The Return of the King: Why History Ends With Hope

summitsocal
Nov 3
3 min read

Human history is moving toward a decisive conclusion and Scripture is not vague about where it’s headed. Let's explore why Jesus is the “last man standing,” how God’s story resolves the tension we feel in our world, and what the Bible says about the return of Christ and the millennial kingdom.

Father, open our hearts to Your living Word. Give clarity and passion to Your servant, and by Your Spirit help us not only to hear the truth but to put it into practice—building our lives on the rock of Jesus. Amen.

Every Great Story Has Tension... and a Resolution

We love stories because good stories carry tension, memorable characters, villains, heroes, and a satisfying resolution. Think of Remember the Titans; conflict, growth, and a hopeful finish. God’s redemptive story carries the same elements on an eternal scale.

“History is moving in the direction of Jesus; the King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Jesus is the last man standing. The King of kings and Lords of lords.

God's Grand Story in Four Movements

Creation. God forms the world and creates humanity in His image (Gen. 1:27).

Fall. The serpent’s lie introduces sin and death; tension enters the story (Gen. 3).

Redemption. God promises a Deliverer; Jesus comes, dies, and rises to rescue all who trust Him (Gen. 3:15; John 1:1–14).

Consummation. The story resolves when Jesus returns in glory to judge evil and renew creation (Rev. 19–22).

Because Christ's tomb is empty, God's promises to finish the story are not.

Why Human Utopias Can't Save Us

A real enemy still prowls. “Your adversary the devil prowls like a roaring lion” (1 Pet. 5:8).
Jesus is widely unwelcome. Many want His benefits without surrendering to His Lordship.
Unrighteous rulers rule. Human power apart from God bends toward self-interest.

As long as these remain, we will not engineer paradise. But Jesus will.

The evil we see is not as mighty or lasting as we think. Jesus is in charge.

Armageddon & the End of Evil

Revelation 19 describes the final rebellion under Antichrist and the false prophet, both swiftly crushed by Christ. Evil’s reign is temporary; Jesus’ reign is eternal. Satan’s authority is on a leash even now and will be decisively ended.

The Millennium: A thousand Years of Peace and Renewal

Immediately following Christ’s return, Scripture describes a thousand-year reign (Rev. 20):

Satan Bound. Michael binds him in the abyss; no more deceiving the nations.
Jesus Enthroned. The righteous King rules from David’s throne.
Saints Reign With Him. Believers share in authority and judgment (Rev. 20:4; cf. Matt. 19:28).
Creation Renewed. Prophets picture deep shalom: wolves with lambs, weapons remade into tools, long life as normal (Isa. 11; 65:20; Mic. 4:3).

God will have His garden again.

God Keeps Every Promise

Every promise about Jesus’ first coming was kept; birth, life, cross, resurrection, ascension, the outpouring of the Spirit. That empty tomb guarantees the rest: His return, the restoration of all things, and a world finally made right.

What Jesus Will Fix:

Satan’s prowl → Satan bound
Jesus unwelcome → Jesus enthroned
Unrighteous rulers → Righteous rule with Christ

Are You on the Right Side of History?

History ends with every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:10–11). The question is personal: Have you trusted Him? Have you declared your loyalty in obedience and baptism?

Next faithful step: If you’re ready to follow Jesus, repent, be baptized, and walk with Him, we’re here to help you begin.

Reflection and Life Application

Where do you most feel the “tension” of this broken world right now? Bring that to Jesus in prayer.
Which promise about Christ’s return strengthens your hope this week?
What would it look like to live today as a citizen of the coming kingdom?
If you’ve not yet been baptized, what’s holding you back?

Ready to take your faith to the next step?

Watch the full message on Youtube
Join us this Sunday at 10:30AM at Summit Christian Church
Ready to talk about baptism or next steps with Jesus? We’d love to meet with you. Let us know.