Many speculate about when and how Jesus will return. Within Christianity and even evangelical Christianity there are some differing points of view about the second coming of Christ. What matters most is what Scripture has to say about the second coming of Jesus.
Joel 2:1-3
Describes the day of the Lord as coming with darkness, gloominess, and a great and strong people, with fire devouring before them and a desolate wilderness behind.
2 Blow a trumpet in Zion;
sound an alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near,
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful people;
their like has never been before,
nor will be again after them
through the years of all generations.
3 Fire devours before them,
and behind them a flame burns.
The land is like the garden of Eden before them,
but behind them a desolate wilderness,
and nothing escapes them.
Isaiah 66:15-16
States that the Lord will come with fire and chariots like a whirlwind to render His anger with fury and rebuke with flames of fire, judging all flesh.
15 “For behold, the Lord will come in fire,
and his chariots like the whirlwind,
to render his anger in fury,
and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment,
and by his sword, with all flesh;
and those slain by the Lord shall be many.
Zechariah 14:4-5
Identifies the Mount of Olives as the location where His feet will stand, splitting in two to form a large valley, and the Lord will come with all the saints.
4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.[a]
Matthew 7:15
Disciples should watch out for leaders who claim to be sent from God and claim to speak for God yet whose message leads people astray. The prophets’ fruit is their work and life, which will indicate whether or not their message is consistent with the kingdom life of righteousness. False prophets will produce bad fruit, which includes leading people to follow false gods or speaking prophecies that are not fulfilled. Bad trees are good for nothing except to be used for firewood, a metaphor for false prophets and the judgment they will face. – Dr. Albert Mohler
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 16:27
States that the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels to reward each person according to their deeds.
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
Matthew 24:27
Compares the coming of the Son of Man to lightning that flashes from the east to the west, indicating its visibility to all.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:30–31
Describes the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, followed by the gathering of His elect from the four winds by His angels with a loud trumpet call.
30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And 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 heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:36-37
Notes that the exact day or hour of His coming is unknown, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father, and it will come as it did in the days of Noah.
36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son,[a] but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:42, 44
Emphasize the need to be watchful and ready, as the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour.
42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 25:13
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Mark 13:27
States that He will send His angels to gather His elect from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
Mark 13:32-33
Reiterates that no one knows the day or hour, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father, and urges vigilance.
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Luke 21:28
Encourages believers to stand and lift up their heads because their redemption is drawing near when they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:34–36
Advises watching and praying to be counted worthy to escape the coming events and to stand before the Son of Man.
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
John 5:28–29
Declares that all in the tombs will hear His voice and come forth, those who did good to a resurrection of life and those who committed evil to a resurrection of judgment.
28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
John 6:39–40
6:34–40 The crowd’s request that Jesus give them this bread from heaven is reminiscent of the woman’s request for living water. Jesus responded by declaring himself to be the bread of life. This is the first of Jesus’ seven “I am” statements (see Introduction to John). Jesus’ use of “I am” would have caused his audience to think of God’s name in Exodus 3:14. Jesus promised to satisfy their deepest hunger and thirst if they would come to him (put their faith in him). Even though the crowd saw his miracles, they refused to believe in him. Everyone the Father gives to the Son will believe in Jesus, and he will never drive them away. Jesus made repeated references to the last day throughout the discourse. – Dr. Albert Mohler
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
John 14:1–3
14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;[a] believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Acts 1:10–11
Affirms that the same Jesus taken into heaven will return in the same way they saw Him go.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
1 Corinthians 4:5
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
1 Corinthians 11:26
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Ephesians 4:30
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Philippians 1:6
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20–21
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Colossians 3:4
Though believers are united with Christ and participate in his heavenly enthronement, this truth is “hidden” (3:3). It is not visible to the world around them. When Christ returns, that glorious enthronement will be made apparent to all. But even now, Christ is the believer’s life. Christ lives his own life through the believer (Gal 2:19–20), and this ensures that the believer will resemble Christ in his character and behavior. – Dr. Albert Mohler
4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, 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.
1 Thessalonians 5:2
2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
2 Thessalonians 2:8
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
2 Timothy 4:8
States that a crown of righteousness is laid up for the believer, to be awarded by the righteous Judge on the day of Christ’s appearing.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Titus 2:13
Refers to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior.
13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Titus 2:11–14
2:11–15 Paul’s statement in verse 11 encapsulates well the teaching of the entire letter. Paul here intimates that in Christ, the grace of God personified entered the world and opened a way of salvation to all (cf. 1Ti 2:3–4; 4:10). Furthermore, Paul asserts that salvation will inexorably entail life change—turning away from evil and pursuing godliness in this present age as believers await the blessed hope of Christ’s second coming (Titus 2:12–13). Verse 13 contains perhaps the most stunning and glorious exemplar of Paul’s theology when the apostle holds out the prospect of the appearing of the glory of Christ. While elsewhere Paul distinguishes between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, here he calls Jesus “our great God and Savior”! It is hard to think of a higher Christology than this. Wedded to the prospect of Christ’s glorious return in the next verse is the purpose of Christ’s first coming: he gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify a people eager to do good (v. 14). Christ’s sacrifice had a purpose: the redemption of a group of change agents in this world—people with a pure heart and a zeal for helping others. This pronouncement is at the core of Paul’s ethical vision in the entire letter. Verse 15 concludes the chapter the way it began—with a charge to Titus to teach these things, whether by way of encouragement or rebuke, and to let no one despise him (cf. 1Ti 4:12). – Dr. Albert Mohler
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Hebrews 9:28
Affirms that Christ will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Hebrews 10:24–25
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
James 5:7
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
1 Peter 1:6-9
Speaks of rejoicing in faith despite trials, with the end of faith being the salvation of the soul at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 4:7
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
2 Peter 3:8–10
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies[b] will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.[c]
2 Peter 3:10-14
Describes the day of the Lord coming as a thief in the night, with the heavens passing away with a great noise and the elements melting with fervent heat, urging believers to live holy and godly lives while looking forward to and hastening the coming of the day of God.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies[a] will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.[b] 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
1 John 2:28
when He appears. This refers especially to the Rapture and gathering of the church (cf. John 14:1–6; 1 Cor. 15:51–54; 1 Thess. 4:13–18) and the Judgment Seat of Christ to follow (cf. 1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:9, 10). – Dr. John MacArthur
28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
1 John 3:2–3
2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears[a] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Jude 14–15
14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
Revelation 1:7–8
Declares that every eye will see Him as He comes with the clouds, and all the people of the earth will mourn because of Him.
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[a] on account of him. Even so. Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 3:11
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Revelation 11:15-18
Announces that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ, who will reign forever, and that the time has come for the dead to be judged and for the reward of His servants.
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
18 The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
Revelation 19:11-16
Portrays Christ returning on a white horse, called Faithful and True, with eyes like flames of fire, many crowns, a robe dipped in blood, and a sharp sword coming from His mouth to strike the nations.
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule[b] them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 20:11–15
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 22:7, 12, and 13
States that Jesus is coming soon, bringing His reward with Him to give to each person according to their works, and identifies Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Revelation 22:12
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
Revelation 22:20
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
