The Return of Christ
Draft, under review
Christians across the centuries have confessed together that Jesus will return in the same way He was seen going into heaven (Acts 1:11): bodily, visibly and in glory, to raise the dead, judge the world and make all things new. Faithful, Bible-believing Christians differ on the details of the millennium, the timing of the rapture and how to read Revelation. Here each main view is presented in its strongest form, with its own key texts. These are secondary matters. Hold them with conviction and charity, and do not break fellowship over them.
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What does the Bible say about Jesus' return?
- Acts 1:9–11
9After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.”
- Matt 24:29–31
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And 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 the heavens to the other.
- 1 Thess 4:16–17
16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
- Acts 1:9–11
Can anyone know when Jesus will return?
- Matt 24:36–44
36No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Keep reading
- Acts 1:7
7Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.
- 1 Thess 5:1–6
1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. 2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. Keep reading
- Matt 24:36–44
How should I live while waiting for His return?
- 2 Pet 3:8–14
8Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. 10But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Keep reading
- Titus 2:11–14
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. 12It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Keep reading
- Matt 25:1–13
1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. Keep reading
- 2 Pet 3:8–14