The Second Coming of Jesus Christ refers to the future return of Jesus to earth to fulfill the prophecies about the end times. The Bible teaches that towards the end of time, Jesus will bodily and visibly come back to establish God’s eternal kingdom on earth. While Christ’s First Coming was marked by humility, suffering, and sacrifice, the Second Coming will be completely different – filled with power, glory, and judgement.
Prophecies About the Second Coming
There are many prophecies in the Bible about the Second Coming of Christ. Here are some of the key ones:
- Jesus himself promised, “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 14:3).
- The angels declared after Jesus ascended to heaven, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
- The Apostle Paul wrote that “the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- The book of Revelation depicts Christ returning on a white horse, followed by the armies of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16).
- The Second Coming is also called “the day of the Lord” – a day of darkness and judgement for unbelievers but of deliverance and vindication for believers (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10).
These and other verses tell us Jesus will return to earth personally, physically, and gloriously to consummate God’s kingdom and plans. The early Church considered Christ’s return as a central tenant of the Christian faith.
The Purpose of the Second Coming
So why is Jesus coming back? The Bible gives several reasons:
- To defeat evil – When Jesus returns, He will completely destroy all evil forces and powers that oppose God, including Satan, demons, the Antichrist, and unrepentant sinners (Revelation 19:19-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:8).
- To judge the world – Jesus will return as Judge to administer perfect justice and determine everyone’s eternal destiny based on their response to Him (Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 17:31, Romans 2:16).
- To resurrect and reward believers – Those who trusted in Christ will be raised from the dead and rewarded for their faith and service (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Luke 14:14).
- To restore creation – God will renew the earth and sky to be free from curse, corruption, and decay – restoring the world to a perfect state (Acts 3:21, Romans 8:19-21).
- To establish His Kingdom – Jesus will set up a literal, physical kingdom on earth and will reign forever from Jerusalem in righteousness, justice, and peace (Isaiah 9:7, Daniel 7:14, Revelation 20:4-6).
In short, Christ is coming back to make all things right and fulfill God’s eternal plans. The Second Coming brings human history to a close and ushers in a new glorious age for believers.
The Timing of the Second Coming
The big question many have is when will this occur? Unfortunately, no one knows the exact timing. Jesus Himself said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).
However, Scripture does give us some significant signs and clues as to when the Second Coming may be close:
- Global gospel proclamation – Before Christ returns, the gospel must be preached to all nations as a witness (Matthew 24:14). Current missionary efforts have reached most countries, but there are still groups yet to hear the gospel.
- Israel’s restoration – Many passages indicate Israel will be regathered in their land before Jesus returns (Ezekiel 34:13, 36:24). The modern nation of Israel was established in 1948, seeming to set the stage for fulfillment.
- Increasing wickedness – Society will become increasingly lawless, evil, and immoral – similar to the days of Noah (Matthew 24:12, 37-39). Some argue these signs are being fulfilled today.
- Temple rebuilding – The Antichrist will one day desecrate the Jewish temple before Christ returns (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Currently, the Temple Mount is controlled by Muslims, but some anticipate preparations to rebuild it.
- Birth pains – Jesus described certain global signs as “birth pains” signaling the coming Tribulation period preceding his return (Matthew 24:8). Some point to recent earthquakes, famines, wars, and disasters as these signs.
While we cannot know exactly when Jesus will come back, these signs remind us it could be soon. We must be alert, ready, and eagerly waiting for our Lord’s return.
The Events of the Second Coming
What exactly will happen when Jesus Christ comes back? The Bible details a series of important events associated with the Second Coming:
The Rapture of the Church
This refers to the event where Christ will return partway to earth to resurrect dead believers and catch up living believers to meet him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The rapture marks the completion of the Church age and removal of the Church prior to God’s judgment being poured out during the Tribulation.
The Tribulation
After the Rapture, the Antichrist will arise to make a peace treaty with Israel, launching the 7-year Tribulation (Daniel 9:27). This will be an awful time of warfare, natural disasters, divine judgments, persecution, and terrible evil wrought by the Antichrist. But many will turn to Christ during this time (Revelation 7:14).
The Battle of Armageddon
At the end of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will assemble unbelieving armies around Israel in an attempt to stop the Second Coming and destroy the Jews (Revelation 16:16, 19:19). But Christ will descends from heaven, defeat his enemies, and deliver the Jewish remnant (Revelation 19:11-21).
The Millennial Kingdom
With Satan bound and the Antichrist defeated, Christ will set up his thousand-year reign on earth from Jerusalem, fulfilling numerous biblical prophecies (Revelation 20:1-6). Israel will be restored and Christians will rule under Jesus’ authority.
The Final Rebellion and Judgment
After the Millennium, Satan will be briefly released and will raise a final rebellion against Jesus, which Christ will quickly judge (Revelation 20:7-10). Next comes the final resurrection of the dead and the Great White Throne judgment where Christ judges the unbelieving dead (Revelation 20:11-15).
The New Heavens and Earth
Finally, the Bible depicts God creating a “New Heavens and New Earth” – an entirely renewed and perfect cosmos where no sin, suffering, or death exists. Christ will reign here eternally with His people (Revelation 21-22).
Clearly the events surrounding the Second Coming are complex and multifaceted. Much mystery remains, although we trust the Lord has revealed what we need to know in Scripture.
How Should We Live in Light of Christ’s Return?
Since Jesus may return at any moment, how should we live? The Bible gives several principles:
- Wait eagerly – We should live with an attitude of hope, watchfulness, and eager anticipation for Christ, not becoming caught up solely in the things of this world (Titus 2:13, Philippians 3:20).
- Seek holiness – We must diligently fight sin, confessing and repenting of anything displeasing to God, so that we’ll be blameless when Jesus returns (1 John 3:2-3, 2 Peter 3:14).
- Spread the gospel – Knowing Christ’s return is imminent, we gain urgency to boldly preach the gospel wherever we can so more come to salvation (2 Timothy 4:2, 2 Corinthians 5:20).
- Serve faithfully – Expecting Christ anytime should motivate us to use our spiritual gifts and natural talents fully in God’s service, making the most of our days (Matthew 25:21, 1 Corinthians 15:58).
- Watch for deception – We must be on guard against deceptions, false prophets, and anything that contradicts God’s Word, no matter how convincing (Matthew 24:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
Above all, we should make knowing, loving, and living for Jesus our supreme passion and priority. If we are ready for Christ’s return, we have nothing to fear and everything to hope for! What a day that will be when our Savior appears!
Other Important Questions
The Second Coming is an immense topic. Here are brief answers to some other common questions:
Will Jesus’ return be visible to everyone or secret?
The Bible says unequivocally that Christ will return bodily, visibly, and publicly, seen by all peoples and nations, like lightning spreading from east to west (Matthew 24:27, Revelation 1:7). There will be nothing secret about the Second Coming.
Where will Jesus return to – earth or heaven?
Jesus will return to earth, specifically the Mount of Olives from which He ascended (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11-12). He will descend with the clouds of heaven but come all the way to earth.
Will there be any signs before the Rapture?
The Rapture is imminent, meaning no signs have to precede it (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). It will be instantaneous and without warning, so we must be continually ready. However, signs will precede Christ’s second stage return to establish His kingdom.
What is the chief characteristic of the millennial kingdom?
Righteousness and justice. Christ will rule in perfect righteousness with a rod of iron (Isaiah 9:7, Revelation 19:15). Believers will rule under Him to enforce His just and equitable laws across the earth. The result will be unprecedented world peace.
Should we fear missing the Rapture or Christ’s return?
If we are genuine believers, we should not fear being lost or missing the Rapture – Christ promises He will raise us up on the last day (John 6:39-40). However, we should strive to be faithful till He comes so we don’t experience shame at His return (1 John 2:28).
How certain or unsure is Christ’s return?
100% certain! Jesus is adamant He will come back just as promised (Matthew 24:27, Revelation 22:12). The united testimony of Scripture guarantees Christ’s Second Coming just as it points to His First. Our hope and assurance is built solidly on God’s Word.
How should we respond to those claiming some special knowledge about when Christ will return?
We should reject it since no one knows the timing. Date setting goes against Christ’s clear teaching (Matthew 24:36). We must guard against being deceived by false claims or so-called prophecies that allege to know secret information about Jesus’ return.
Conclusion
Christ’s Second Coming is a monumental hope of the Christian faith. While we do not know every detail, the Bible provides the framework we need – Jesus will bodily return to defeat evil, judge the world, resurrect believers, renew creation, and establish His eternal kingdom. There has never been an event this magnificent in history!
Are you ready for that day? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord? Embrace Him today and receive the free gift of eternal life He offers. Then you can say “come, Lord Jesus!” and join the countless believers longing expectantly for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.