Second Coming of Christ

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

By:  Randy Kea

What does the Bible say about the Second Coming of Christ?  Let us briefly examine this vital subject.

First, there is the promise of His coming.  In Hebrews 9:28, the writer says Christ will appear the “second” time.  During His personal ministry, Jesus had promised to “come again” (John 14:1-3).  At the time of His ascension into heaven, the angels that stood by promised that Jesus would return (Acts 1:9-11).

Secondly, the Bible describes the manner of the Lord’s return.  Jesus will come in person (Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:9-11).  He will return “in the clouds” and in “flaming fire” (II Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 1:7).

In the third place, the scriptures tell us the purpose of the Second Coming of Christ.  Jesus is coming back to raise the dead.  Jesus stated, “the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth” (John 5:28-29).  He is also returning to execute judgment.  “All nations” and the whole “world will be brought into judgment” (Matthew 25:31-32; Acts 17:30-31).  Peter said in connection with the Lord’s return, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (II Peter 3:10).

Finally, the time of our Lord’s return is not revealed in the Bible.  Jesus Himself said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only . . . Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:36, 42)