Jesus made a clear promise: “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). As the disciples watched Him go up to heaven, two angels said, “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). His return is the “blessed hope” of every believer (Titus 2:13).
His coming will not be secret. “Every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7). It will be like lightning that shines from the east to the west (Matthew 24:27). “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Then those who are alive and ready will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord.
Jesus warned that false christs would come, so we must not believe anyone who claims He has returned in secret (Matthew 24:23-27). We do not know the day or the hour, but the signs around us show it is near. The best way to wait is to be ready: to love Him, follow Him and share the good news, so that on that day we can say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him” (Isaiah 25:9).
Key Bible verses
- John 14:1-3I will come again.
- Acts 1:9-11This same Jesus shall so come.
- Revelation 1:7Every eye shall see him.
- Matthew 24:27, 30-31As the lightning; coming in the clouds of heaven.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17The dead in Christ shall rise first.
- Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope.
- Matthew 24:42-44Watch, for ye know not what hour.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- What are you looking forward to most about Jesus’ return?
- How can you tell that a claim about Jesus’ coming is false?
- If Jesus came this week, would you be ready? What would you change?
