Read: Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:6-11
This Jesus . . . will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
A lot of ink has been spilled over Jesus’ second coming. Will there be a millennium, a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on the earth? Will the church be snatched away in a miraculous rapture? Is the end just around the corner?
I have to confess that I’m not terribly interested in debate over the details of the Lord’s return, or in combing the often-puzzling images of Revelation for clues. I am interested, though, in holding up what the Bible says about it. Here’s what all faithful Christians believe about what the apostle Paul called “our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
First, Jesus’ return will be personal, visible, and physical. “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 on account of him.” This is not some kind of secret, spiritual event. It’s as public as a parade. “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” (1 Thess. 4:16).
Second, Jesus’ return will be glorious and triumphant: “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). He came once in humility, to die on a cross. Next time, it’s going to be very different. —David Bast
As you pray, say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
About the Author
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
