His Second Coming: The Christ's Return

Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. His second coming will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a central and glorious promise of the Christian faith. It is the moment when Jesus will return physically and visibly to the earth, not as a suffering servant but as a victorious King, establishing His kingdom in full. This event, while shrouded in mystery regarding its exact timing, is a profound source of hope for believers, as it signals the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The Promise of His Return

The promise of Jesus’ second coming is firmly rooted in Scripture. Before His crucifixion, Jesus Himself assured His disciples that He would return. In John 14:3, He says, “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.” This promise is further affirmed by the angels at the time of Jesus’ ascension, who declared to the disciples, “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).

Christ’s return will not be spiritual or symbolic but a literal, physical event. Just as He ascended bodily into heaven, He will return bodily to earth, and every eye will see Him. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, where he describes the return of the Lord: “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. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

This is the hope of the Church—Jesus is coming again. His second coming is the culmination of God’s promise to restore all things and establish His eternal reign.

A Day Known Only to God

While the fact of Christ’s return is certain, the timing is not. The Scriptures are clear that no one knows the exact day or hour of His coming. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus Himself said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This mystery serves a purpose. By withholding the specific timing, God calls believers to live in a constant state of readiness and expectation.

Rather than trying to predict the date of His return, Christians are urged to be watchful and prepared. Matthew 24:44 encourages, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” The uncertainty of the timing emphasizes the need for vigilance in living a life of faith and obedience, always prepared for the Lord’s arrival.

The Apostle Peter also warns against complacency in waiting for Christ’s return. In 2 Peter 3:10, he writes, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” His return will be sudden, unexpected, and undeniable, transforming the entire world.

The Establishment of His Kingdom

At His second coming, Jesus will not return in humility as He did in His first advent, but in glory and power to establish His kingdom. In Revelation 19:11-16, the Apostle John paints a vivid picture of Jesus’ triumphant return, describing Him as a rider on a white horse, whose name is “Faithful and True,” coming to judge and make war in righteousness. He is depicted as a mighty king who will subdue all His enemies and establish God’s eternal reign.

The second coming will usher in the final chapter of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth, bringing justice, peace, and righteousness. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, where he says, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

At His return, Jesus will judge the nations, rewarding the faithful and bringing justice to those who have rejected Him. For believers, this is a time of great hope and anticipation, as it signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the restoration of all things.

A Time of Restoration and Renewal

One of the most beautiful aspects of Jesus’ second coming is the restoration that it will bring. The world, which has been marred by sin, suffering, and death, will be transformed into a new creation. Revelation 21:1-4 speaks of a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for “the old order of things has passed away.” The curse that has plagued humanity since the fall will be lifted, and God’s people will dwell in perfect harmony with Him forever.

This renewal is not just a restoration of the physical world but also of the relationship between God and humanity. At His return, Jesus will bring His people into the fullness of their salvation, and they will live in the presence of God for eternity. This is the ultimate hope of every Christian: to be united with Christ, free from sin and suffering, and to experience the joy and peace of His eternal kingdom.

Living in Expectation

The reality of Christ’s second coming calls believers to live with eternal perspective. Knowing that Jesus could return at any moment should affect the way we live our daily lives. The Apostle Paul urges Christians to live in holiness and righteousness as they await His return: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).

The promise of His second coming is not just a future event to look forward to; it is a present motivation for living a life of faith, obedience, and mission. As we await His return, we are called to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus with the world and living in a way that reflects His kingdom.

Conclusion

The second coming of Jesus Christ is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises. Though the timing is unknown, the certainty of His return is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus will come again, not in humility but in glory, to establish His kingdom, judge the nations, and bring restoration to all creation.

As we wait for this glorious event, we are called to live in expectation and readiness, with our eyes fixed on the hope of His return. Until that day, we continue in faith, trusting in the One who has promised to come again and bring His kingdom in all its fullness. Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!