Understanding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Jesus will return at the second advent after the gospel has been preached in all the world as a witness to all nations Matthew 24:14EVRR677+1. While the exact day and hour of His appearing are beyond the knowledge of any man or even the angels, we can know that His coming is near by observing the signs of the times Matthew 24:33, 36FE 335.1+1.

The Manner of His Coming

The return of Jesus Christ will be a literal, visible, and public event that every person on earth will witness Revelation 1:7EVRR677+1.

• Visible to All: He will descend from heaven on a white cloud with power and great glory Matthew 24:30EVRR677+1.

• A Personal Return: This same Jesus who ascended to heaven will return in the exact same manner as He left Acts 1:11EVRR677+1.

• Accompanied by Angels: He will not come alone but will be surrounded by millions of holy angels who compose the great white cloud Revelation 5:11EVRR677+1.

• Audible and Majestic: His arrival will be announced with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God 1 Thessalonians 4:16EVRR677+1.

Signs Preceding His Arrival

Before Christ returns, the world will experience conditions similar to those in the days of Noah, characterized by widespread iniquity, violence, and a disregard for God's law Matthew 24:37-39LDE 23.2+2.

• Moral Decline: Iniquity will abound and the love of many will grow cold Matthew 24:12PP 88.3+1.

• Natural and Political Signs: There will be wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places Matthew 24:6-7EMTF 7.3.

• Celestial Signs: The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven Matthew 24:29EMTF 52.1.

Events at His Appearing

When Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven, several momentous events will take place simultaneously across the earthEVRR677+1.

• Resurrection of the Just: The sleeping saints who died in Christ will be raised from their graves first 1 Thessalonians 4:16EVRR677+1.

• Translation of the Living: The living righteous will be changed in a moment, becoming immortal without seeing death, and will be caught up with the resurrected saints to meet the Lord in the air 1 Corinthians 15:51-53EVRR677+1.

• Destruction of the Unsaved: Those who have rejected God and lived in lawlessness will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming Matthew 24:50-51+1EVRR677.

• Entry into the Kingdom: Jesus will then receive His redeemed people to Himself and take them to the mansions He has prepared in His Father's house John 14:2-3EVRR677+1.

We are encouraged to live lives of watchfulness, prayer, and holiness, always ready for that glorious day Luke 12:35-40Ev 220.4+1. Establishing a close connection with Jesus now is the essential preparation for His soon returnMYP 47.3+1.