The Glorious Return of Christ: Understanding Jesus' Second Coming

When we sing about Jesus being the center of it all, we need to understand what that truly means. It's not about adding Jesus to our agenda or creating a Jesus that fits our preferences. It's about following the Jesus of the Bible - not the American Jesus, the woke Jesus, or any other version we might create to suit our desires.

 

Is Jesus Really the Center of Your Life?

If Jesus is truly the center of our lives, it means He is:

  • Sovereign in our decisions
  • Supreme in our priorities
  • Preeminent in everything we do

Too many Christians today have their own agenda and simply add Jesus to it. But authentic faith means allowing the Jesus of the Bible to transform every aspect of our lives.

 

What Does the Bible Say About Christ's Return?

Scripture gives us clear teachings about the return of Christ. These key passages provide the foundation for understanding this glorious event:

  • Matthew 24:29-31
  • 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • Revelation 19:11-16

These passages aren't just interesting theological concepts - they're meant to shape how we live today. They remind us that we're living in what theologians call "the last days" - the time between Christ's first coming and His return.

 

What Will Christ's Return Look Like?

The Bible describes Christ's return as the most glorious event in human history:

  1. It will be visible - "Every eye will see Him" (Revelation 1:7)
  2. It will be public - Announced with "a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
  3. It will be bodily - The same Jesus who was crucified will return physically
  4. It will be universal - Affecting the entire cosmos, not just Earth
  5. It will happen in an instant - "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52)

This isn't a secret event. It will be announced with power and glory beyond anything we can imagine.

 

Why Must Christ Return?

There are seven key reasons why Christ must return:

  1. To manifest the glory of the triune God - Jesus will display the full glory of God in a way never before seen
  2. To destroy the wicked and persecutors of the church - Justice will finally be complete
  3. To raise mankind from the dead - Both believers and unbelievers will be resurrected
  4. To judge everyone - All people will stand before Him
  5. To renew and reign over all the earth - Creation itself will be restored
  6. To fulfill all His promises - Every divine promise finds its completion in Him
  7. To live in blessed communion with His holy people - We will be with Him forever

 

What Happens to Believers When Christ Returns?

For those who have placed their faith in Christ, His return brings incredible promises:

  • We will receive glorified bodies - "This corruptible must put on incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15:53)
  • Death will be defeated - "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54)
  • We will be united with Christ and fellow believers - "And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
  • We will participate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9)
  • We will reign with Christ forever (Revelation 22:5)

This is why Paul tells us to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The return of Christ isn't something to fear for believers - it's our blessed hope!

 

How Should We Live in Light of Christ's Return?

Knowing that Christ will return should transform how we live today:

  1. Be steadfast and immovable - Don't be swayed by false teaching or cultural pressure
  2. Always abound in the work of the Lord - Serve Him with passion and purpose
  3. Comfort one another - Encourage fellow believers with the hope of Christ's return
  4. Share the gospel urgently - People need to hear about Jesus before it's too late
  5. Live holy lives - Knowing we will stand before Him should motivate godly living

 

Life Application

The return of Christ isn't just a theological concept - it should change how we live today. This week, consider these questions and challenges:

  1. Is Jesus truly the center of your life? Not just added to your agenda, but the Lord of everything you do?

  2. Are you living with urgency? Knowing Christ could return at any moment, are you sharing the gospel and living for what matters eternally?

  3. Does the hope of Christ's return comfort you in difficult times? When facing hardship, do you find strength in knowing that one day all will be made right?

  4. Challenge: Share the hope of Christ's return with someone this week. Whether it's a fellow believer who needs encouragement or someone who doesn't know Jesus, tell them about the glorious hope we have in Christ's return.

Remember, we don't know when Christ will return, but we know He will. Until that day, let's live as faithful servants, eagerly awaiting our Master's return and doing His work until He comes.