The second coming of Christ is a subject that ought to thrill your soul! Have you played out in your mind what that day is going to look like and what is going to happen? There is much about that day which we do not know, but there is also much that we do know. Over these next several articles, let us consider what the Bible teaches us about this great day.
The second coming of Christ is the part of the Bible for which we wait fulfillment. The Old Testament taught, “Someone is coming,” and He did. The gospel accounts taught, “Someone is here,” and He was. The rest of the New Testament teaches, “Someone is coming again,” and it is for that day that we eagerly wait.
The second coming of Christ is a certainty. Jesus Himself promised that He would return in the hope-filled passage of John 14:1-3. The angels announced His return from heaven during His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The inspired penmen of the New Testament focused on it frequently, with the plain promise, “He will appear a second time” (Heb. 9:28). The second coming of Christ will be the culmination of God’s eternal and glorious plan to save mankind.
The second coming of Christ will take place at a time that is not known to man. Sometimes man is dissatisfied if there is information that is withheld from him, and so some have tried to find information that has not been provided. The simple truth of the matter is that Jesus taught “no one knows” the “day and hour” of His return “but My Father only” (Matt. 24:36). During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself did not know (Mark 13:32); therefore, He taught His disciples, “you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42), for the timing will be one “you do not expect” (24:44), like that of a “thief” (24:43; cf. 1 Thess. 5:2).
The second coming of Christ will take place in such a manner that “every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7), when He is “revealed from heaven” (2 Thess. 1:7). “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him” (Matt. 25:31), “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thess. 4:16). What a sight that will be! What a sound that will be! John said that “we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Oh, what a thought!
The second coming of Christ will be overwhelmingly spectacular! Are you ready for that day? Do you “eagerly wait for Him” (Heb. 9:28)? That will be the day “when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Cor. 15:24). Are you in His kingdom? Are you sure? It will be a glorious day! Will it be a glorious day for you?