The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of our faith. One primary scripture that speaks to this is Matthew 24:30-31: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” This passage outlines the triumphant return of our Lord and Savior. Let’s delve into the implications of this powerful event and what it means for us as believers.
Read Our ‘Essentials’ Article: The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
The Promise of His Return
Jesus promised His return. In John 14:3, He said, “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.” This promise assures us that Jesus will come back to gather His followers. It’s a promise we can hold onto, knowing that our Lord is faithful and true.
The Timing of His Coming
The exact timing of Jesus’ return is unknown, but we are given signs to watch for. Matthew 24:36 reminds us, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” We must remain vigilant and prepared, understanding that His return will be sudden and unexpected.
The Tribulation
Before Jesus returns, we will face a period of great tribulation. Matthew 24:21 says, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” This tribulation will test our faith and endurance. We are called to stand firm, knowing that God will sustain us.
The Pre-Wrath Rapture
As premillennialists holding a post-tribulation, pre-wrath rapture view, we believe that the rapture will occur after the tribulation but before God’s wrath is poured out. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” We will endure the tribulation but be spared from God’s wrath. This means we must prepare for the great tribulation ahead that may be within our own lifetimes.
The Gathering of the Elect
When Jesus returns, He will gather His elect. Matthew 24:31 details this gathering: “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” This gathering signifies the reunion of all believers, those who have endured and remained faithful.
The Defeat of Evil
The Second Coming marks the defeat of evil. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus as a warrior king, riding a white horse, coming to judge and make war. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” He will vanquish the forces of darkness and establish His reign.
The Millennial Reign
After His return, Jesus will establish His millennial reign on earth. Revelation 20:4 states, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them… and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” This period of peace and righteousness will be a foretaste of the eternal kingdom to come.
The Resurrection of the Dead
The Second Coming will also bring the resurrection of the dead. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes this event: “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: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” This resurrection unites all believers, living and dead, with Christ.
The Final Judgment
Following the millennial reign, there will be a final judgment. Revelation 20:11-12 reveals, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened… and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” This judgment will separate the righteous (found righteous ONLY through faith in Christ) from the wicked, determining their eternal destinies.
The New Heaven and New Earth
Finally, the Second Coming ushers in a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1-4 describes this glorious transformation: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea… And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” This new creation will be our eternal home, free from sin and suffering, where we will dwell with God forever.
Living in Expectation
As we await the Second Coming, we are called to live in a state of readiness. 2 Peter 3:11-12 exhorts us, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” Our lives should reflect our hope in Christ’s return, characterized by holiness and godliness.
Encouragement for Believers
The promise of Jesus’ return encourages us. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 tells us, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” Amid trials and tribulations, we find comfort in knowing that our Savior will return. This hope sustains us and motivates us to remain faithful.
Sharing the Good News
We are also called to share the good news of Jesus’ return. Mark 16:15 commissions us, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The promise of the Second Coming is integral to the gospel message. We must proclaim it boldly, inviting others to experience the hope and salvation found in Christ.
The Urgency of the Hour
There is an urgency to our mission. Revelation 22:12 warns, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” We do not know the day or hour, but we know it is imminent. This urgency compels us to live faithfully and to spread the gospel with fervor.
(It is helpful to remember that what seems “long” in our eyes is of no such length in the eyes of an eternal, timeless God.)
Watching and Praying
Jesus instructed us to watch and pray as we await His return. Luke 21:36 advises, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Vigilance and prayer prepare our hearts and minds, keeping us aligned with God’s will.
Staying Faithful
We must remain faithful to the end. Revelation 2:10 encourages us, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Our perseverance and faithfulness will be rewarded. We look forward to the day when we will stand before our Lord and hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
In conclusion, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event that shapes our faith and our future. It calls us to live in readiness, to endure tribulation, and to share the gospel with urgency. As we anticipate this glorious return, we find hope, comfort, and motivation to remain faithful, knowing that our Lord will come again to establish His eternal kingdom.
