The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus will return one day—visibly, powerfully, and unexpectedly. His second coming won’t be quiet or symbolic. It’ll involve the resurrection of believers, global judgment, and the ultimate defeat of evil. Scripture describes signs to watch for, but makes it clear that no one knows the exact time. What matters most is being spiritually ready—living in faith, following Jesus, and staying alert.
This return isn’t meant to scare but to prepare. It’s a call to live with purpose and hope, knowing history is heading somewhere. If you’ve ever been confused or curious about what the Bible really says about the return of Christ, the answers are there—and they’re clear. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the verses and truths that explain exactly how Jesus will return and what it means for you.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible actually says about Jesus’ return, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most talked-about topics in Christianity—and also one of the most misunderstood. So let’s clear it up. What does the Bible really say about how Jesus will return?
1. The Promise of His Return
First, let’s be clear: the Bible promises Jesus will return. This isn’t a maybe or a metaphor—it’s a central part of Christian belief.
In John 14:3, Jesus says:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
This isn’t poetic language. Jesus literally promises to come back.
After His resurrection, when Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels told the disciples:
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
That gives us the first big clue…
2. Jesus Will Return Visibly
A lot of people wonder if Jesus will return quietly or spiritually—maybe in our hearts or as a new movement. But the Bible is pretty direct: everyone will see Him.
Look at Revelation 1:7:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
No secret. No mystery. It’ll be public and unmistakable.
Key points:
- He’ll come with clouds (just like He left – Acts 1:9-11).
- Every eye will see Him – this isn’t just for believers; it’s global.
3. It’ll Be Loud and Sudden
There’s no slow build-up. No countdown clock. When Jesus comes back, it’ll be sudden, powerful, and loud.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 says:
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God…”
Let’s break that down:
- A loud command
- A voice like an archangel
- A trumpet blast
There’s nothing quiet or symbolic about that. You’re not going to miss it.
4. What Happens When He Comes?
So what actually happens when Jesus returns? Here’s a breakdown:
a. The Resurrection of the Dead
The Bible teaches that when Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 continues:
“…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
This is sometimes called the rapture—when believers, both living and dead, are gathered to meet Jesus.
b. Judgment
Jesus’ return also signals judgment.
Matthew 25:31-32 says:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory… all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another…”
This is the moment when Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous—often described as sheep and goats. Everyone gives an account.
c. The End of Evil
At His return, Jesus doesn’t just gather believers—He ends evil.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 says:
“The Lord Jesus will overthrow [the lawless one] with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.”
Satan’s influence ends. Justice is served. Evil is finally defeated.
5. Nobody Knows When It’ll Happen
This part’s crucial. No one knows the exact time. Not even Jesus, during His earthly ministry.
Matthew 24:36 says:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
If someone claims to know the date of Jesus’ return, they’re wrong—plain and simple.
Jesus compares His return to a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2)—unexpected and sudden. That’s why we’re told to stay ready, not try to predict it.
6. Signs of His Return
Even though we don’t know the date, Jesus gave us signs to watch for.
In Matthew 24, Jesus lists several:
- Wars and rumors of wars (v.6)
- Famines and earthquakes (v.7)
- False messiahs and false prophets (v.5, 11)
- Increased wickedness and loss of love (v.12)
- The gospel preached to all nations (v.14)
These signs are not the return itself—but signals that it’s approaching.
Important:
- These signs have happened across history.
- They remind us to stay spiritually alert, not panic.
7. How Should You Prepare?
Here’s the big question: if Jesus really is coming back, what should you do about it?
Jesus answers this directly in Matthew 24:44:
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Being ready doesn’t mean selling everything and moving to the mountains. It means:
Live in a way that honors Him:
- Trust in Jesus as your Savior (John 3:16)
- Turn from sin and live a life that reflects Him
- Love others, as He commanded (John 13:34)
- Be active in faith—not passive
It also means not getting lazy or distracted by the world. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins—five were ready when the bridegroom came, five weren’t. The message is simple: stay ready.
In Summary: How Will Jesus Return?
Let’s recap:
| What the Bible Says | Summary |
| He will return visibly | Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7) |
| It’ll be loud and dramatic | Trumpets, commands, no mistaking it (1 Thess. 4:16) |
| Believers will rise and meet Him | Dead in Christ rise first (1 Thess. 4:17) |
| Judgment follows | Sheep and goats separated (Matt. 25:31) |
| Nobody knows when | Only the Father knows (Matt. 24:36) |
| You need to stay ready | Live like He could return any day (Matt. 24:44) |
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ return isn’t just a theological idea—it’s a real event the Bible says will happen. If you’re a follower of Christ, it’s something to look forward to. If you’re still figuring out what you believe, now’s the time to explore it.
Because here’s the truth: He’s not coming back as a baby in a manger. He’s coming back as King and Judge.
The question isn’t if He’ll return. It’s are you ready when He does?
Want to learn more? Read Matthew 24–25, 1 Thessalonians 4–5, and Revelation 19–22. They lay it all out. And if you have questions, keep digging. Truth is always worth the search.
FAQs: How Will Jesus Return According to the Bible?
1. How will Jesus return according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, Jesus will return visibly, powerfully, and suddenly. Everyone will see Him come with the clouds, accompanied by loud trumpet blasts and the voice of an archangel (Revelation 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:16). It won’t be secret or symbolic—it’ll be a global event.
2. Will Jesus’ return be visible to everyone?
Yes. Revelation 1:7 says “every eye will see Him.” His return won’t be hidden or spiritualized—it will be a public, undeniable moment witnessed by all.
3. Will Jesus return quietly or with a big event?
Jesus’ return will be loud and dramatic. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 describes it with a loud command, a trumpet call, and the voice of an archangel. No one will miss it.
4. What happens to believers when Jesus returns?
When Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, and living believers will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is often referred to as the rapture.
5. Will there be a judgment when Jesus returns?
Yes. According to Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus will sit on His throne and separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. This is the final judgment.
6. Does anyone know when Jesus will return?
No. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36 that no one—not even He, while on earth—knows the day or hour. Only the Father knows. It’ll come unexpectedly.
7. Are there signs that Jesus’ return is near?
Yes. Jesus mentioned signs in Matthew 24, including wars, natural disasters, false prophets, and the spread of the gospel to all nations. These signs are reminders to stay spiritually ready.
8. Will Jesus return to Earth physically?
Yes. Acts 1:11 says Jesus will return in the same way He left—physically and visibly. He’ll come back in bodily form, just as He ascended into heaven.
9. What should I do to prepare for Jesus’ return?
To prepare for Jesus’ return, trust Him as your Savior, turn from sin, love others, and live a life of faith. Matthew 24:44 urges us to be ready at all times, because He’ll come when we least expect it.
10. Why is Jesus’ return important for Christians today?
Jesus’ return gives Christians hope, urgency, and purpose. It reminds us that life isn’t random and that justice and restoration are coming. It challenges believers to live faithfully and stay spiritually alert.
