Article #8 — What Does the Bible Say About the Return of Christ?
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The Bible does not leave Christians guessing about the return of Jesus Christ.
From the words of Jesus Himself to the writings of the apostles, Scripture repeatedly points toward a future day when Christ will return.
Jesus said:
“I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
— John 14:3 (KJV)
The return of Christ is not presented in Scripture as merely a symbol or an idea. It is presented as a promise.
Jesus Said He Would Return
Before His crucifixion, Jesus prepared His disciples for what was coming.
He told them that He would leave, but He also promised that He would return.
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven.
Acts 1:9–11 records that the disciples watched as He was taken up, and the angels told them:
“This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
The message was clear: Jesus ascended, and Jesus will return.
His Coming Will Be Visible
Jesus described His return in unmistakable terms.
Matthew 24:30 says:
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth... see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
His return will not be something that happens secretly without anyone knowing.
Jesus said that people would see Him coming with power and great glory.
Revelation also describes Christ's return:
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.”
— Revelation 1:7 (KJV)
No One Knows the Exact Day
Although Scripture teaches that Christ will return, Jesus also made something very clear: no human being knows the exact day or hour.
Jesus said:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
— Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
That means Christians are not called to calculate a date.
They are called to watch and be ready.
Jesus continued:
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
— Matthew 24:44 (KJV)
The Signs of the Times
Jesus also taught His disciples to recognize the conditions surrounding the last days.
In Matthew 24, He spoke about false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution, deception, and the preaching of the gospel among the nations.
But Jesus warned His disciples not to immediately conclude that the end had arrived simply because these things occurred.
He said:
“All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
— Matthew 24:8 (KJV)
The proper response is therefore not panic or date-setting.
It is spiritual readiness.
Christ Will Come With Power and Glory
The return of Christ is also connected with His authority as King.
Revelation 19 describes Christ as the One who comes in righteousness and judgment.
The passage identifies Him as:
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
— Revelation 19:16 (KJV)
The One who came into the world in humility will return in glory.
Why Should We Be Ready?
The return of Christ is not merely a prophecy to study.
It is a call to live differently.
Peter wrote:
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace.”
— 2 Peter 3:14 (KJV)
Knowing that Christ will return should cause believers to examine how they are living.
Are we walking with Christ?
Are we trusting His Word?
Are we seeking God's kingdom?
Are we prepared for His coming?
The Promise Remains
The Bible ends with a promise from Jesus Himself:
“Surely I come quickly.”
— Revelation 22:20 (KJV)
And John responds:
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
Christians do not know the day or hour.
But Scripture gives them the promise.
Jesus Christ will return.
Until that day, the call remains:
Stay awake. Stay faithful. Stay rooted in God's Word.
Christ Above. All Things. Always.