Jesus’ Second Coming

The Doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ

Christ’s second coming emerges as one of the most important New Testament themes. In fact, many verses in the New Testament relate to Jesus’s second coming. Jesus Christ will return to earth physically, visibly, and suddenly, in the same way He left at His ascension.1 Scripture gives no time or date for Jesus’s return. Only God the Father knows the exact timing for this long-anticipated event.2

As the time of His crucifixion drew near, Jesus spoke often of His return to earth.3 Jesus’ return includes the bodily resurrection of the dead and the judgment of sinners.4 He will also bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.5 Jesus will vindicate His people and bring justice to the seeming victories of evil in a sin-filled world.6 The certain return of Christ offers hope to believers.

John presents a stark divide between belief and unbelief throughout his Gospel. This chasm remains equally great today. Most people fail to consider the seriousness and certainty of Jesus’s return. Life goes on with little thought of accountability to God. Jesus came to earth so that all who would believe would have eternal life. Those who live life without recognizing their need for God and redemption will face Jesus as righteous Judge when He returns.7 Jesus’s urgent commission “to go and make disciples of all nations” rises from this sobering certainty.8 Who do you know who needs to hear the truth about Jesus? How might you speak to that person in love about the love of Jesus?

Jesus will bring salvation to all who await His return. All who trust Christ are prepared for Jesus’s return because they rest confidently in His sacrifice for sin. The Father laid our sins upon Jesus, the spotless lamb of God, when Jesus went to the cross on our behalf. Believers cling to the cross and God’s promise that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.9 Jesus is our steadfast hope and sure reward. How will you thank and worship Jesus as you long for His return? Believers find deep comfort in the certainty that Jesus will come and take them to their heavenly home!

1. Ascension and return: Acts 1:11
2. Unknown time for Jesus’s return: Matthew 24:36-42; Luke 12:40
3. Jesus spoke of His return: Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 19:11-27; 21:6-36
4. Judgment: Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16; Revelation 22:12
5. Bring salvation: Hebrews 9:28
6. Vindication: Romans 12:19-21; Revelation 19:1-2; 20:12; 21:3-4
7. Christ's return to judge: John 5:24-30; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:11-15
8. Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20
9. No condemnation: Romans 8:1

Resource: Bible Study Fellowship, People of Promise: Kingdom Divided, Lesson 18, The Gospel of John