In our “Connecting the Dots” series, we began with God’s creation and now approach the culmination of His redemptive plan with the return of Christ, to be followed next week by the New Heavens and New Earth. This doctrine fills us with hope, like families awaiting soldiers’ surprise homecomings, filled with joy at reunion. Jesus’ return will be far greater, uniting us with our Savior forever. We know He’s coming, though the timing remains unknown, stirring anticipation and purpose in our lives.
Matthew 24:29-31 paints a vivid picture: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
Jesus will return bodily, suddenly, and triumphantly to raise the dead, judge all people, and renew creation. Let’s explore what Christ will do, what His return will be like, when it might happen, and how we should live in light of this truth.
What Christ Will Do at His Return
Jesus’ second coming will accomplish several key acts, uniting biblical promises:
- Return in Glory: Christ will appear in splendor, visible to all (Matthew 24:30).
- Raise the Dead: The dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- Separate Sheep from Goats: He will divide the righteous from the unrighteous (Matthew 25:32-33).
- Judge the Living and Dead: Christ will execute final judgment (2 Timothy 4:1).
- Defeat Satan: He will cast Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
- Restore Creation: He will usher in the New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21:1).
These acts fulfill God’s redemptive plan, restoring what sin corrupted.
What Christ’s Return Will Be Like
The New Testament describes four characteristics of Christ’s return:
- Personal: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus, not merely His influence, will return.
- Bodily: Acts 1:11 promises, “This Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven,” in His glorified body.
- Sudden: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). No one, not even Jesus, in his humanity, knows the hour (Matthew 24:36).
- Triumphant: He will come “with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30), with angels and a trumpet call, undeniable to all.
His return will be unmistakable, shattering misconceptions of secrecy or subtlety.
When Will Christ Return?
The timing of Christ’s return sparks debate, centered on the “millennium” in Revelation 20:1-10, a 1000-year reign of Christ. Four main views exist within Christianity, and this is an open-handed issue, allowing disagreement among faithful believers:
- Dispensational Premillennialism: Christ returns before a literal 1000-year reign, preceded by a secret rapture of the church, sparing believers from a tribulation. This view, citing Matthew 24:40-41 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17, sees “one taken, one left” as a rapture. However, in my opinion, the rapture concept lacks strong biblical support.
- Historic Premillennialism: Christ returns before a (possibly figurative or literal) 1000-year reign, after believers endure tribulation. The church is seen as true Israel, with one salvation plan for all (Romans 9:6-8).
- Amillennialism: The millennium is the current church age, not a literal 1000 years. Christ returns at its end, judging all and ushering in the New Heavens and New Earth. The “first resurrection” is spiritual (believers’ salvation), the second physical (Revelation 20:5-6).
- Postmillennialism: Christ returns after a “Golden Age” where Christianity spreads, Christianizing the world. The millennium is a long period of peace, followed by Christ’s return and final judgment.
Despite differences, all views affirm Christ’s bodily return, the resurrection, judgment, eternal life for the righteous, eternal death for the unrighteous, and the new creation. These core truths unite us.
Living in Light of Christ’s Return
The certainty of Christ’s return shapes how we live today, offering three key applications:
Prepare for Persecution and Guard Against Deception
Matthew 24:9-11 warns, “They will deliver you up to tribulation… and many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” Jesus promised persecution for His followers (John 15:18). We must prepare by knowing God’s Word deeply to discern truth from falsehood. False teachers abound, and without Scripture written on our hearts, we risk deception. Study the Bible diligently to stand firm in trials.
Live on Mission Now
Jesus urges readiness for His return (Matthew 24:44). We prepare by obeying His commands and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Countless people around us face eternal judgment if Christ returns today. Are we using our gifts to share the gospel? Do we care for the lost? His imminent return fuels urgency to proclaim Christ boldly, trusting God to work through us.
Find Comfort and Hope in His Victory
Christ’s triumphant return offers unshakable hope. Colossians 3:2-4 exhorts, “Set your minds on things that are above… When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” United to Christ, we’ll share His resurrection glory. This hope comforts us amid trials, knowing Jesus will defeat Satan, end suffering, and renew all things. We live with an eternal perspective, anchored in His victory.
The Joy of His Coming
Like families overjoyed at a soldier’s return, we anticipate Christ’s return with greater joy, knowing He’ll gather His elect and make all things new. As we eagerly await the second coming, let’s prepare for persecution, live on mission, and find hope in Jesus’ triumphant return. Revelation 22:20 declares, “’Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Tethered to Truth 