We may not know when Jesus will come again, but the subject of His return to earth (also known as His ‘second coming’ or the ‘parousia’) forms a large part of New Testament teaching. The topic is said to be mentioned 318 times in the 260 chapters of the New Testament (once for every 25 verses). Jesus Himself taught about this (notably in Matthew 24 and Luke 21) and reminded His disciples that though He went away, He would return for them (John 14:1-3). In Acts 1:10-11, the ascension is linked explicitly with the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, a theme expounded in virtually every one of the New Testament letters (e.g. 1 Thess 1:10, 1 Thess 4:16-5:6 & 23, 2 Pet 3:3-5, Titus 2:11-4, 1 John 2:28, Rev 3:11). Virtually the last words of the Bible are ‘come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev 22:20), the phrase ‘maranatha’ in Aramaic.
We need to proclaim this truth clearly and frequently, for it’s easy to believe life will continue indefinitely and to live without purpose or urgency as a result. The Bible is adamant that history is proceeding according to God’s plans, but these plans include a future date when Jesus will return to earth.
His return will be:
- personal (‘the Lord himself’ 1 Thess 4:16/ ‘this same Jesus’ Acts 1:11)
- bodily (‘this same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ Acts 1:11)
- visible (‘every eye shall see him’ Rev 1:7)
- sudden and unexpected (‘as lightning’ Matt 24:27; ‘like a thief in the night’ 1 Thess 5:2; see also Mark 13:35-36)
- triumphant (2 Thess 1:7-10; Rev 19:11-16)
He will return to:
- receive His own to Himself (1 Thess 4:16-17; 1 Cor 15:51-53)
- reward His servants (Matt 16:27; Luke 19:11-27; 1 Cor 9:25; 1 Thess 2:19; 2 Tim 4:8; 1 Pet 5:4)
- judge and reign (Rom 14:12; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Matt 25:32; 2 Thess 1:7-10)
Whilst we may not understand everything about the future (this is one topic on which Christians regularly disagree!), we stand united in the fact that Jesus will return, and this fact has an impact now on how we live. John tells us that all who have this hope purify themselves (1 John 3:2-3), a theme echoed by Peter (who tells us this hope motivates us to live holy and godly lives. 2 Pet 3:11-13) We don’t want to be like the foolish virgins who were not prepared for the bridegroom’s return (Matt 25:1-13); instead, we long to hear the words ‘well done, good and faithful servant!’ (Matt 25:21) and to receive the rewards promised by Jesus to the faithful (see 2 Tim 4:8).
The hope of Christ’s return acts as a spur to us, a reminder that one day every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more suffering, pain or sin. Now we groan with creation (Romans 8:22-23), longing for Christ’s return and the fulfilment of God’s plans. While we wait, we serve God faithfully, worship Him adoringly and wait patiently (Rom 8: 24-25). The cry of our hearts is ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’ (Rev 22:20)
(Thanks to Irving L. Jensen’s commentary on Acts for the collation of many Scriptural references about Christ’s return to earth used here.)