The return of Jesus, also known as the Second Coming, is a central event in Christian eschatology. The Bible describes various aspects of this return, offering clues about what will take place when Jesus comes back. Below are key events and references from Scripture:
1. **Jesus Will Return Visibly and Gloriously**
– The Second Coming will be a public and visible event, with Jesus appearing in glory and power.
– *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.”
– *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.”
2. **The Resurrection of the Dead**
– Believers who have died will be resurrected to eternal life.
– *1 Thessalonians 4:16*: “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.”
– *John 5:28-29*: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
3. **Judgment Will Be Rendered**
– All people will stand before Christ for judgment, and He will separate the righteous from the wicked.
– *Matthew 25:31-33*: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 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.”
– *2 Corinthians 5:10*: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
4. **The Righteous Will Be Gathered to Christ**
– Believers will be caught up to meet Jesus and will dwell with Him forever.
– *1 Thessalonians 4:17*: “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.”
– *Matthew 24:31*: “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
5. **The Defeat of Evil**
– Jesus will triumph over all evil forces, including Satan, and establish His eternal Kingdom.
– *Revelation 19:11-16*: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war… On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
– *Revelation 20:10*: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
6. **The Creation of a New Heaven and a New Earth**
– The current heavens and earth will pass away, and God will create a new, perfect world where He will dwell with His people.
– *Revelation 21:1-4*: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'”
7. **The Restoration of All Things**
– God’s eternal plan will be fulfilled, and everything will be made right. There will be no more death, suffering, or sin.
– *Acts 3:21*: “Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”
– *Isaiah 65:17*: “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
The Bible emphasizes readiness and faithfulness as believers await Christ’s return (*Matthew 24:42-44*, *Matthew 25:13*). While much about the timing and specific details remains unknown, Scripture assures us that Jesus’ coming will bring ultimate victory, justice, and restoration for those who trust in Him.