The return of Jesus to this Earth is the blessed hope.
- When Jesus returns every eye will see Him and witness this great event. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Matthew 24:27
In fact, the Bible compares Jesus’ return to a blast of lightening. “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:27
This tells us that His return with the angels will be a very brilliant event, so brilliant that it is compared to lightening.
- When Jesus returns every ear will hear Him. The voice of God will sound throughout the sky like roars of thunder. It will be so loud that it will wake the dead. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
- When Jesus returns, all the angels will be with Him. At His first coming, He came as a humble baby; but when He returns it will be as conquering King, and all His might army will be with Him. He is not returning alone, but will be accompanied by all the heavenly host. “When the Son of Man shall come in all His glory, and the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.” Matthew 25:31
- When Jesus returns, there will be a great earthquake like none other. This will be the greatest earthquake in human history, that will rock this Earth to its very core. “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” Revelation 16:18
In fact, the Bible says that this earthquake will be so powerful that the islands and mountains will disappear and the cities of this Earth will be devastated.
- When Jesus returns, He will have a real body. The Bible does not tell us Jesus will return as a spiritual being, but rather He will have physical body. Consider what the angel told the disciples when Jesus returned to Heaven, “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11
When Jesus left this Earth, He had a real, physical body. We know this because after He was resurrected Jesus told His disciples, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.” Luke 24:39
And remember, doubting Thomas was a skeptic who refused to believe, without direct personal experience, that the resurrected Jesus had appeared to the ten other apostles – until he could see and fell the wounds received by Jesus on the cross. John 20:24-29 King James Version (KJV)
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
There is an idea that there will be a secret rapture, but the Bible is very clear that His return will be visual, audible, global, physical, accompanied with all the angels, and there will be a worldwide devastating earthquake unlike any in history. His return will be no secret.
There are some that believe His kingdom is already here, but the Bible is clear that He comes, gathers the saved, returns to heaven with the saved to reign with Him for 1,000 years, returns to Earth making it new and we live eternally with Him. As for the wicked, they receive not this reward, but the second death is their reward.
- When Jesus returns, He will come with His reward. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
This shows us that when Jesus returns, He will have completed His judgment of every human being prior to His return. The three angels messages of Revelation tells us, “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him/ for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:7
God’s judgment is taking place right now.
- When Jesus returns, the wicked will be slain. The popular secret rapture theory says that the wicked will be left alive after the second coming of Jesus. Nothing could be further from the truth. “And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” Jeremiah 25:33
A verse often used to support a secret rapture is Luke 17:26-37 which speaks of one taken and the other left, which refers to what happened in Noah and Lot’s day. The same will happen again in the last day, those that are saved will be redeemed and those that are not will perish. Remember, those that heeded the warning were saved (Noah, Noah’s Wife, Noah’s three sons and their wives; and in Lot’s day it was Lot and his two daughters) the rest were left (destroyed). So, shall it be when Jesus returns, the righteous will be saved and the wicked will be destroyed. In fact, in verse 37 Jesus said, “Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” The birds will feast upon the body of the wicked. Revelation 19:7-8 speaks of the same. This is in harmony with the rest of scripture that speaks to the dead being destroyed (perish).
- When Jesus returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected. Those who have been faithful to God, have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and who have responded to His love by bearing good fruit (following Jesus’ example) will burst forth from the grave at the sound of His mighty voice. It will be like the next moment in time for them. What a reunion. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16
- When Jesus returns, the righteous living will meet Him in the air. The righteous living when Christ returns will witness this spectacular event. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up with Him in the clouds in the air, and so shall we forever be with the Lord. Notice, we will meet the Lord in the air, Jesus will not touch the ground at His second coming. This is a crucial point which will help us not to be deceived. The Bible speaks of false Christ’s in the last days and warns us not to go after them. “And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.” Luke 17:23
Christ’s feet will not touch this Earth again UNTIL after the millennium AND after the destruction of the unsaved, fallen angels, and the earth itself. All of this, will go up in flames. When it burns out, Christ will make a new heaven and new earth, at which time he will touch the earth bring the New Jerusalem (City of God) to be placed upon it. Jeremiah speaks of this.
- When Jesus returns, many will be unprepared. As we look at the world around us the signs of the times are be fulfilled right before our very eyes.
When you see all these things know that time is at hand (beginning of sorrows or birth pangs):
Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
Nation against Nation (Matthew 24:7) Note: Greek is ethnos, so referring to race against race.
Kingdom against Kingdom (Matthew 24:7)
Famines, pestilences, earthquakes (Matthew 24:7)
Just think of the past five years. The things are occurring in our world and the intensity and frequency is picking up. The Bible compares these signs to a pregnant woman who is about to give birth. The labor pains become more frequent and intense signaling she is soon to give birth…meaning we are soon to be delivered.
We are also we are told of the following:
Earthquakes, famine, and sickness (Luke 21:11)
Many false Bible teachings (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Pride, lack of affection (2 Timothy 3:1-3)
Increased knowledge (Daniel 12:4)
Lawlessness will increase (Matthew 24:12)
Pleasure-seeking (2 Timothy 3:4)
Fear and distress (Luke 21:25-26)
Jesus said there will be those who mock the idea of His soon coming, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4
For those who do not prepare for His return, it will come like a thief in the night. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2
His coming as a ‘thief in the night’ does not mean Jesus’ return will be a secret, but it means many will be unprepared for it. Jesus warns us to be ready at all times for His return. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44
Be assured He is coming and that He has prepared a place for us in His heavenly kingdom. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3
Sin cannot exist in the presence of a Holy God. When Jesus returns, He will destroy sin and anyone who chooses to cling to it. But we do not have to face that fate, we can live a victorious life preparing for His return. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
And finally, the Gospel will be preached to all the world (Matthew 24:14), then the end will come.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
What promise did Jesus give to His disciples concerning His return? JOHN 14:1-3
What did Jesus say He would do when He returns? MATTHEW 16:27
In what manner does the Bible teach that Jesus will come? REVELATION 1:7; ACTS 1:9-11
Will His coming be a secret and silent event? PSALMS 50:3,4
Note: His coming will not be in secret. The Bible teaches that everyone will know that this climactic event is taking place. It will be a very real, visible, and audible event!
What will the angels be doing at this time? MATTHEW 24:30, 31; 25:31
Note: When one angel rolled back the stone from Christ’s tomb, the Roman soldiers became as dead men, dazed by the angel’s countenance, which was “like lightening” (Matthew 28:2,3). Think of the splendor of “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11) of angels coming with Christ!
What will happen to those who are “in Christ” at the time of His coming? 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17
What will those who are not “in Christ” be doing at this time? Revelations 6:15-17
Note: This is one of the saddest pictures in the Bible, there will be a people who deliberately and continually reject the One who loves them and now they will finally realize that they are lost. How sad, when it could have been so different.
What will happen to our bodies when Christ returns? 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.
The coming of our Lord will not be a secret event but rather the most incredible event that the world has ever seen. For some it will be a most wonderful event and for others it will be terrifying. God wants us all to be in heaven with Him but He cannot force those that refuse Him. And He cannot bring those along that don’t want to be there. Never again can He risk the harmony of heaven again.
The Bible tells us how He will return…He will descend from heaven with all His angels and with the sound of a loud trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise and that we who are alive will meet Him in the clouds. But, when will these things happen?
How close are we to this climactic event? How did the disciples know that Christ would come back to our world a second time? JOHN 14:1-3
What question did the disciples ask concerning this? Mathew 24:3
Note: Jesus answered clearly and positively. In chapter 24 of Matthew and chapter 21 of Luck He gave several signs or evidences by which we can know when His coming is near. Other Bible prophesies help fill out the picture, detailing world conditions just before Christ’s return. As we will see, these prophecies are being fulfilled before our very eyes; they; indicate that Christ’s coming is near at hand
What will be the signs in the natural world? Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11,25
Note: The word “pestilence” includes a deadly epidemic plague. Just think of the recent worldwide pandemic, not to mention the occurrences of deadly earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunami, tornados, floods, fires, and other natural disasters have quadrupled since 1950. Jesus’ predictions are rapidly being fulfilled.
What will be the signs in the social world? 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:12, 37-39
Note: The moral decay of our world is staggering. We are in the midst of a moral crisis. New lifestyle alternatives are replacing what was once known as sin. Marriage is no longer honored. Child abuse and molestation has skyrocketed. Violence and crime are commonplace. People are killing children in our schools. Suicide is at an all-time high. Drug use is out of control. And sex is becoming the essence of entertainment in this country.
What are the signs in the economic world? James 5:1-5
Note: Greed and materialism marks the days just before an economic collapse. The love of comfort and luxury are the hallmarks of this society. In the U.S. and abroad people are focused on accumulating wealth and in collecting as many toys as they can for themselves. This is indicative of a society that is rich in attitude toward money (careers, power, status) and poor toward God.
What is the sign in the political world? Mark 13:7,8; Luke 21:9-10
Note: Before the twentieth century, war had never been waged on a truly worldwide scale. But in this century nearly every significant nation on earth joined in two great global conflicts. And though everyone values peace and talks it up, yet everyone keeps falling into armed conflicts. At any one moment there are no less than a dozen military exchanges somewhere in the world today. And fear over nuclear armament is always prevailing. Yes, Christ predicted our state years before it happened.
What are the signs in the spiritual world? 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Matthew 24:23-27; 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 16:14
Note: These passages indicate that at the end of time, there will be a union of church and state in America, laws on worship will be established with a focus on Sunday, Satan will personate Christ, and there will be a manifestation of miracle which will cause the world to follow the beast.
What are the signs in the cultural world? Daniel 12:4
Note: Daniel here indicates that knowledge of his prophecies would increase “in the time of the end.” But the language used in this prediction also seems to point straight toward our computerized information age. Knowledge of all kinds has increased at lightening speed these past few years. Before 1850, people moved around by horse and buggy pretty much as they had from the beginning of time. Now we break the sound barrier and span the globe in everything from Concorde airplanes to space shuttles. Increased travel and the recent flood of inventions suggests a fulfillment of this prophecy and gives further evidence that we are living in “the time of the end”.
What are the signs in the religious world? Matthew 24:14; Joel 2:28,29
Note: The Bible predicts that just before the return of Christ, thew Holy Spirit would direct many to knowledge of Christ. As a result, the gospel will be preached to the whole world. Technology has now made it possible for all to hear the gospel through communications systems. This prediction is still in the process of coming true.
Why is it important not to pinpoint dates/ Matthew 24:36
Of what great dangers does Christ solemnly warn? Luke 21:29-34
Note: There is great danger in becoming so busy with the cares of this life that we neglect the most important thing in life: a relationship with the God of the universe who is planning to return very soon.
How can I be certain to be ready when Jesus comes back? John 1:12; John 6:37; Revelation 3:20
Conclusion: Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus knocks and asks to come into my heart so that He can change my life. If I unreservedly turn my live over to Him, He will not only erase all my sins of the past and replace my sins with all His acts of righteousness, but He also gives me the power to live a godly life. As a free gift, He bestows upon me His own righteous character so that doing His will becomes a pleasure. He gives us the ability for ‘right doing’. It is so simple that many doubt it is reality. But it is true. My part is simply to give my life to Christ and let Him live within me. His part is to work the mighty miracle with me that changes my life and prepares me for His second coming. It is a free gift. I need only to accept it.
Christ’s Second Coming Tips:
Deception by Satan is powerful. We are to know the truth so we are not deceived.
Angry devil who seeks to take out his anger (deceive) upon humans. Rev. 12:12
Christ gives warning, because he knows what Satan will do. Matt. 24:23,26
Satan can appear as an angel of light. It important to KNOW the truth so one is not deceived. God gives us clear warning as to know be deceived. The Bible tells us that Satan will appear as an angel of light. Further study provides insight that Satan will personate Christ. 2 Cor. 11:14
Spiritualism is a deception that is strong in our world today. Our strong hold is the Word of God, we must feed on the Word of God so we understand.
We must not be moved by miracles, for we are told that miracle such as fire coming forth from the sky will occur. This is what causes the ‘whole world to wonder after the beast’…except for those who are grounded in Bible truth for they will see the deception for what it is.
Satan can impersonate, so we must know the truth.