Our scripture reading from John 14 reminds us of Jesus’ comforting promise to His apostles, affirming His return. Let’s delve into what Scripture definitively reveals about the Second Coming of Christ. Firstly, it’s certain that Jesus will return. Despite some beliefs to the contrary, His return is yet to happen, as depicted in Acts 1, where two angels confirm that Jesus will return just as He ascended into heaven.
Further, in Acts 3 and 1 Thessalonians, both Peter and Paul echo this certainty of Christ’s return. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians emphasize the continuity of the Lord’s Supper until His return, and our duty to wait for Jesus, who will deliver us from the impending wrath.
Moreover, Paul assures Timothy of Jesus’ return to judge the living and the dead, and Hebrews 9:27-28 emphasizes that Christ will appear a second time for salvation. This aligns with the Old Testament’s recurring theme of the Messiah’s coming and the New Testament’s affirmation of His second coming.
Importantly, Jesus will return in person, as He left – a truth vividly described in Acts 1:11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. However, His return will be unexpected, like a thief in the night, a metaphor Paul uses to urge us to be vigilant and prepared.
In considering the purpose of Jesus’ return, we find that it will involve the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, as stated in Acts 24:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. This resurrection will be a time of transformation for the living and the dead.
Jesus’ return is not to establish His kingdom on earth, for He already reigns from heaven, as evidenced in Acts 2, Matthew 28, Ephesians 1, and 1 Peter 3. His second coming will be to deliver the kingdom to God the Father, having conquered all enemies, including death.
At the judgment, those who have rejected God will face eternal punishment, as Revelation 20 and 2 Peter 3 describe. Yet, for the faithful, a new heaven and new earth await, a place of righteousness and peace, as depicted in Revelation 21 and 22.
As we await Jesus’ return, our attitude should be one of prayerful preparation, joyful expectation, and patient endurance, as guided by Luke 21, Philippians 3, and Hebrews 10. Let us be found watching and working when He comes.
For those yet to join Christ, hear the gospel, believe, repent, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized for the remission of sins. Live faithfully, and if you stumble, seek forgiveness. The time of the Lord’s return is unknown, so I ask you, are you ready?
