Topical Encyclopedia
The return of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Second Coming, is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. Scripture provides numerous descriptions and assurances that this event will be unmistakable, visible, and glorious, leaving no doubt about its occurrence.
Biblical Descriptions1.
Visible to All: The Bible emphasizes that Christ's return will be a visible event witnessed by all humanity.
Revelation 1:7 declares, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen." This passage underscores the universal visibility of His return, ensuring that no one will miss this divine event.
2.
Accompanied by Heavenly Signs: The return of Christ will be accompanied by significant cosmic disturbances.
Matthew 24:29-30 states, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." These signs serve as a prelude to His coming, marking it as a momentous event in the history of the world.
3.
Accompanied by Angels and Trumpet Call: The presence of angels and the sound of a trumpet will herald Christ's return.
Matthew 24:31 notes, "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." This gathering of the elect by angels further emphasizes the grandeur and unmistakable nature of His return.
4.
Sudden and Unexpected: While the event will be unmistakable, its timing will be unexpected. Jesus warned in
Matthew 24:42-44 , "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." This element of surprise calls for constant vigilance and readiness among believers.
5.
A Glorious Event: The return of Christ will be a display of divine glory and majesty. In
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 , Paul writes, "And to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire. He will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed." This passage highlights the dual nature of His return as both a moment of judgment and a time of glorification for believers.
Theological ImplicationsThe unmistakable nature of Christ's return carries significant theological implications for believers. It serves as a source of hope and encouragement, affirming the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death. The certainty of His return calls Christians to live in a state of readiness, holiness, and anticipation, knowing that their redemption is drawing near. The event will mark the culmination of God's redemptive plan, ushering in the fulfillment of His promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.