The Second Coming of Christ is an important event in eschatology. It is crucial to understand the Second Coming when it happens and what it entails. With the recent events of the world, many people think Jesus’ Second Coming is drawing near but is it?
In this article, we will be discussing the Second Coming of Jesus.
The Second Coming of Jesus vs. the Rapture
It is important to distinguish the Second Coming of Christ from the rapture of the Church. These are two distinct events from one another. The rapture of the Church occurs when Jesus calls His followers up to Him.
The event of the rapture is recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50–54. The rapture of the Church occurs before the seven-year tribulation.
The Second Coming of Christ is distinct from the rapture because, during Jesus’ Second Coming, He will literally touch down on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:3-4).
Another distinction between the Second Coming and the rapture of the Church is that the Second Coming occurs at the end of the seven-year tribulation when the Lord returns. The Second Coming of Christ will be radically different from Jesus’ first coming to the earth.
During Jesus’ first coming, He was the gentle King, riding in on a colt (Zechariah 9:9). At the time of His Second Coming, Jesus will return as a mighty warrior King who will destroy His enemies.
Jesus at His first coming was peaceful and gentle; however, at the Second Coming, Jesus will return with His army from heaven. There will not be any meekness this time as Jesus will be a warrior with a double-edged sword (Revelation 1:16).
The Book of Revelation talks at great length about the Second Coming of Christ. Revelation 19:11-16 says,
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.’”
This passage of Scripture tells us that Jesus will return in judgment. He will judge in righteousness and truth. The Lord will reign over all the nations with an iron scepter.
As Revelation 19:11-16 reveals to us, the Lord is going to be returning in mighty power, strength, and majesty. No person should underestimate the Lord’s mighty power and vengeance.
The Timing of the Second Coming
As established, the timing of the Second Coming will not come until the end of the seven-year Tribulation, which occurs after the rapture of the church. Jesus’ Second Coming happens at the Battle of Armageddon.
The Battle of Armageddon is a series of battles that occur at the end of the tribulation (Revelation 19:11-20). In this final battle, Jesus defeats all of His enemies before He establishes His thousand-year reign in the Millennial Kingdom.
After the Lord’s Second Coming, He will reign as King. Jesus will literally walk among the people, and He will be the perfect King. Even though Jesus will be literally walking among the people, many will reject Him and follow after Satan.
At the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ, Satan will be released for a short time to test the nations (Revelation 20:7-10). Many will follow after Satan rather than placing faith in Christ. After the thousand-year reign of Christ, the Great White Throne Judgment will take place (Revelation 20:11-15).
During the Great White Throne Judgment, God will judge those who did not place faith in Him. He will resurrect all unbelievers, and they will be thrown into the lake of fire with Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet.
After the events of the Great White Throne Judgment, God will create the New Heavens and the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17). Only those who placed faith in Christ will be in the New Heaven and New Earth.
The New Heaven and New Earth will be the home of righteousness where there will only be happiness, joy, and love. No more pain, sin, or death will occur in the New Heaven and New Earth.
For all eternity, we will serve, worship, and praise the Lord together. There is nothing better than to be with the Lord forever.
Why Can Nobody Predict the Second Coming?
Why can't anyone predict when Jesus will return? The answer lies in the very nature of His promise. In the Bible, Jesus Himself said, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36, NIV). This statement emphasizes the unpredictability and the divine mystery surrounding the Second Coming. It's meant to keep us on our toes, living faithfully and vigilantly every day, rather than trying to pinpoint a specific date.
The unpredictability also emphasizes the importance of faith and readiness. If we knew exactly when Jesus would return, it might lead to complacency or last-minute repentance. Instead, the uncertainty encourages us to live consistently righteous lives, always prepared for His arrival. As theologian N.T. Wright notes, “The point of the whole chapter (Matthew 24) is that we should be prepared precisely because we don't know when Jesus will return.”
Similarly, Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized the call to live each day as though Christ could return at any moment, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic expression of our faith. This ongoing anticipation is a vital part of our spiritual journey, reminding us to embody His teachings continuously and wholeheartedly.
How to Be Ready for the Second Coming
The Second Coming of the Lord will occur at the end of the Tribulation. We can be ready for the Second Coming of Christ by making sure we have placed faith in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. If we have done this, then we are ready for Jesus’ Second Coming.
We can also be prepared by living our lives for God by being active in Bible reading, prayer, and participating in fellowship with other believers. The Second Coming of Jesus is some time away; however, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ return.
We can also be prepared by helping other people to come to know Christ as their Savior by sharing the gospel with them. Sharing the gospel can be scary, but with God’s help, we can do it.
A motivating factor for sharing the gospel is that we do know what will happen to those who choose to never place faith in Christ — the lake of fire.
Since we love all people, we should share the truth of salvation through placing faith in Christ because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Jesus wants all people to know Him and accept Him as their Savior and Lord.
The Lord created all people, and He eagerly desires for us to share the gospel with all people. He is not willing for any of His children to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, share the gospel with all of your friends and share how you came to know Christ with others.
Prepare yourself by making sure you have accepted the Lord and continue to read the Bible, pray, and fellowship with other believers. The Second Coming of Christ is some time away, yet it is always important to be prepared and ready for the Lord’s return.
Jesus warns us, “So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44). Always be ready because the rapture will happen quickly, the seven-year Tribulation will occur, and then the Second Coming of Christ will take place.
As believers, we can look forward to this day with a sense of hope, love, and gratefulness. Soon after the Second Coming, the New Heaven and New Earth will be created, and we will dwell in paradise with the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forevermore.
For further reading:
When Is Jesus Coming Back? Is it Soon?
Will We Have a Reason to Celebrate During the End Times?
Why Is the Lord Compared to ‘A Thief in the Night’?
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