Grace in Focus

Episode: What Will Happen at the Second Coming of Christ?
Date: December 25, 2025
Hosts: Bob Wilkin, Philippe Sterling

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling delve into the specifics of the Second Coming of Christ, clarifying its sequence in end-times events and differentiating it from the Rapture. The conversation centers on the timeline of the tribulation, key biblical prophecies, what happens to Jews and Gentiles during these events, and how the promises to Israel are fulfilled. Throughout, the hosts use Scripture and free grace theology perspectives to provide a comprehensive, accessible overview of eschatological doctrine relating to Christ’s return.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Distinction between the Rapture and the Second Coming

• Two Phases Identified:
  • The Rapture: Christ comes for the church (removal of believers, pre-tribulation).
  • The Second Coming: Christ returns with the church to earth, post-tribulation, to judge the gathered enemies (Valley of Jehoshaphat/decision).
• Clarifying Terms: Although sometimes collectively called the "Second Coming," typically the term refers to Christ setting foot on the Mount of Olives. (01:15–02:15)

Quote:

“The Second Coming, in terms of actually setting foot on earth, occurs after the tribulation. But the Second Coming, in terms of him coming for believers, precedes the tribulation.” – Philippe Sterling (01:48)

2. The Timeline: From Rapture to Tribulation to Second Coming

• Timeline Outline:
  • Rapture: Church is caught up.
  • Possible gap (unknown length) before Daniel’s 70th week (the seven-year tribulation) starts.
  • Signing of the covenant (Daniel 9:27) marks the tribulation’s beginning (Jacob’s Trouble).
  • Tribulation: Two segments – three and a half years each (time, times, and half a time), totaling 1,260 days per period on the 360-day prophetic calendar.
  • The midpoint (Abomination of Desolation) initiates the “Great Tribulation.” (02:50–04:15)

Quote:

“Those seven years will be broken into two, three and a half year periods. ... 1260 days is actually three and a half years of 360 days. Because they won’t be on the 365 day calendar.” – Philippe Sterling (03:20)

3. Scale of Judgment and Tribulation

• Severity Stated:
  • Over a third of the world's population will die in the tribulation; another third or more in the Great Tribulation.
  • Without Christ’s intervention, none would survive (as per Matthew 24:22).
  • The “elect” here refers to Israel—their survival is necessary for millennial fulfillment. (04:15–05:10)

Quote:

“Except for his intervention at the second coming, then everyone will have perished.” – Bob Wilkin (04:32)

4. Israel’s Role and Fulfillment of Covenant Promises

• Covenant Realization:
  • At the Second Coming, Israel will finally possess the full land promised (Euphrates to Mediterranean).
  • Christ (the Davidic King) will rule, with allocation among the tribes as prophesied in Ezekiel.
  • Gentile opposition and persecution of Israel will be judged decisively. (05:10–08:11)

Quote:

“Israel has never had all of the land that God promised ... from the Euphrates river to the Mediterranean Sea, that entire area will be given to Israel and apportioned among the tribes.” – Bob Wilkin (08:11)

5. The Second Coming in Detail (Revelation 19)

• Biblical Imagery:
  • Christ arrives on a white horse, with celestial armies, wielding the sword of His word.
  • Full judgment on the armies assembled against Israel; likened to a new Exodus/Red Sea scenario where the enemy is destroyed.
  • Zechariah 14, Revelation 19, and Romans 11:26 are cited as prophetic fulfillments. (05:36–07:43; 08:43–09:44)

Quote:

“He comes with all of his saints, he’s riding a white horse ... symbolizing the powerful word by which he will deal with his enemies that are all gathered there.” – Bob Wilkin (05:36)

6. The Fate of Jews and Gentiles After the Tribulation

• Judgments and Survivors:
  • All unbelieving Jewish adults will perish during the tribulation; only believing Jews enter the Millennium (Matthew 24–25).
  • Among Gentiles:
    • Soldiers arrayed against Israel are all killed.
    • Non-combatant Gentiles judged—sheep (believers) and goats (unbelievers)—at the Sheep and Goats Judgment (Matthew 25:31–46).
    • Believing Gentiles enter the Millennium; unbelievers are excluded.
  • Children (below age of accountability) of both Jews and Gentiles survive and populate the Millennium.
  • The glorified church, raptured beforehand, returns with Christ and does not procreate. (09:41–11:54)

Quotes:

“There won’t be any unbelieving Jews that survive the Tribulation, because... the unfaithful believers, both Jewish and Gentile, will die during the Tribulation.” – Philippe Sterling (10:11)
“The church as a whole is taken up at the Rapture ... So all glorified, all of the Lord and returning with the Lord and a fixed number.” – Bob Wilkin (11:41)

7. Cosmic Armies at the Second Coming

• Heavenly Hosts:
  • Christ is accompanied not only by believers from all ages but also by an innumerable angelic army—imagery drawn from Jude (re: Enoch’s prophecy).
• Prophetic Reference:
  • Enoch, as cited in Jude, first prophesied about the Second Coming “with myriads and myriads of his saints.” (12:13–12:35)

Quote:

“Who’s the first prophet who talked about the second coming of Christ with myriads and myriads of his saints? ... Enoch. And that’s Jude around verse 11 or 12.” – Philippe Sterling (12:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Israel’s Restoration:

  “That nation who will be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth who are in the millennial.” – Bob Wilkin (05:10)

• On the Purpose of Judgment:

  “The cursing of those who curse you is certainly seen in the second Coming.” – Philippe Sterling (05:32)

• On Children in the Millennium:

  “There will be unbelieving Jews and unbelieving Gentiles who go into the millennium, but those are called children.” – Philippe Sterling (11:05)

Key Timestamps

• Distinguishing Rapture & Second Coming: 01:15–02:15
• Tribulation Timeline & Biblical References: 02:50–04:15
• Impact of Tribulation on Humanity: 04:15–05:10
• Israel’s Land Promises: 08:11–08:43
• Judgment of Armies, Sheep & Goats: 09:44–10:55
• Nature of Survivors in the Millennium: 10:55–11:54
• Heavenly Armies & Prophecy of Enoch: 12:13–12:35

Conclusion

Wilkin and Sterling’s discussion offers a systematic, scripture-driven narrative of the Second Coming. They clarify the sequence of events, the distinct meanings of key eschatological terms, the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, and the ultimate destiny of Jews, Gentiles, and the church within a Free Grace theological framework. Whether familiar with end-times topics or new to these debates, listeners will find the episode rich in biblical explanation and practical clarity.