Jesus promised He will return, and the Bible makes it clear this Second Coming will be visible and unmistakable—yet no one knows the exact day or hour. While the Scriptures list signs like wars, natural disasters, and the spread of the gospel before His return, these are meant to prepare you, not to pinpoint a date. Understanding that God’s timing differs from ours helps you live with hopeful patience rather than anxious guessing.
What really matters is how you live while you wait: staying faithful, loving others, sharing your faith, and trusting God’s plan. Being ready means actively living out your beliefs, not just waiting passively. If you want to understand more about what the Bible says about Jesus’ return and how it impacts your life, keep reading for a deeper dive into this important topic.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Jesus is coming back soon, you’re not alone. It’s a question that’s been asked for centuries and one that sparks hope, curiosity, and sometimes confusion. The Bible talks a lot about Jesus’ return, but understanding exactly what it says—and what it means for you—can be tricky. Let’s break it down clearly and directly.
What Does the Bible Say About Jesus’ Return?
The Bible is full of references to Jesus coming back. This event is often called the Second Coming or the Day of the Lord. Here are some key points from Scripture:
- Jesus Himself promised He’d return.
In John 14:3, Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” This is one of the clearest promises of His return. - It will be visible and unmistakable.
Jesus described His return as something everyone will see, not a secret event. Revelation 1:7 says, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…” - No one knows the exact time.
Jesus also made it clear in Matthew 24:36, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” So, any predictions about a specific date are guesses at best.
Signs Before Jesus Returns
The Bible lists several signs that will happen before Jesus comes back, but it warns us not to be fooled or overly focused on predicting the exact moment.
Here are some of the main signs Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24 and other passages:
- Wars and rumors of wars – There will be conflict, but these are just the beginning.
- Famine and earthquakes – Natural disasters will increase.
- False prophets and deception – Many will claim to be the Messiah or spread lies.
- Persecution of believers – Christians will face hardship for their faith.
- Increase in wickedness – People’s love will grow cold (Matthew 24:12).
- The gospel preached worldwide – The good news about Jesus will reach all nations (Matthew 24:14).
While these signs are happening more frequently in our world today, the Bible doesn’t say these signs will happen all at once or mean the return is immediately next.
What Does “Soon” Really Mean?
You might hear people say, “Jesus is coming back soon!” But how soon is “soon”? The Bible shows us that God’s timeline isn’t the same as ours.
- 2 Peter 3:8 says, “With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
God doesn’t experience time like we do. - 2 Peter 3:9 explains, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you…”
God is giving people time to turn to Him.
This means “soon” doesn’t necessarily mean in your lifetime or even your children’s lifetime. It means it will happen at the right time — not a moment before, not a moment after.
Why Does It Matter If Jesus Is Coming Back Soon?
You might wonder, if no one knows when, why even care about the timing? The answer is simple: how you live matters.
- Jesus wants you ready.
In Matthew 24:44, Jesus says, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Living with hope changes your perspective.
Knowing Jesus will return gives you hope beyond today’s struggles and challenges. It reminds you that this world is temporary, and God’s kingdom is eternal. - It shapes your priorities.
If Jesus is coming back, investing time in your relationship with Him, loving others, and sharing your faith become urgent.
Common Misunderstandings About Jesus’ Return
Let’s clear up some things you might have heard or believed about Jesus coming back:
1. “We can predict the date.”
Many have tried—and failed. Remember Matthew 24:36? No one knows the day or hour. That means any date-setting is guesswork.
2. “Jesus will come quietly or secretly.”
The Bible says His return will be visible to everyone (Revelation 1:7). It won’t be a secret or something only a few people see.
3. “We must wait passively for Jesus.”
The Bible calls us to be active. In Luke 12:35-36, Jesus compares believers to servants ready for their master’s return, always watching and working.
How Should You Live While You Wait?
Waiting for Jesus’ return isn’t about just sitting around. Here’s what the Bible encourages:
- Stay faithful.
Be consistent in your faith, even when it’s hard. - Keep sharing the gospel.
Help others find hope in Jesus. - Live holy lives.
Jesus calls us to live in a way that honors God (1 Peter 1:15-16). - Love others.
Love is the greatest commandment and shows the world we follow Jesus (John 13:34-35). - Trust God’s timing.
You don’t have to know the day or hour, just trust God is in control.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Take Away?
- Jesus will come back—no question.
- No one knows exactly when.
- Certain signs will happen first, but don’t get caught up in predicting dates.
- The best way to be ready is to live a life of faith, hope, and love.
- Waiting is active, not passive—stay alert and serve others.
If you’re wondering how to prepare or want to understand more about Jesus’ return, the Bible is the best place to start. You can always ask questions, seek God’s guidance in prayer, and talk to others who follow Jesus.
Remember, the promise of Jesus’ return is a hope that shapes your life today—and the future forever.
FAQs: Is Jesus Coming Back Soon? What the Bible Really Says
1. Is Jesus coming back soon according to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return, but it doesn’t specify exactly when. The timing is unknown, and only God the Father knows the exact day and hour (Matthew 24:36).
2. What signs does the Bible say will happen before Jesus comes back?
Before Jesus returns, the Bible mentions signs like wars, natural disasters, false prophets, increased wickedness, and the gospel being preached worldwide (Matthew 24).
3. How soon does “soon” mean when talking about Jesus’ return?
“Soon” from God’s perspective may not match our timeline. 2 Peter 3:8 explains that a day to God is like a thousand years, so His timing is perfect but not necessarily immediate.
4. Will Jesus’ return be visible to everyone?
Yes. Revelation 1:7 states that every eye will see Jesus when He returns, so it won’t be a secret event or something only a few will witness.
5. Can anyone predict the date of Jesus’ Second Coming?
No. Jesus said no one knows the exact day or hour, not even Himself—only God the Father knows (Matthew 24:36). Date predictions are speculation.
6. How should I prepare for Jesus coming back?
The Bible encourages staying faithful, living a holy life, loving others, sharing your faith, and being ready at all times (Matthew 24:44).
7. Does the Bible say anything about false prophets before Jesus’ return?
Yes, the Bible warns many false prophets will appear, trying to deceive people (Matthew 24:11). It’s important to stay grounded in Scripture.
8. Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet if He said He would?
2 Peter 3:9 explains that God is patient, giving people time to repent and turn to Him before the final return happens.
9. Is Jesus’ return something Christians should be worried about?
No. It’s meant to be a hopeful promise that encourages you to live with purpose and faith, not fear.
10. What impact should believing in Jesus’ return have on my daily life?
Believing Jesus will return motivates you to live faithfully, love others, and prioritize your relationship with God every day.
