The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a central belief in Christianity, often stirring both hope and curiosity among believers. But what exactly does the Bible say will happen before this monumental event? Let’s dive into the signs and occurrences that precede the return of Jesus, according to Scripture.
Understanding the Second Coming
Before we explore the events leading up to the Second Coming, it’s crucial to understand what this term means. The Second Coming refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, as promised in the New Testament. It’s distinct from His first arrival, when He was born in Bethlehem, lived among us, and sacrificed Himself on the cross.
Christians believe that during the Second Coming, Jesus will come back as a triumphant king, bringing judgment and establishing His eternal kingdom. This belief is rooted in verses like Acts 1:11 where angels tell 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.”
Signs of the Second Coming
The Bible provides several signs that will occur before the Second Coming. These signs serve as indicators that the end times are approaching. Let’s break them down:
1. Increased Deception and False Prophets
Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets and deceptive teachings that would rise in the last days. In Matthew 24:24, He said, “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
- False Prophets: People claiming to be Christ or speaking in His name without His authority.
- Deceptive Signs: Miracles and wonders intended to mislead believers.
2. Wars and Rumors of Wars
Conflict and unrest are highlighted as precursors to the end times. Matthew 24:6-7 mentions, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”
- Global Conflict: Escalating tensions and conflicts among countries.
- Instability: Political and social unrest across the world.
3. Natural Disasters
Jesus also pointed to natural disasters as signs of His imminent return. He described various calamities in Matthew 24:7: “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”
- Earthquakes: Increasing seismic activities worldwide.
- Famines: Severe food shortages affecting different regions.
- Pestilences: Outbreaks of diseases and pandemics.
4. Persecution of Believers
Believers will face intensified persecution before the Second Coming. Jesus explained in Matthew 24:9, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
- Persecution: Christians facing hostility and oppression for their faith.
- Martyrdom: Some will lose their lives for the sake of Christ.
5. Apostasy and Lawlessness
The Bible warns of a great falling away from faith, known as apostasy, and an increase in lawlessness. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 states, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.”
- Apostasy: A widespread abandonment of the Christian faith.
- Lawlessness: Growing moral decay and disregard for God’s laws.
6. Spread of the Gospel
Despite the chaos, there’s a positive sign – the widespread preaching of the Gospel. Matthew 24:14 declares, “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.”
- Global Evangelism: The message of Jesus reaching every corner of the Earth.
- Witness to All Nations: People from all backgrounds hearing the Good News.
7. The Revelation of the Antichrist
The emergence of the Antichrist, a figure of ultimate evil and deception, is another key sign. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 describes him as someone who “will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
- Antichrist: A person or power opposing Christ and leading many astray.
- Great Deception: This figure will deceive many into following him.
8. Cosmic Disturbances
The Bible also mentions dramatic changes in the cosmos. In Matthew 24:29, Jesus says, “Immediately after the distress of those days ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’”
- Sun and Moon Darkened: Celestial signs pointing to the end times.
- Falling Stars: Potential cosmic events causing fear and awe.
What Should You Do?
Understanding these signs isn’t just about predicting the future; it’s about preparing your heart and soul. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Vigilant: Be aware of these signs and remain steadfast in your faith.
- Deepen Your Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and study the Bible to strengthen your connection with Him.
- Share the Gospel: Take part in spreading the message of Jesus to others.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on global events, but don’t be alarmed – these things must happen.
- Live Righteously: Follow God’s commandments and strive to live a holy life.
Conclusion
The events leading up to the Second Coming are both awe-inspiring and sobering. By understanding these signs, you can be better prepared and remain faithful as the world moves towards this climactic event. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Stay vigilant, stay faithful, and keep spreading the Good News. The best way to prepare for the future is to live faithfully today.
FAQs About the Events Before the Second Coming
1. What is the Second Coming?
Question: What exactly is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Answer: The Second Coming refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, as promised in the New Testament. Unlike His first arrival, the Second Coming will see Jesus return as a triumphant king to judge the world and establish His eternal kingdom. This event is eagerly anticipated by Christians around the world.
2. What are some of the signs that will happen before the Second Coming?
Question: What signs should we look for before the Second Coming?
Answer: The Bible outlines several signs indicating the approach of the Second Coming:
- Increased Deception and False Prophets: False prophets and deceptive teachings will rise.
- Wars and Rumors of Wars: Conflicts and global unrest will escalate.
- Natural Disasters: There will be more famines, earthquakes, and pestilences.
- Persecution of Believers: Christians will face intensified persecution.
- Apostasy and Lawlessness: Many will abandon their faith, and moral decay will increase.
- Spread of the Gospel: The message of Jesus will be preached worldwide.
- Revelation of the Antichrist: A figure opposing Christ will deceive many.
- Cosmic Disturbances: There will be significant changes in the sun, moon, and stars.
3. Why is the spread of the Gospel significant before the Second Coming?
Question: Why is it important that the Gospel is preached to all nations before the Second Coming?
Answer: The widespread preaching of the Gospel is a positive sign that precedes the Second Coming. Jesus stated in Matthew 24:14 that the end will come only after the Gospel of the kingdom has been preached in the whole world. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to hear about Jesus and respond to His message.
4. Who is the Antichrist and what role does he play before the Second Coming?
Question: Who or what is the Antichrist mentioned in the Bible?
Answer: The Antichrist is a figure of ultimate evil and deception who will appear before the Second Coming. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:4, the Antichrist will oppose God and exalt himself over everything that is worshiped. He will deceive many, leading them away from Christ. His emergence is a significant sign of the approaching end times.
5. How should I prepare for the Second Coming?
Question: What can I do to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
Answer: To prepare for the Second Coming:
- Stay Vigilant: Be aware of the signs and remain steadfast in your faith.
- Deepen Your Relationship with God: Engage in prayer and Bible study.
- Share the Gospel: Participate in spreading the message of Jesus.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on global events without fear.
- Live Righteously: Follow God’s commandments and strive for holiness.
6. What did Jesus mean by “wars and rumors of wars”?
Question: What does “wars and rumors of wars” signify in the context of the Second Coming?
Answer: In Matthew 24:6-7, Jesus mentioned “wars and rumors of wars” as indicators of the end times. This phrase refers to escalating conflicts and global unrest, including actual wars and threats or speculations of wars. These events are signs that the world is moving towards the Second Coming.
7. Are natural disasters a sign of the Second Coming?
Question: Do natural disasters indicate the approach of the Second Coming?
Answer: Yes, natural disasters are listed as signs of the Second Coming. Jesus spoke of famines, earthquakes, and pestilences in Matthew 24:7. These calamities are seen as indicators that the world is nearing the end times.
8. What is apostasy and how does it relate to the Second Coming?
Question: What is apostasy and why is it significant before the Second Coming?
Answer: Apostasy is the widespread abandonment of the Christian faith. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns that before the Second Coming, there will be a significant falling away from belief in Christ. This increase in disbelief and moral decay is a key sign of the end times.
9. How do cosmic disturbances relate to the Second Coming?
Question: What are the cosmic disturbances mentioned in the Bible, and what do they signify?
Answer: Cosmic disturbances include significant changes in the sun, moon, and stars. In Matthew 24:29, Jesus described the sun being darkened, the moon not giving its light, and stars falling from the sky. These dramatic events in the cosmos are signs pointing to the imminence of the Second Coming.
10. Should I be afraid of the signs of the Second Coming?
Question: Is there a reason to fear the signs leading up to the Second Coming?
Answer: While the signs can be sobering, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and hopeful. Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:6 remind us not to be alarmed by these events. Instead, they should strengthen our resolve to live righteously and share the Gospel, knowing that these signs point to the fulfillment of God’s promise.
