The return of Jesus Christ will be personal, visible and glorious, a blessed hope for which we should constantly watch and pray.
What did Jesus say about His return? What did the eyewitnesses believe?
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” – John 14:1-3
“Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” – Hebrews 9:28
There will be signs that, “redemption is drawing near,” Luke 21:25-28
When Jesus returns everyone will be aware: Matthew 24:27, 30 25:31-46 Revelation 1:7
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
It will be unexpected Luke 12:40 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
No one will predict exactly when: Matthew 24:36, 44, 25:13
“No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” – Matthew 24:36
“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together, with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
In a moment, Jesus returns and there will be resurrection life. 1 Corinthians 15:52 John 6:50-71 1 Thessalonians 4:16
“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” – Philippians 3:20-21
“And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” – Colossians 3:4
Followers of Jesus looking forward to His return as a blessed hope.
“While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” – Titus 2:13
What do we learn about this? The return of Jesus Christ will be personal, visible and glorious, a blessed hope for which we should constantly watch and pray.
What should we do about this?
Jesus taught us to be alert, not distracted by the cares of this world.
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:34-36
“Remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.” 1 John 2:28 As we are in a close personal relationship with Jesus, we will have a confident hope for His return, not fear or shame.
How do we do this?
“Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37-40
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you” – John 15:4 “my words remain in you,” 7 “Remain in my love,” 9 “obey” 10
How does this work? What should we do?
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you” – John 15:4 “my words remain in you,” 7 “Remain in my love,” 9 “obey” 10
- Spend time with Jesus.
- Listen to Jesus.
- Obey Jesus.
- Keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
- Stay in love.
We welcome the anticipated arrival of Jesus here and now, on the day of His return, and at the time of His birth.
We respond by staying in close personal relationship with Jesus (listening, obeying, loving).