What do we Know about the Second Coming of Christ

What do we Know well-nigh the 2nd Coming of Christ

"The Second Coming" refers to the return of Jesus Christ as described in Revelation, Hebrews, the Gospels, and many other places.

The first time Jesus came to globe, He was merely a infant. After His ministry building on world, crucifixion, and resurrection He returned to Heaven "to gear up a identify" for His followers (John fourteen:3). He also promises His return (1 Corinthians 15:23), in which the outset resurrection occurs, He brings His followers to heaven with Him, and sin and Satan will be destroyed forever.

The Second Coming is something to hope for. It is a literal event, a personal encounter, a visible experience, and a worldwide occasion. Information technology's the culmination of the plan of conservancy!

So allow's learn more about this incomparably wonderful event:

  • What the 2nd Coming volition exist like
  • When volition the Second Coming happen?
  • Biblical prophecies near the 2d Coming
  • How the 2d Coming is the ultimate hope of Adventists
  • How the truth virtually the 2d Coming helped shape the Adventist denomination
  • How to prepare for the 2nd Coming

Belief 25: The Second Coming of Christ

The 2d coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour'due south coming volition be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous volition dice. The almost complete fulfillment of well-nigh lines of prophecy, together with the nowadays condition of the world, indicates that Christ'south coming is virtually. The fourth dimension of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Matt. 24; Mark xiii; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-xi; one Cor. fifteen:51-54; 1 Thess. iv:xiii-18; 5:one-6; two Thess. i:seven-10; ii:8; 2 Tim. 3:one-5; Titus 2:13; Heb. nine:28; Rev. one:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.)

A person standing on the top of a boulder looking at the cloudy sky with their arms outstretched, waiting for Jesus' return

What Will the 2nd Coming Exist Like?

Literal

The Second Coming is non a secret for only the about educated, or a prize for the rich. It'southward not metaphorical or symbolic, or only happening on a spiritual plane, as once believed by many Christian communities. Information technology is and will exist a literal event described in Scripture.

  • Jesus will descend on a cloud.
  • The righteous dead will rising from their graves and upward to the deject with Jesus.
  • The righteous living will ascension upward to the clouds with Jesus and "ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 ESV).

Adventists believe this in its straightforward terms. Jesus will return on a cloud, staying in the heaven. He will not prepare foot on the footing. The expressionless in Christ will rise up with Him, and those living will shortly follow, as nosotros're all "caught up together" in the air (ane Thessalonians 4:17).

"When Christ who is your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory" (Colossians iii:4, ESV).

Acts 1:11, when an angel was addressing Jesus' disciples afterwards they witnessed His ascension, also confirms the visible fashion of His return.  He volition "come in the same style as you saw Him get into heaven" (ESV).

Personal

Jesus' return is about reuniting Himself with u.s.a.. In John 14 He informed His disciples He was ascending back to heaven, but He would exist preparing a identify for u.s.. "And if I get and prepare a place for you, I volition come once more and will accept y'all to myself, that where I am you may exist also" (John 14:3 ESV).

Non but volition nosotros be chosen upwards to the clouds with Jesus, merely we'll be with Him forever. Philippians iii:20 tells us that "our citizenship is in sky, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV).

Fifty-fifty if someone hasn't yet made the decision to follow Jesus, He is always ready for us to come up to Him so He can bring as many of His children with Him to sky as possible..

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my phonation and opens the door, I volition come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

Close-up of a man's eyes as the Scripture says that every eye will see Him coming on clouds of heaven

Visible

Revelation 1:7 says "every heart shall see Him" (ESV). We will not take to judge or wonder if this is really Jesus or non. No matter where we are, we'll be able to "see the Son of Human coming on the clouds of heaven with ability and great glory" (Matthew 24:30, ESV).

Before His crucifixion, Jesus told the high priest, "from now on you will come across the Son of Man seated at the right paw of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64 ESV).

Jesus will be visible to all—those who injure Him, those who choose to believe in Him, and those who don't. The Second Coming volition non be something anyone can miss!

Worldwide

Through the Bible nosotros tin see the Second Coming is non only a literal issue, but a global event. Just as referenced in the department above, "every heart will encounter Him"—no matter the time zone, continent, etc.

It's hard to imagine something like this, just with God nothing is impossible. We're told, "For as the lightning flashes and lights upwardly the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His solar day…" (Luke 17:22, ESV).

We will also be able to hear the trumpet calls and victory shouts of the Angels who will back-trail Jesus when He returns.

A young woman sitting on a dock reading as we study the Word of God about the signs of Jesus' soon return

No one knows "the 24-hour interval or the Hour" of the Second Coming

Though Jesus was clear that He would return, He also explained that the details for when it would happen are not ours to know.

Just concerning that twenty-four hour period and hour no one knows, not even the angels of sky, nor the Son, merely the Begetter but (Matthew 24:36 ESV).

Not even the angels know the day Jesus will return.

This is like to how Noah knew the rain would come, but not the exact moment it would begin. God warned Noah that He would send a overflowing to destroy the corruption on world (Genesis 6). Noah knew the rain would come, but did not know when it would begin. Similar the flood in Genesis, no creature in beingness will know when Christ will return, only we know He will.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus tried to set up His disciples for His departure (crucifixion, resurrection, and rising) also equally His 2d coming. To prepare them, Jesus used parables for lessons and examples.

Then the kingdom of sky will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to run across the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1 ESV).

In the story Jesus tells, in that location are five virgins who are wise and five who are foolish. All ten assemble to await for the benedict to arrive so they tin enter the wedding ceremony feast. The wise bring extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish bring none.

Before the bridegroom arrived, those who brought no oil for their lamps had to get buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom came. The wise virgins got to go into the wedding feast. When the five foolish virgins returned they could not become in (v. ane-12 ESV).

Jesus finishes His warning by telling them "spotter therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (v. 13 ESV).

Information technology is not for the states to know, because our job is not to focus on "when" it's happening. Our chore is to continue our optics on Jesus, take the Bang-up Commission to center, and live as a walking testimony—knowing that Jesus will indeed come up to salve us, and put an end to sin and evil forever.

And Jesus answered them, "Encounter that no one leads you astray. For many volition come up in my proper noun, maxim, 'I am the Christ,' and they will atomic number 82 many astray (Matthew 24:4, five ESV).

No ane knows when the events of the 2d coming will occur–no one merely God the Father. This means anyone who claims to know is either mistaken or seeking to manipulate.

Want to acquire more virtually Jesus and how He gives us liberty, healing and promise? Check out our online Bible studies.

The Bible open to the book of Revelation on a black table as it mentions of many end time prophecies and of Jesus' return

Bible Prophecies Proclaim Christ's Second Coming

The book of Revelation in the Bible proclaims Jesus' second coming in the offset chapter.

The author of Revelation, John, writes of his vision of Christ's return. He says "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every center will meet him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him" (five. vii ESV).

In Revelation fourteen, he recounts other images from his vision

John included in this vision the Lamb standing on Mountain Zion with 144,000, a number to correspond those believers who stand with Jesus at the terminate of fourth dimension on world (5. i).

This vision continues until John sees Jesus on a white cloud. On a cloud, He descends to earth with a sickle in His mitt and He "swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped" (v. 16 ESV).

In vivid word pictures and verse, the Bible tells of the triumphant coming of Christ in Revelation chapter xix.

John says,

"Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The i sitting on it is chosen Faithful and Truthful, and in righteousness he judges and makes war" (5.11)

The heavens will open similar a oversupply parting for royalty and Christ will appear on a white horse, as a conquering rex. He brings heavenly armies with Him and will keep His hope to redeem and to estimate.

"His optics are like a flame of burn, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself" (v. 12).

Jesus' eyes pierce through to our hearts where we tin can hide zippo from Him. He doesn't clothing ane crown, but many, as He is the King of Kings.

"He is clothed in a robe dipped in claret, and the proper name by which he is called is The Word of God" (v. thirteen).

Jesus' victory is displayed on His garment. While some believe the blood on His robe is the blood of His enemies, it is more likely the blood represents His victory at calvary.

"And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses" (five. xiv).

When Jesus comes, He volition atomic number 82 an army of heavenly beings, also riding white horses and wearing clean, pure white robes.

From his rima oris comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of fe. He volition tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (five.15).

Jesus' victory over the nations comes from His mouth, from the power of His words. With His voice and with a rod of iron, as prophesied in Psalm 2. He will wield the rod as a shepherd uses a staff, only information technology will be made of iron so that fifty-fifty the most rebellious volition submit.

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, Male monarch of kings and Lord of lords" (five. 16).

The proper noun, King of kings and Lord of Lords is written on Jesus' robe as well as His thigh, and then it will be easily seen from His place on the white horse.

The Bible open to Revelation as we study various prophecies mentioned in it and of Jesus' soon return

Symbolism in Revelation

There'due south a lot going on in Revelation, much of information technology described in symbolism considering we have no frame of reference yet for the things that will happen. We know the symbolism and prophecies are modes of telling the most important truth and promise for humanity.

The gospel, that is Jesus' death on the cross and His promised Second Coming, is a buoy of light in a darkened globe. Revelation is viewed past many as mysterious and scary, but it's really a story of hope and love.

In the start poesy of the get-go affiliate of Revelation nosotros're told: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon accept place."

Revelation is not about the cease of the world, but rather it is the climax of the unabridged story of being. Information technology is the transformation from death to life, from tribulation to peace. And Jesus and His love for humanity make upward the theme for all of information technology .

A woman reading a book outside as we learn the meanings of the symbols used in prophecies and let Bible interpret itself

The 2d Coming is the Promise of Adventists

The second coming is so of import to Seventh-24-hour interval Adventists that it's part of the name—The word Advent ways "inflow."

Jesus start came to earth as a babe in a manger over 2000 years ago. This is the starting time Advent, and it'southward why Christmas calendars are often called "Advent Calendars." The 2nd advent, the 2d coming, is not simply the hope of Adventists, but of all Christians. We have this hope because Jesus promises His return.

Near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, during the last night with His disciples, He told them

"Let not your hearts exist troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If information technology were not so, would I have told you that I get to ready a place for y'all? And if I go and ready a place for you, I will come once more and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be too" (John fourteen:2 ESV).

Christ's second coming is a promise from the Bible. It will be the triumphant return of a king. It is the blessed hope of Adventists that Christ'south future render will be the climax to our story on earth. It is non the cease, but the offset of how life was meant to be all along. With Christ's coming, our being will be perfect and complete.

Bible Group Reading Together Sitting Down Listening To Each Other and studying about the prophecies of Jesus' return

Christ's Return every bit a Key Topic in Adventist History

Before the Advent movement became a global church, well-nigh churches believed the second coming would be a spiritual or figurative event. It likely wasn't even discussed very often.

However, soon after the Second Swell Awakening in the U.s.a., a Baptist named William Miller decided to report scripture more deeply after returning dwelling house from war. Through his written report of Daniel and Revelation, Miller discovered that Christ'southward second coming must be a literal event.

This was a large bargain. Information technology inverse the way Christians could look at the present and the time to come. So Miller kept studying and sharing what he found.

However, at that place was one issue with Miller's message. He also predicted the verbal date of Christ's return—somehow missing the counsel of Matthew 24:36 that "no one knows the day or the hour" of this outcome, "not even the angels in sky," simply just the Father.

Even though it became clear Miller's prediction was wrong, many people decided to practise further study to find out where he went wrong. Every bit more and more people realized new truths from Scripture about the 2d Coming, this began the "Advent Movement" that somewhen paved the way toward the arrangement of the 7th-solar day Adventist Church.

In a way, Miller's fault led to a revival of personal and small grouping devotion amid believers. Many of the Seventh-twenty-four hours Adventist beliefs were discovered after in-depth studies following this time. And equally Christians learned more about scripture and God's truth, they were more motivated to follow the Discussion and go on studying it.

A woman praying with her Bible at a table as we pray that God will help us to understand the prophecies in the Bible

How to Fix for the Second Coming

Like the ten virgins in Jesus' parable, we must be prepared for the bridegroom'due south coming. We are all sinners and need Him. It's through Jesus Christ alone that nosotros may enter the "wedding feast" (heaven).

It'due south through Jesus that nosotros prepare for His coming, and equally long every bit we take a human relationship with Him, we will be prepare. We won't lose our spot in heaven if we make a little mistake. We won't need to fear the finish of time. We can rest assured knowing our domicile is in sky, despite our sinful nature.

Scripture tells usa "all have sinned and fall short of the celebrity of God" (Romans 3:23). That means every one of united states of america has sinned and doesn't deserve heaven.

Because of the autumn of mankind in Eden, we are left with a legacy of sin. Through Jesus Christ we are saved from the consequences of sin. That'due south why Romans 3 continues, telling us we are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (vs. 24, CSB).

Additionally, Romans 6:23 says,

" For the wages of sin is decease, only the gratis gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV).

Jesus took that death upon Himself, dying in our place and beingness raised again to render to heaven to minister on our behalf.

We have the souvenir of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. To gear up for that life is to set up for His coming. To ready we must believe in Him (John three:16). Nosotros must know Him.

A person holding a Bible outside as we live daily by the Word of God and prepare ourselves to meet Jesus when He returns

To know Jesus and grow our organized religion in Him, we must cultivate a relationship with Him. Some things to help us exercise that could be:

  • Pray daily–throughout the day. Pray for others. Pray as a family. Pray in the name of Jesus who intervenes for you in heaven.
  • Written report your Bible. Read the Bible daily so that you can meditate on God'southward Holy Word. Utilise scriptures and Bible promises in your personal prayer life. Memorize scripture and draw connections with your modern life and experiences.
  • Heed to sermons and teachers. Use gratuitous online platforms to listen to uplifting letters and Bible lectures. Notice trusted mentors to teach you deep Bible truths.
  • Nourish church. Find a local congregation that is filled with Bible-believers. Develop relationships with agreeing Christians who will help you in your walk with God.
  • Limit exposure to worldly things. No 1 knows better than you how secular activities and experiences affect you. Maintain circumspection and limit exposure to things that tempt yous or hinder your relationship with God.

To grow our religion in Jesus and our relationship with Him, prayer and personal Bible written report are extremely important. Bible report and prayer through the Holy Spirit is our direct connection to the Savior we're waiting for. It is the all-time mode to prepare for His shortly coming. Walking this journey with other believers is a crucial part of the feel.

Yep, this earth is in chaos. Political and social unrest is imminent. Sin runs rampant. Physical and mental health is suffering effectually the world. But with all this working against us, we still accept hope.

This world is not what God intended, only Jesus' return volition exist the cease of this world as we know it. His return will exist the commencement step in restoring this world into the perfect world information technology was always meant to exist.

The Advent movement began considering of hope in Christ'due south render. Now the Seventh-day Adventist Church rests its hope in Christ alone, in His promises, and in His return.

Want to be further prepared for the 2d Coming of Jesus? Check out our gratuitous online Bible studies.