The Bible does not state the date or year Jesus will return. Only His Father knows when Jesus will return; even the angels do not know. However, He has given His followers signs to look out for. As a Christian, you might have encountered these signs daily, leaving you to wonder, when is Jesus coming back?
The Bible does not specify the time, date, or year Jesus will return. However, apocalyptic books outline the signs that will precede the second coming of Jesus. Some of these signs include wars on a large scale, famine, great earthquakes, epidemics of terrible diseases, increased crime rate, breakdown of the family unit, and religious hypocrisy.
What does the Bible say about Jesus coming back? What signs can Christians look out for when waiting for Jesus to come back? What will Jesus do when he comes back? Why did Jesus say the Kingdom of God is near? Will Jesus come back to this earth? Can we know the exact date when Jesus will come back? How will we know when Jesus comes back? What can Christians do while they wait for Jesus to come back? How can Christians get ready for Jesus’ second coming? Read on to learn more!
What does the Bible say about Jesus coming back?
The Bible does not specify the time when Jesus will come back. However, many books in the Bible talk in detail about the signs of the end of times. They give detailed accounts of all events that will take place before and during the second coming of Jesus/Messiah.
In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus informs his followers of His second return and the need to be prepared, Matthew 25. Speaking of His second coming, Jesus says that no one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels, only His Father. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only,” Matthew 24:36. He says that trying to figure out the day and hour when He will come back is like sitting a watching a tree during spring. By watching the tree, it is impossible to tell when the summer season will begin. However, when the leaves of the fig tree start to grow back then, you can tell that it is almost summer, Matthew 24:32. Therefore, as a Christian, because it is impossible to tell the exact day and hour when Jesus will come back, you are called on to be always ready by living a holy life.
Since Jesus died on the cross around AD 33, Christians worldwide have been waiting for His second return. Many Christians have their eyes on the signs given in Revelation, Daniel, and Matthew 24, as well as other books in the Bible.
What signs can Christians look out for when waiting for Jesus to come back?
False Prophets
During His ministry, Jesus warns His followers to be on the lookout for false prophets and those that will come claiming to be Him (Christ). False Prophets and Messiahs will be a major sign that Jesus is almost coming back. If you observe keenly, you will see that today’s world is full of false prophets claiming to know exactly when Jesus will return.
Famine
As stated in the Bible, Jesus says that during the end times, there will be famine. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places,” Matthew 24:7. In Revelations, Apostle John describes a symbolic horseman who will ride across the earth causing famine, Revelations 6:8.
Great Earthquakes
In Matthew, Jesus states that there will be great earthquakes in many places worldwide before His second coming. The earthquakes will cause loss of life and suffering on an unprecedented scale.
Disease
Another sign that the end of times is near is pestilence. Pestilences are fatal epidemic diseases, mainly bubonic plagues. These plagues are prevalent and are characterized by fever, formation of buboes, and delirium. These pestilences have been experienced worldwide for the last few centuries, an example being the recent COVID-19.
Religious Hypocrisy
2 Timothy 3:5 states that during the end of times, people will appear to worship God but will not live by His standards. This amounts to hypocrisy; as a Christian, you are expected to follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Breakdown of the Family Unit
In 2 Timothy 3:2-3, Paul foretells that the family unit will break down during the end of times. Most people will not have a natural affection for their family members. Also, children will disobey their parents.
War and Rumors of War
In Matthew 24, Jesus states that there will be wars and rumors of war during the end of times. Kingdoms will rise against their neighbors and nations alike. These events will come and pass but will signify the end of times.
These are the main signs Christians can look out for when waiting for Jesus to come back.
What will Jesus do when he comes back?
When Jesus returns, He will do the following;
Cleanse the Earth
During His second return, Jesus will possess great power. He will punish the wicked and rule nations with an iron rod. He will be fierce and possess the wrath of God.
Judge His People
When He comes back, Jesus will judge the living and the dead. He will separate the righteous from the sinners. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life in paradise while the wicked will be condemned to burn forever in hell, Matthew 25:31-46.
Usher in the Millenium
Jesus will rule the earth for 1000 years. It is this period that is referred to as the Millennium. As I mentioned, Jesus will rule the earth with an iron rod during His reign. The wicked will be burnished to burn forever in hell, while the righteous shall be rewarded with eternal life in Heaven.
He will resurrect the Dead.
He will call all people who lived righteously before their death to welcome Him as He descends from Heaven. These individuals will be rewarded with eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
He will assume His Seat as the King of Heaven and Earth
When Jesus returns, He will put up His government here on earth. He will rule the earth for 1000 years, separating the righteous from the wicked.
Why did Jesus say the Kingdom of God is near?
This statement can be taken to mean two things. First, the Kingdom of God is near because Jesus will return soon to establish a Kingdom here on earth. During His reign, He will separate the righteous from the wicked. Second, the Kingdom of God is near because it is only a prayer away. Jesus craves to establish His Kingdom in your hearts, but often, you do not let Him in because of the things we harbor in our hearts.
Will Jesus come back to this earth?
Jesus is destined to come back to earth. It is not a question of if he will but when. For this reason, all Christians are advised to follow in His footsteps so that when He comes back, they be among those that will be lucky enough to be called to welcome Him as He descends from Heaven to earth.
Can we know the exact date when Jesus will come back?
The Bible does not specify the exact date when Jesus will come back. He states that only God knows the time; even the angels in Heaven do not know the time. Therefore, we cannot know the exact date when Jesus will come back; any person claiming to know when Jesus will come back is lying. Even though signs of end times are clearly outlined in the Bible, it is still hard to specifically point out the exact moment Jesus will return.
How will we know when Jesus comes back?
Everybody will know when Jesus returns to the earth. Everybody will witness as He descends from Heaven to earth. However, the righteous will be the first to know because they will be alerted to go and welcome Him when He comes back.
What can Christians do while they wait for Jesus to come back?
As you wait for the second coming of Jesus, as a Christian, you should be praying, living honorably and courageously with love and devotion. Seek to love not only God but also the people around you. Be a force for good.
How can Christians get ready for Jesus’ second coming?
As a Christian, you can prepare for Jesus’ second coming by accepting His sacrifice on the cross on your behalf, confessing your sins so that you can be forgiven, trusting and believing in Him, obeying His law of liberty, and following in His footsteps. By doing so, you will be ready for the messiah’s second coming.
References
catholicreadings.org. (2020). The Kingdom of God is near – Luke 21:29-33. Retrieved January 6, 2023
churchofjesuschrist.org. (2011). The second coming of Jesus Christ. Retrieved January 6, 2023
jw.org. (n.d.). What is the sign of “The last days” or “End times”? Retrieved January 6, 2023
kingjamesbibleonline.org. (n.d.). Official King James Bible online. Retrieved January 6, 2023
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
