The Bible offers us many insights about Christ’s return, painting a picture of what we can look forward to. Instead of stirring up fear or emphasizing judgment, these teachings focus on hope, renewal, and the promises God has made.
Grasping these ideas can help us stay grounded and hopeful, keeping our eyes on what truly matters. Whether you’re revisiting these concepts or encountering them for the first time, here are 14 important things the Bible tells us about Christ’s return.
Christ’s Return Will Be Unexpected
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36
The Bible tells us that no one knows exactly when Christ will return. It will be a surprise, just like a thief coming in the night. This means that rather than trying to predict the timing, we should always be prepared and live in a way that reflects our faith daily.
It Will Be Visible to All
“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.” – Revelation 1:7
It will not be a “secret rapture” where only a select few witness Christ’s return. According to the Bible, His return will be a visible, undeniable event that everyone, everywhere, will see. It will be one of those monumental moments that the whole world experiences together without any doubt or ambiguity.
The Dead in Christ Will Rise First
“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.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16
This verse comforts us with the promise that death does not mean the end and that those who believe in Him will be a part of that great resurrection.
There Will Be Signs in the Heavens
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” – Luke 21:25-27
The Bible predicts that there will be clear signs in the heavens before Christ’s return, such as unusual changes in the sun, moon, and stars. These signs remind us to stay grounded in our faith and to remain focused on the promise of His imminent return.
There Will Be a Loud Trumpet
“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.” – Matthew 24:31
There will be a loud trumpet sound when Christ returns. This isn’t just any noise; it’s a powerful signal that will gather all believers from every corner of the earth. It acts as a divine wake-up call for those who have patiently and faithfully placed their hope in Him.
Believers Will Be Gathered to Meet Him
“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.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17
After the resurrection of the dead, believers who are still alive will be caught up to meet Christ in the air. This moment, often referred to as the rapture, is when we’ll be reunited with Christ and live with Him forever.
Christ Will Come in Power and Glory
“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.” – Matthew 24:30
When Christ returns, it will be in a display of immense power and glory. Unlike His first coming, which was marked by humility, His return will reveal Him as the King of Kings, reigning with supreme authority over all creation. This majestic arrival will showcase His true magnificence and command the attention of the entire world.
There Will Be a Final Judgment
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-2
In this verse, the Bible speaks about a final judgment when Christ returns. This judgment will separate those who followed Him from those who rejected Him, determining their eternal destinies. It’s a reminder to live with purpose and faith, knowing our choices matter.
Jesus Will Defeat His Enemies
When Christ returns, all the forces of evil are conquered once and for all (Revelation 19:11-16). This victory will mark the end of injustice and oppression as Jesus establishes His reign of peace and righteousness.
Heaven and Earth Will Be Made New
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” – Revelation 21:1
The Bible says that when Jesus comes again, there will be a new heaven and a new earth, wherein one’s sin and suffering will be wiped away, and everything will be made right.
There Will Be False Messiahs
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” – Matthew 24:24
Before Christ returns, many people will claim to be the Messiah or say that they have some special information concerning His return. The Bible warns us not to be deceived by such false claims because all will unmistakably know the actual return of Christ.
It Will Happen Suddenly
“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” – Matthew 24:27
Christ’s coming will be sudden, like a flash of lightning across the sky. Because of this suddenness, we are called upon to be always prepared—living each day as though He could come at any moment, for no one will have time to get ready at the last minute.
Believers Should Live in Hope
“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:12-13
While the world might fear the end times, the Bible encourages believers to live in hope. Christ’s return is something to look forward to, as it means the fulfillment of all His promises and the beginning of eternal peace.
Jesus Will Reign Forever
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah,and He will reign forever and ever.” – Revelation 11:15
When Christ comes back, He’ll set up His eternal kingdom, where He’ll rule with perfect justice, peace, and love. His reign will put an end to all other powers, and it will last forever. For those who follow Him, this means being with Him forever in a place of lasting peace and joy.
The Second Coming
Christ’s second coming is deeply significant for many believers, as it underscores the core of our hope. It reminds us that, despite the chaos and challenges of this world, there is a promise of restoration, justice, and eternal peace. While we don’t know the exact timing, the Bible encourages us to live each day with faith, hope, and readiness. Understanding what the Bible says about His return helps give us purpose and direction as we eagerly anticipate that momentous day.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.