Second Coming of JESUS Is Very Near

PREPARE FOR CHRIST‘S SECOND COMING!

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ: The Imminence of His Return

Introduction

The doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant and eagerly awaited events in Christian theology. The return of Jesus is mentioned numerous times throughout the New Testament, and it remains a central hope for Christians around the world. From the early days of the church, believers have lived with the anticipation that Christ would return to establish His kingdom and fulfill the promises made in the Scriptures. The Second Coming of Jesus is not just a theological concept but a reality that influences how Christians live their lives, how they approach the world, and how they view their ultimate destiny.

In the present day, the belief that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent—meaning that it could occur at any moment—has gained significant attention. Many Christians believe that the signs foretold in the Bible are coming to fruition, signaling that Jesus’ return is near. This belief is rooted in various biblical prophecies, teachings of Jesus Himself, and interpretations of the events of the world today. Understanding the Second Coming of Jesus, its biblical foundations, and its significance is essential for every Christian.

1. The Biblical Foundations of the Second Coming

The Second Coming of Jesus is firmly grounded in Scripture. Jesus Himself spoke of His return during His earthly ministry. In Matthew 24, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus describes the signs that would precede His return and the end of the age. He speaks of wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, false prophets, and the increase of wickedness, all of which would serve as signs that His return is near. In verse 30, Jesus says, “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”

The apostles also spoke about the return of Jesus. In Acts 1:11, after Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels appeared to the disciples and said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” This statement reinforces the reality that Jesus will return in the same manner as He ascended: physically, visibly, and with great power.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the Second Coming as a source of hope and encouragement for believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes, “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. 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.” This passage is often cited as a key text in the doctrine of the rapture, the moment when believers will be caught up to meet Jesus.

The Second Coming is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, particularly in Revelation 19:11-16, where Jesus is depicted as returning as a conquering King. He will defeat the forces of evil and establish His eternal kingdom. Revelation 22:20 echoes this anticipation, with John writing, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

2. The Signs of the Second Coming

One of the key aspects of the Second Coming is the presence of signs that will precede it. Jesus and the apostles warned believers to be vigilant and watch for these signs, as they would indicate that the return of Christ is drawing near.

a. The Rise of False Prophets and Deception

In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus warns, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” The rise of false prophets and deceptive teachings has been a persistent theme throughout history. As the world approaches the end of the age, the increase of false teachers and misleading ideologies will be more pronounced. The Bible cautions believers to be discerning and to test every spirit (1 John 4:1).

b. Wars and Rumors of Wars

Jesus speaks of wars and rumors of wars as one of the signs of the end times. In Matthew 24:6-7, He says, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Throughout history, there have been countless wars and conflicts, but in the last century, the world has witnessed two world wars, as well as ongoing regional conflicts and tensions. The rise of global instability and the potential for greater conflicts are seen by many as indications that the return of Christ is imminent.

c. Natural Disasters and Environmental Distress

Jesus also predicted that there would be an increase in natural disasters in the last days. In Matthew 24:7, He says, “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” In the present age, there has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts. Many interpret these events as signs that the world is groaning in anticipation of the return of its Creator, as described in Romans 8:22, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

d. The Gospel Preached to All Nations

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” The spread of the gospel to every nation is seen as a critical sign of the end times. In the modern era, the global spread of Christianity has been accelerated through missionary work, media, and technology. The Bible is being translated into countless languages, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is reaching people groups that were once inaccessible. Many believe that the completion of this task will signal that the time for Christ’s return is drawing near.

e. Moral and Spiritual Decline

The Bible speaks of a moral and spiritual decline in the last days, as people turn away from the truth and embrace lawlessness. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the characteristics of people in the last days: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” This description paints a picture of a society that is morally bankrupt and spiritually apathetic. Many believe that the increasing secularization of society, the breakdown of traditional values, and the rise of immorality are all signs that the world is nearing the end.

f. The Rebirth of Israel

One of the most significant signs of the Second Coming is the rebirth of the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was re-established as a nation, fulfilling biblical prophecy and setting the stage for the fulfillment of end-time events. In Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus speaks of the fig tree as a symbol of Israel: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” Many prophecy scholars see the establishment of Israel as a key sign that the end of the age is drawing near.

3. The Imminence of Christ’s Return

The Second Coming of Christ is not something that can be predicted with exact precision, as Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” However, Jesus also emphasized that His return would be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44). Therefore, Christians are urged to be prepared at all times, living in a state of readiness and anticipation.

The apostle Paul echoes this call for readiness in 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6: “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

The Second Coming is a moment that will bring both great joy and great terror. For believers, it is a moment of hope, as they will be united with Christ forever. For unbelievers, it will be a moment of judgment and separation from God. This dual aspect of the Second Coming is emphasized in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus speaks of the final judgment, separating the sheep (the righteous) from the goats (the wicked).

4. The Role of the Church in Light of Christ’s Return

The doctrine of the Second Coming has a profound impact on the life of the church. Believers are called to live with a sense of urgency, proclaiming the gospel to the nations, living holy lives, and eagerly awaiting the return of their Savior. The Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:11-12, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”

The church’s mission is clear: to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and to prepare for His return. As Christians live in the light of Christ’s imminent return, they are called to live lives of holiness, justice, and mercy, serving others and sharing the love of Christ with the world. The anticipation of Christ’s return should shape every aspect of the church’s ministry and mission.

Conclusion

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is an event that Christians eagerly await. It is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the moment when all things will be made new. The signs of the times, as described in Scripture, indicate that Jesus’ return is near. Wars, natural disasters, moral decline, the spread of the gospel, and the rebirth of Israel all point to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. While the exact timing of Christ’s return is unknown, believers are called to live in a state of readiness, eagerly awaiting the day when they will be united with Christ forever. The Second Coming is a message of hope for Christians, a reminder that God’s promises will be fulfilled and that Christ will return to establish His eternal kingdom.