The Second Coming of Christ
The return of Jesus Christ is described in Revelation 19:11–21.
Like the rapture, there are specific elements to Christ’s second coming. But, unlike the rapture:
- Christ will come with judgment
- Christ will come back with His people
- Everyone will see Christ’s return
A joyous time for God’s people
As the disciples watched Jesus ascend, two angels appeared to encourage them. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven” (Acts 1:11).
This event, and this event only, will bring an end to the senseless killing, wars, and unrighteousness of humankind.
“The government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever!” (Isaiah 9:6–7).
The return of Christ upon the earth is what every believer yearns for and eagerly awaits.
A time of reckoning and judgment
As far as the inhabitants of the earth are concerned, the second coming of Christ will not be a joyous event but one of terrible judgment. Remember, believers will already be with Jesus in Heaven, and will come back with Him.
“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him” (Jude 14–15).
This is the day when Jesus is finally vindicated before everyone. Every eye shall see him, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord! (See Philippians 2:9–11.)
Even in this terrible time, the hearts of men and women will be hard and they will curse and blaspheme God though He has given them warning of His impending judgment. In the eyes of the nonbeliever, God is never fair in what He does. When people suffer the consequences of flaunting God’s grace and breaking His commandments, they blame God and call Him unjust!
Believers will share in the Lord’s glory
If you are walking with the Lord, rejoice! Not only will you escape judgment, but you will share in God’s glorious return! “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
