Second Coming of Jesus

QUESTION: What does the Bible say about the Second Coming of Jesus?

ANSWER:

The Second Coming of Jesus is a widely misunderstood and debated topic, even among eschatology scholars. The Bible foretells of this "day of the Lord" or "end times" event, but readers often confuse it with what is called the Rapture. In studying either, it is important to understand the difference.

Debaters often proclaim the "Rapture" is a word that is not in the Bible. That is true! English translations do not actually use the word Rapture but it is translated from the Greek word harpazo, meaning caught, away, up. (See Strong's Concordance # 726 and # 138.) The belief is largely based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It is important to note this because this verse says, "to meet the Lord in the air." This means Jesus does not step foot on the earth at this time; believers will be called up to the clouds to meet Him.

The Second Coming refers to Jesus' return to earth itself, conquering Satan (Revelation 16:15-17 and 17:14) and reclaiming God's Kingdom with His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Zechariah 14:5; Jude 1:14). Jesus himself foretold of His return in Matthew 24 and 25. In these two chapters, He goes into great detail about the events leading up to the time of His return.

Jesus, speaking of Himself, said in Matthew 25: 31-32, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (Here He is saying that God will separate His obedient followers from the pretenders and unbelievers.)

In John 14:3, Jesus states, "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." Then in verse 28-29, He speaks more on this promise saying that He is telling this ahead of time so that when it does happen, we will know He is true.

The early followers of Jesus Christ knew He had ascended to heaven and they expected that He would return for them as promised. However, the promise is for all who have been faithful believers since. Be spiritually prepared and watchful for His victorious return!