When discussing Jesus’ return, there’s a wealth of anticipation, questions, and interpretations. The belief in Jesus’ second coming is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology. If you’re curious about whether Jesus is meant to come back and what that means for us today, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into this fascinating topic and explore what the Bible says.
The Promise of His Return
The Bible is clear about the promise of Jesus’ return. One of the most straightforward statements comes from Jesus Himself. In John 14:3, He said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Here, Jesus assures His followers that He will return.
Key Verses About Jesus’ Return
- Matthew 24:30 – “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
- Acts 1:11 – “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.”
- Revelation 1:7 – “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.”
These verses illustrate a clear and powerful expectation: Jesus is coming back, and His return will be a significant event visible to all.
The Purpose of His Return
So, why is Jesus coming back? The Bible outlines several purposes for His return, each fulfilling crucial aspects of God’s plan.
To Fulfill Prophecy
Many Old Testament prophecies describe a future reign of the Messiah. Christians believe that while Jesus fulfilled many of these during His life on earth, some are yet to be completed. For example, Isaiah 9:7 speaks of His government and peace having no end, which believers anticipate will be fully realized upon His return.
To Gather His Followers
In Matthew 24:31, Jesus describes sending out His angels with a loud trumpet call to gather His elect from the four winds. This gathering of believers is often referred to as the Rapture. Whether you view this as a literal or symbolic event, it signifies a time when Jesus will bring His followers to be with Him.
To Judge the World
Jesus’ return also involves judgment. Acts 17:31 says, “For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” This judgment will be a time of reckoning, where each person’s life will be evaluated.
To Establish His Kingdom
Finally, Jesus’ return is about establishing His Kingdom on earth. Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” This promises a time when God’s reign will be fully realized in our world.
Signs of the Times
Throughout history, people have speculated about when Jesus will return. While the Bible doesn’t provide an exact date, it does describe signs that will precede His return.
Commonly Mentioned Signs
- Wars and Rumors of Wars: Matthew 24:6 says, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, famines, and other calamities are mentioned as signs. Matthew 24:7 notes, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”
- False Prophets and Messiahs: Jesus warns in Matthew 24:24, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
- Global Evangelism: In Matthew 24:14, Jesus states, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
These signs encourage believers to stay vigilant and prepare for His return without getting lost in predicting exact dates.
How Should We Prepare?
Knowing that Jesus is meant to come back, the next question is, how should we prepare?
Live Faithfully
Living faithfully means adhering to Jesus’ teachings and striving to embody the principles He laid out in the Gospels. This includes loving others, seeking justice, and living righteously.
Stay Vigilant
In Mark 13:33, Jesus advises, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” This vigilance isn’t about fear but about being spiritually awake and ready.
Spread the Message
Believers are called to share the good news of Jesus with others. Acts 1:8 emphasizes this mission, saying, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Maintain Hope
The return of Jesus is a source of hope and encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 provides comfort: “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, 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. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
Conclusion
The question of whether Jesus is meant to come back is met with a resounding “yes” in the Christian faith. His return is a promise that brings hope, a call to live faithfully, and a reminder to stay vigilant. By understanding the biblical perspective on Jesus’ second coming, we can better grasp its significance and how it shapes our lives today. Keep your faith strong, share the message, and live in anticipation of that glorious day.
FAQs About the Return of Jesus
To help you understand more about Jesus’ return, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. These FAQs provide concise answers and address common concerns about this significant Christian belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Bible say about Jesus coming back?
The Bible states that Jesus will return in the future. Key scriptures include John 14:3, where Jesus promises, “I will come back and take you to be with me,” and Acts 1:11, which declares, “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.”
2. Why is Jesus coming back?
Jesus’ return serves several purposes:
- To Fulfill Prophecy: Completing the prophecies about the Messiah’s reign (Isaiah 9:7).
- To Gather His Followers: Bringing believers to be with Him (Matthew 24:31).
- To Judge the World: Evaluating every person’s life (Acts 17:31).
- To Establish His Kingdom: Reigning over a renewed world (Revelation 11:15).
3. What are the signs of Jesus’ return?
The Bible outlines various signs leading up to Jesus’ return, including:
- Wars and Rumors of Wars (Matthew 24:6).
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and famines (Matthew 24:7).
- False Prophets and Messiahs (Matthew 24:24).
- Global Evangelism: The gospel preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
4. When will Jesus return?
The exact timing of Jesus’ return is unknown. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This means we should focus on living faithfully rather than predicting dates.
5. What is the Rapture?
The Rapture refers to the event where believers are gathered to meet Jesus. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “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.”
6. How should we prepare for Jesus’ return?
Preparation involves:
- Living Faithfully: Following Jesus’ teachings and living righteously.
- Staying Vigilant: Being spiritually alert and ready (Mark 13:33).
- Spreading the Message: Sharing the gospel with others (Acts 1:8).
- Maintaining Hope: Holding onto the promise of Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
7. What will happen when Jesus returns?
When Jesus returns, He will:
- Gather His Followers: Bringing believers to be with Him.
- Judge the World: Evaluating every person’s deeds.
- Establish His Kingdom: Reigning over a renewed and just world.
8. Will everyone see Jesus when He returns?
Yes, according to Revelation 1:7, “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” This indicates that His return will be a visible and unmistakable event.
9. What should we do if we feel anxious about Jesus’ return?
If you feel anxious, focus on the hope and promises associated with His return. Remember Jesus’ comforting words in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Engage in prayer, read the scriptures, and discuss your feelings with a trusted faith leader.
10. Can we trust that Jesus will return?
Yes, we can trust in Jesus’ return based on His promises and the consistency of God’s word. Jesus assured us of His return in John 14:3, and the Bible repeatedly confirms this expectation.
11. How can we stay informed and prepared?
Stay informed by regularly reading the Bible, participating in faith communities, and engaging with teachings about Jesus’ return. Keep your faith active through prayer, service, and living according to Christ’s example.
Conclusion
Understanding and anticipating Jesus’ return is central to Christian faith. By exploring these FAQs, you can deepen your knowledge and readiness for this profound event. If you have more questions, continue seeking answers through scripture and trusted faith leaders.
