The return of Jesus Christ is one of the most important and anticipated events in Christian theology. It is often referred to as the “Second Coming” or “Parousia,” a Greek word meaning “arrival” or “presence.” For Christians, the return of Jesus is a central hope that promises ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil. The Bible offers numerous passages that describe how and when Jesus will return, and while there are varying interpretations of these events, there are clear truths that all Christians share regarding His return.
This article will explore the manner in which Jesus will return, according to the Scriptures. We will look at biblical prophecies, teachings from Jesus Himself, and the messages of the apostles to understand what Christians believe about His return and what it means for the world.
Jesus Will Return in Glory
The first and most significant aspect of Jesus’ return is that He will return in glory. This is a key theme throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 24:30, Jesus says, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
This passage indicates that Jesus will return visibly and powerfully. His return will not be a secret event or a spiritual experience. Instead, all people will see Him coming in the sky. His glory will be unmistakable. This is consistent with the description of His return in Revelation 1:7: “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him.”
When Jesus returns, it will not be in a quiet, hidden manner. He will come with overwhelming power, as a conquering king, and every eye will behold His glory. This return will be a dramatic and awe-inspiring event.
Jesus Will Return as Judge
Another important aspect of Jesus’ return is that He will come as a judge. While His first coming was as a humble servant, born in a manger, His second coming will be in a position of authority and judgment. In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus explains that when He returns, He will sit on His throne and separate the people like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep, representing the righteous, will be welcomed into His kingdom, while the goats, representing the unrighteous, will be cast into eternal punishment.
Jesus Himself will be the judge of all people. Those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior will be rewarded with eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face the consequences of their decision. This judgment will be final and based on each person’s faith in Jesus and their actions during their life on earth.
In 2 Timothy 4:1, Paul writes, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge.” This reinforces the idea that Jesus will return as the ultimate judge of all humanity.
Jesus Will Return with Angels
The Bible also teaches that when Jesus returns, He will be accompanied by angels. In Matthew 25:31, Jesus says, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.” Angels will play a significant role in the return of Jesus, assisting Him in the final judgment.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Paul describes Jesus’ return with these words: “For 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, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” The presence of angels at Jesus’ return will emphasize the grandeur and holiness of this event. Angels are powerful, divine messengers, and their involvement in Christ’s return signals the importance of this event in God’s plan for the world.
Jesus Will Return to Earth
Another clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus will physically return to earth. This is not a metaphorical or symbolic return, but a real, tangible event. Acts 1:10-11 recounts the ascension of Jesus into heaven after His resurrection. As the disciples were watching, two angels appeared and said to them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.”
This passage makes it clear that just as Jesus physically ascended into heaven, He will return to earth in a similar manner. He will come back in bodily form, and His return will be visible to all.
This physical return to earth will bring about the final fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth, and He will rule with justice and righteousness. In Revelation 21:1-4, John describes the new heaven and new earth that will be created after Jesus’ return. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away.
The Timing of Jesus’ Return
The Bible teaches that while Jesus’ return is certain, the exact timing is unknown. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This verse highlights the uncertainty of the timing of His return. No one can predict when it will happen, and anyone who claims to know is simply speculating.
Despite the uncertainty of the exact time, the Bible encourages believers to always be ready for Jesus’ return. In Matthew 25:13, Jesus tells His followers, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This is a call to live faithfully, to watch for the signs of His return, and to be prepared at all times.
Jesus Will Return to Fulfill His Promises
One of the most comforting aspects of Jesus’ return is that it will fulfill the promises He made to His followers. In John 14:3, Jesus tells His disciples, “And 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.” His return will bring believers into eternal fellowship with Him in heaven. It will also mark the end of sin and suffering and the beginning of a new creation.
The Second Coming of Jesus will be the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for the world. It will be the moment when all things are made new, when evil is vanquished, and when believers are finally united with their Savior in glory.
What Should Christians Do in Light of Jesus’ Return?
While the exact timing of Jesus’ return is unknown, Christians are called to live in anticipation of that day. The Bible encourages believers to be faithful and watchful, living in a way that honors Christ. In 2 Peter 3:11-12, Peter writes, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
Christians are called to live with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. This should inspire holiness, diligence in spreading the gospel, and a life devoted to loving God and others. The knowledge of Christ’s return should not make believers passive or fearful, but rather motivate them to live in a way that honors God and prepares them for that glorious day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that Jesus will return in glory, as a judge, with angels, and physically to earth. His return will be a dramatic and visible event that brings an end to sin, suffering, and death, and ushers in God’s eternal kingdom. While the exact timing of His return is unknown, Christians are called to live in readiness, faithfully serving God and eagerly awaiting His coming. The return of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, and it is the hope that sustains believers through life’s trials and challenges. As we look forward to His return, we are reminded to live with urgency, holiness, and love, knowing that Jesus will one day make all things new.
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