The Second Coming of Jesus: Doctrine 406

The Second Coming is a term that Christians use to refer to Jesus’ return at the end of the age. Many books have been written about this subject over the years. And they present a variety of differing, and sometimes conflicting, views on what will happen around this time. This article will not attempt to describe these different positions. Nor will it argue in favor of a specific position. Instead, it will attempt to highlight what the Scripture clearly affirms for us as most important.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Jesus Is Returning

In John 13:33-36, Jesus told his twelve disciples he was going away. But they would be unable to follow him initially. Then, in John 14:1-3, Jesus promised his disciples that he would return for them and take them to be with him in the place he was preparing for them.

We do not know much about that place he is preparing for us, when he will return, or the nature of his return. But we can rest assured that it will happen in the Father’s own time. Jesus’ return for us is the great hope we have as believers. This life is not all that there is. He is preparing something for us that is much better than anything we can experience in this life. And, because we have that assurance, we can spend the few years of this life serving him, knowing that our efforts will not be in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). This life is temporary, but what is to come is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18).

This is the single most important truth concerning the second coming. It will happen. Jesus will be coming back for us someday. Coming “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Heb. 9:28).

The When of His Return Is Unknown

It is popular among some believers today, as it has been throughout history, to try and read the signs of the time, looking for hints about when the Lord might return. And many have claimed to have discovered when he would return, even proclaiming a specific date. But without exception, they have been wrong. The date and time of Jesus’ return remain a mystery to us.

Jesus made clear that the time of his return was not something we would know. In Matthew 24:36, he told his disciples that only the Father knew when that would be. It was something hidden from the angels and even the Son, at least in his human nature. And after his resurrection, he again told his disciples that the date and time of his return were not for them to know (Acts 1:7).

Both Jesus (Matt. 24:42-44) and Paul (1 Thess. 5:1-3) expressed that the Lord would return like a thief in the night. Jesus will return at a time when the world least expects him to. As Paul said, when the world is saying peace and safety, then destruction will come on them at the Lord’s return. It should be clear that identifying the timing of Jesus’ return is a futile effort doomed to failure.

Be Ready

But even though we cannot know when Jesus will return, we should live as if it could be at any moment. Because it could be, and we should be ready when it does. In Matthew 24:36-51, Jesus taught his disciples, and us, what we need to know about the timing of his return. The most significant thing he tells us there is that we will not know when he will return until he does. But when he does return, we need to be ready. If we are not, then we will suffer the consequences.

Live each day and moment as if it were your last. We do not know when Christ will return or when our last breath will occur. And that is to our advantage. If we knew, it would be tempting to wait until the last moment to prepare to meet him. Not knowing should inspire us to always be ready.

He Is Returning for His People

What is most important about the second coming, at least for believers, is that he is returning to take us to be with him. All of the details around that are secondary. In the end, all that really matters is that we will be rescued from the destruction awaiting the rest of the world, and we will be in his presence for the rest of eternity.

In Matthew 24:3, Jesus’ disciples asked him about his return. He told them about some of what would precede his return. And then, in Matthew 24:30-31, he told them that all the earth would see him returning on the clouds and sending out his angels to gather his elect together. Paul says much the same in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, referring to the Lord’s return for all believers whether they have died or are currently living.

The book of Revelation was written primarily as an encouragement to churches that were under pressure to adapt to the surrounding culture. Revelation gives them, and us, a glimpse into the spiritual conflict that we are engaged in. And it makes clear that, if we remain faithful, we will be victorious in the end. Jesus will return. And the faithful will be invited to the wedding of the Lamb and have a part in the New Jerusalem.

We Will Be Transformed

For many years I was under the impression that at Jesus’ return for us, we could become spiritual beings, similar to angels. But Paul’s discourse on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 would seem to argue against that concept. in verse 35 of that chapter, Paul puts forth a hypothetical question: “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” Then, in the rest of the chapter, he provides an answer to that question.

He tells us that “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44). The body that I have now is perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural. The body I will have then is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. I will still have a body. But one that is dramatically improved over what I have now.

His Return Will Be a Time of Judgement

Another aspect of Jesus’ return concerns those who have rejected his offer of salvation and chosen to live apart from him. While Jesus’ coming brings salvation to those who have believed, it brings judgment to those who have not.

Matthew 24:30-31 describes the gathering of believers that will occur at Jesus’ return. In contrast, Matthew 13:41-42 describes another gathering of people. Here, the angels will be gathering those who do not belong to Jesus and throwing them into a blazing furnace. And there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth when that occurs.

The punishment of unbelievers is described in a variety of ways within the Scripture. However, there is no question concerning its reality and its permanence. Those who have rejected Jesus and his lordship will face eternal destruction and separation from the presence of God (2 Thess. 1:9). And this will happen when Jesus returns (Matt. 24:31-46).

Secondary Issues

What is important for us to believe is that Jesus is returning for us at some unknown time in the future. And, when he does, we will be transformed and will be with him forever. But there are other hints that Scripture gives us that are not so clear. And it is these that have generated the most discussion and controversy over history.

Will there be a physical millennial reign on earth? And if so, does Jesus return before or after that time? Pre-millenial, post-millenial, or amillenial?

Will there be a great tribulation that takes place around Jesus’ return? And if so, does it happen before, after, or centered around his return? And will believers experience that time? Pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation?

Who, or what, is represented by Babylon and the multi-headed beast in Revelation?

All of these questions, and many more, are popular today. But, in the end, the answers to them are relatively unimportant. In the long run, all of these interesting details do not matter. What does matter is that Jesus is coming back for us.

Questions to Consider

• What is the most important thing to know about the Lord’s return?
• Are you ready for that return?
• How should we respond to those who have different opinions on the secondary issues surrounding Jesus’ return?

Disclaimer

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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