. The Millennium (Christ's thousand-year reign) will follow (Revelation 20:4–6).
7. A second resurrection will bring together all who have rejected Christ throughout the ages. They will be judged "according to their works, by the things which [are] written in the books" (Revelation 20:12), at the Great White Throne judgment, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life [will be] cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
8. Finally, those who have been redeemed through faith in Christ will begin their everlasting life in the "new heaven and new earth" (Revelation 21–22).
Helping Strategy For One Fearful of Future Events:
The only way to be confident and secure about the future is to commit our life to Him who holds the future: "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19). Explain "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.
For the Christian Uncertain About Christ's Coming:
1. Reassure the believer that we can be enlightened and certain about both the present and the future. Paul said, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men,