The Blessed Hope: Understanding the Second Coming of Christ

The doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the most foundational and comforting truths within the Christian faith. It is not merely a theological concept but a living hope that shapes the believer's present life and future expectation. From the very moment of His ascension, the promise of His return has echoed through the ages, providing solace and motivation to His followers. The Bible, particularly the King James Version, speaks with unwavering clarity concerning this glorious event, revealing its certainty, manner, purpose, and the hope it inspires.

The Certainty of His Return

The promise of Christ's return is as sure as His first coming. When Jesus ascended into heaven, two men in white apparel declared to the disciples: "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11). This is an explicit, undeniable declaration. Jesus Himself frequently spoke of His return, assuring His disciples, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:2-3). The Apostle Paul further solidified this hope, stating that Christ "shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28). The certainty of His return is woven throughout prophecy, the words of Christ, and the teachings of the apostles, making it an indispensable part of Christian theology.

The Manner of His Return

Unlike His first advent in humility, the Second Coming will be an event of unparalleled glory and power. The Bible describes it with vivid detail:

  • Visible and Universal: His return will not be a secret event but visible to all. "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." (Revelation 1:7). Jesus also said, "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:27).
  • Audible and Glorious: It will be accompanied by a mighty sound and heavenly spectacle. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). He will come "in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30).
  • Accompanied by Heavenly Hosts: He will not return alone but with all His holy angels. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory." (Matthew 25:31).
  • Physical Return to Earth: Specifically, His feet will stand upon the Mount of Olives, as prophesied in Zechariah 14:4.

The Purpose of His Return

The multifaceted purposes of Christ's Second Coming are central to God's redemptive plan:

  • To Receive His Saints: As promised in John 14:3, He returns to gather His redeemed people to Himself, both the living and the resurrected dead. This is the "blessed hope" of the church (Titus 2:13).
  • To Judge the World: He will execute righteous judgment upon the ungodly and His enemies. "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
  • To Establish His Millennial Kingdom: Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning His universal, righteous, and peaceful kingdom. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15; see also Revelation 20:4-6).
  • To Restore Creation: His reign will bring about a restoration of creation, freeing it from the curse of sin (Romans 8:20-22).

    • The Two Phases of His Coming: Rapture and Glorious Appearing

    Many Bible students, especially those adhering to a dispensational understanding, discern two distinct phases in Christ's Second Coming, separated by a period of tribulation:

    The Rapture (Coming for His Saints)

    This phase is described primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. It is often referred to as the "catching away" of the church.

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

    1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

    This event is presented as sudden, unexpected, and distinct from the visible return to earth. Believers will be transformed and taken to be with the Lord in the air. This "blessed hope" is for the church, saving it from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

    The Glorious Appearing (Coming with His Saints)

    This phase occurs after a period of great tribulation on earth. Christ returns visibly and powerfully to the earth, accompanied by His saints who were raptured.

    And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

    Revelation 19:11-14

    In this second phase, Christ comes as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16) to defeat His enemies, judge the nations, and establish His earthly kingdom. This is the fulfillment of prophecies like Zechariah 14:4, where His feet stand on the Mount of Olives.

    Signs of His Coming

    While the exact day and hour of Christ's return are unknown (Matthew 24:36), Jesus and the apostles gave numerous signs indicating the imminence of His coming. These are not meant for precise dating but for alerting believers to the season:

    • Wars and Rumours of Wars: An increase in global conflict and unrest (Matthew 24:6-7).
    • Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes: Natural disasters will intensify (Luke 21:11).
    • Persecution of Believers: Christians will face increasing hatred and tribulation (Matthew 24:9).
    • Increase of Iniquity: Lawlessness and moral decay will abound, causing the love of many to wax cold (Matthew 24:12).
    • Global Preaching of the Gospel: The gospel of the kingdom must be preached to all nations before the end comes (Matthew 24:14).
    • Deception and False Christs: Many will come claiming to be Christ, and false prophets will arise (Matthew 24:4-5, Matthew 24:24).
    • Apostasy: A significant falling away from the faith will occur (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1).

    These signs indicate a general trend rather than specific events, urging believers to be watchful and prepared.

    The Believer's Hope and Preparation

    In light of Christ's imminent return, the Bible calls believers to live with a sense of urgency and expectation:

  • Live Soberly and Righteously: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13).
  • Watch and Pray: Jesus repeatedly admonished His disciples to be watchful, for they know not the hour He will return (Matthew 24:42, Luke 21:36).
  • Occupy Till He Comes: We are to be faithful stewards of the gifts and resources God has given us, actively serving Him until His return (Luke 19:13).
  • Purify Ourselves: The hope of His appearing should motivate us to live holy lives. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." (1 John 3:3).

    • Conclusion

    The Second Coming of Christ is not a myth or a mere possibility; it is a divine certainty, a pivotal event in God's eternal plan. It is the culmination of history, the consummation of salvation, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. For the believer, it is the "blessed hope" that transcends earthly trials and offers the promise of eternal fellowship with our Lord. As we observe the world around us and the unfolding of prophetic signs, let us be reminded to live lives of faithful expectation, diligently serving Him, and eagerly awaiting the glorious return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.