When is Jesus Coming Back?

This question is asked a lot.  And the answer is quite simple.  We don’t know.  But God does.  And it will be in His perfect time. 

However, signs of the times assure us that His return is drawing closer and closer. As we observe increasing sin in the world, growing apostasy in the church, and the unfolding of God’s promises, we are reminded that Jesus will indeed return to judge the world and all that is in it. He will do so in God’s time and according to His sovereign plan. Until that day, we—as Christians—are called to share the gospel, grow the Kingdom of God here on earth, and strengthen our brothers and sisters in the Kingdom.

We Do Not Know When, But We Must Be Ready

When Jesus will return, we do not know. The Bible gives some clues about the season, and it is fair to say that we are in the last times. Perhaps it will be in our lifetime. This is not a matter of speculation, but of expectation—and holy urgency. Because the end could be very near, we have urgent work to do. We have been commissioned by Jesus to tell the world who He truly is, what He has done, and the promises He offers to all who come to Him in faith—before time runs out.

Two Advents

In Jesus’ first advent, He came as a suffering servant to seek and save the lost. He was the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world and then rose from the grave, conquering death and opening the way to Heaven.  When Jesus returned to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit, giving birth to the Church and the Kingdom of God. 

But Jesus is coming again. He will return first for His saints and then with His saints.

Returning for His Saints: The Rapture

Jesus will come down from Heaven, but not all the way to earth.  He will call us up to meet Him in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This is the blessed hope of every believer: to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and to be forever with Him. (Read: What is the Rapture?)

Returning with His Saints: The Second Coming

When Jesus comes back to earth with His saints, He will come as the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and He will judge the sin of the world (2 Timothy 4:1). Anyone who has not been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb will be found wanting. The day of judgment will be real, decisive, and eternal. No one will be able to say, “I didn’t know,” for the gospel will have been proclaimed and the offer of salvation made to all.

Before Jesus Returns

Before Jesus comes for His saints, we want people to come to a knowledge of who He is and what He has done. If they don’t come to faith in Jesus, they will be left behind when He comes in the clouds and face a period of tribulation never seen before.  But if they will turn to Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and trust in His atonement and His redeeming power, He will forgive them, wash away their sins, give them an imputed righteousness, and the gift of eternal life. This is the message we carry. It is a message of hope. It is a message of freedom. It is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has come to save the world.  And it’s the good news we must share.

So When Will Jesus Return?

Again, we don’t know the day or the hour, but we do know the season; and we are in that season. With the last of the last day approaching, we encourage you not to be concerned about when it will happen.  Rather, be concerned about what you should be doing in preparation of His return:

• Continue studying the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Know the truth so that you can stand firm in it. The Bible is our only sure guide, and it is essential for our growth and our readiness.
• Be ready to share the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15). Every Christian is a witness. We are all called to evangelize the lost, with the hope that they will hear the truth and be converted. We are not to hide our faith. We are called to live it out boldly and with love and proclaim the gospel of the Lord’s saving grace.

Keep “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). This is our ultimate hope. It is what keeps us strong in the face of trial, what gives us purpose in the midst of confusion, and what motivates us to live for Him.

Living in the Light of the Blessed Hope

The return of Christ is a reality to be lived. We are to live in the light of His coming. We are to walk in His holiness, love, and truth. We are to be ready, not living in fear but in faith and hope. 

Jesus is coming again. And when He comes, He will bring with Him the fullness of salvation, the completion of redemption, and the final judgment of sin. But until that day, we have work to do. The world needs to know the truth. The church needs to be strengthened. The lost need to be found. And we are the ones who are called to carry the message.

Let us not be idle, let us not be fearful, and let us not be distracted. Let us be faithful and confident, and ready. May we live in the light of our Blessed Hope, knowing Jesus is coming again. And when He comes, the world will see the fullness of His glory, the power of His love, and the promise of His presence.

Are you ready? Are you living in the light of His return? Are you sharing the gospel? Are you strengthening the brethren? Are you looking for His appearing?

The time is short. The work is urgent. The hope is sure.

Jesus is coming. Are you ready?