One of the greatest promises in the Bible is that Jesus will return.
From the moment He ascended into heaven, His followers have been waiting for the day He comes back to set things right.
But what does the Bible actually say about Jesus’ return?
Will it happen soon?
How can we prepare?
For centuries, believers have looked for signs and wondered when He will appear.
Jesus Himself gave clear teachings about His return, and the Bible is filled with prophecies about what will happen when that day finally arrives.
Understanding what Scripture says about His return can help us live with hope, urgency, and faith.
Let’s explore the biblical truth about Jesus’ second coming and what it means for us today.
The Promise of Jesus’ Return
From the moment Jesus left the earth, His return was promised.
In Acts 1:9-11, after Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels appeared to His disciples and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
This was a direct confirmation that Jesus would return.
It was not just a vague hope—it was a certain promise.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus’ return is described as a powerful event that will bring justice, restoration, and eternal joy for His followers.
Revelation 22:12 records Jesus saying, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
This promise gives believers confidence that no matter how dark the world becomes, Jesus will come back and establish His kingdom forever.
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Many people have tried to predict when Jesus will return, but the Bible makes it clear that no one knows the exact time.
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus Himself said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This means that all human predictions about the exact timing of Jesus’ return are unreliable.
Instead of trying to set a date, Jesus told His followers to always be ready.
Matthew 24:42 says, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
His return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
Since we cannot know the exact moment, we should always live in a way that reflects our readiness for His coming.
The Signs of Jesus’ Return
Although we do not know the exact day, Jesus did give signs that would indicate His return is near.
In Matthew 24, He described several events that would take place before He comes back.
Wars, famines, earthquakes, and widespread sin would increase.
Persecution of Christians would rise.
False teachers would try to deceive people.
But He also said that the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end comes (Matthew 24:14).
These signs remind us that the world will grow darker before Jesus returns, but they also assure us that God is in control.
When we see these things happening, we should not panic but instead remain faithful, knowing that His coming is drawing closer.
Jesus Will Return in Power and Glory
When Jesus first came to earth, He came humbly as a baby, born in a manger.
But His second coming will be completely different.
Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus returning as a victorious King, riding a white horse, with eyes like blazing fire and a robe dipped in blood.
He will come with the armies of heaven, and on His robe will be written: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
His return will not be quiet or hidden—it will be glorious and undeniable.
Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7), and He will bring justice to the earth.
For believers, this will be a time of great joy.
For those who rejected Him, it will be a time of judgment.
The Resurrection and the Rapture
One of the most exciting promises of Jesus’ return is that His followers will be gathered to Him.
First Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes what is often called the “rapture,” saying, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
This means that when Jesus returns, those who have died in faith will be resurrected, and those still alive will be transformed and taken up to be with Him forever.
This will be an incredible moment when believers receive new, glorified bodies and are freed from the struggles of this world.
Jesus Will Judge the World
While Jesus’ return is a joyful event for believers, it is also a time of judgment.
Second Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
Those who have trusted in Jesus will receive rewards, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal separation from God.
Revelation 20:11-15 describes the final judgment, where the dead will be judged according to what they have done.
Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.
This may sound frightening, but God has given everyone the opportunity to repent and receive salvation through Jesus.
His return will be a time of justice, when evil will be defeated once and for all.
How Should We Live While Waiting for Jesus?
Knowing that Jesus will return should change the way we live.
Second Peter 3:11-12 says, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
This means we should not live carelessly, but with purpose, making sure our lives reflect Christ.
First Thessalonians 5:6 warns, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
We must stay spiritually alert, growing in our faith, and sharing the gospel with others.
Jesus wants His followers to be faithful and ready, not distracted by the things of this world.
The New Heaven and New Earth
After Jesus returns and defeats evil, He will create a new heaven and a new earth.
Revelation 21:1-4 describes this beautiful future, saying, “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This is the ultimate hope for believers.
Sin, suffering, and death will be gone forever.
God will dwell with His people, and everything will be restored to perfection.
Those who have put their trust in Jesus will experience eternal joy in His presence.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus will return, but no one knows exactly when.
His second coming will be glorious, bringing salvation for believers and judgment for those who rejected Him.
The signs of His return are becoming more evident, reminding us to stay spiritually awake and prepared.
While we wait, we are called to live with faith, sharing the gospel and growing in our relationship with God.
Jesus’ return is not just a distant event—it is a promise that gives hope, purpose, and urgency to our lives today.
Are you ready for His return?
If not, now is the time to turn to Him, trust in His salvation, and live in a way that honors His coming.
The King is coming soon—let’s be ready.