What Does the Bible Say About the Second Coming?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant and anticipated events in the Bible.

For centuries, Christians have looked forward to the day when Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom, judge the world, and bring an end to sin and suffering.

The Bible speaks extensively about this event, describing both the signs leading up to it and the hope it brings to believers.

Though no one knows the exact time of Christ’s return, the Bible makes it clear that it will happen.

Understanding what the Bible says about the Second Coming can help believers stay faithful, prepared, and full of hope.

Jesus Will Return

One of the clearest promises in Scripture is that Jesus will return.

After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven while His disciples watched.

Acts 1:10-11 describes what happened next:

“They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘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.’”

The angels assured the disciples that Jesus would return just as He left.

This was not a symbolic or spiritual return—it was a real, physical event that would happen in the future.

The early church clung to this promise, eagerly waiting for the day when Christ would come again.

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.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “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 any attempt to set a specific date for Christ’s return is pointless.

Instead of focusing on predictions, Jesus called His followers to always be ready.

In Matthew 24:42, He warned, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Since the timing is unknown, believers must live in a way that reflects their faith every day, not just when they think the end is near.

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The Signs of His Coming

Although no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ return, the Bible does provide signs that will indicate it is drawing closer.

Jesus described some of these signs in Matthew 24:6-8:

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.

Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

These events—wars, natural disasters, and global unrest—are not new.

But Jesus compared them to birth pains, meaning they will increase in intensity and frequency before His return.

Other signs include a rise in false teachers, an increase in wickedness, and the spread of the gospel to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

These signs remind believers to stay alert and faithful, knowing that Jesus’ return is closer than ever.

The Second Coming Will Be Sudden and Visible

When Jesus returns, it will not be a secret event.

Revelation 1:7 says, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him.”

This verse shows that the Second Coming will be a worldwide event—no one will miss it.

Unlike His first coming, when Jesus was born in a manger in humility, His second coming will be filled with glory and power.

Matthew 24:27 describes it this way:

“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

Lightning is sudden, powerful, and unmistakable.

In the same way, Jesus’ return will happen quickly and be visible to all.

Jesus Will Return as Judge and King

At His first coming, Jesus came as a humble servant, offering salvation to the world.

At His second coming, He will return as a righteous judge and reigning King.

Revelation 19:11-16 gives a powerful picture of Jesus at His return:

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.

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With justice he judges and wages war.

His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.

He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.

Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.

He will rule them with an iron scepter.

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

This passage shows that Jesus will return in power, bringing justice and victory over evil.

The Resurrection and Judgment

One of the key events tied to Jesus’ return is the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment.

John 5:28-29 says, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

Every person who has ever lived will be resurrected and face judgment.

Revelation 20:12-13 describes the final judgment:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened.

Another book was opened, which is the book of life.

The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.”

For believers, this is not something to fear.

Those whose names are written in the Book of Life—those who have put their faith in Christ—will receive eternal life with Him.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

After the final judgment, God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

Revelation 21:1-4 gives a beautiful description of what is to come:

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

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And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look!

God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.

They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

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—an eternal life in God’s presence, free from sin, suffering, and death.

How Should We Live While Waiting?

Since no one knows when Jesus will return, believers are called to live in readiness.

Second Peter 3:11-12 asks, “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 living with faith, love, and obedience to God.

It means sharing the gospel so that others can come to know Christ before it is too late.

It means staying faithful in prayer, resisting sin, and trusting in God’s promises.

Final Thoughts

The Second Coming of Jesus is a certainty, even though the exact timing is unknown.

The Bible teaches that His return will be sudden, visible, and powerful.

He will come as a King and Judge, bringing justice to the world and rewarding those who have trusted in Him.

For believers, this is not a message of fear but of hope.

Jesus is coming back, and His Kingdom will last forever.

Until that day, Christians are called to live in faith, share the gospel, and keep their hearts focused on eternity.

The promise of Christ’s return is a reminder that no matter how dark the world may seem, God’s plan is unfolding, and His victory is sure.