When is Jesus coming again?
Introduction. There is much interest regarding Jesus' second coming. Often this is sparked by turmoil in the Middle East, alleged "signs of the times", and those who believe Jesus is coming back to set up His kingdom on earth for a thousand years (a.k.a. premillennialism).
Jesus is coming again. There are over 300 references in the scriptures to the fact of Jesus' second coming. Matthew 25 is dedicated to the event of Jesus' return. When Jesus ascended into heaven, angels said, "...why stand ye gazing up into heaven: 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" (Acts 1: 11). Hence, if we believe Jesus ascended, we believe He shall come again!
The purpose of Jesus' coming. Contrary to the teaching of premillennialism, Jesus is not coming back to set up a physical, political kingdom. Jesus' kingdom was established when He initially came (Matt. 16: 18-19; Col. 1: 13). Actually, when Jesus returns He shall deliver up the kingdom (1 Cor. 15: 24). Neither is Jesus coming back to offer man a second chance (Matt. 25). He is coming for the final judgment and official sentencing (Matt. 25: 31-46; 2 Cor. 5: 10; John 5: 25-29; Rom. 2: 6-9).
Events before Jesus' coming. The scriptures teach that certain events were to happen before Jesus' return. There was to be a "falling away" (2 Thes. 2: 1-12). There was to be some type of spiritual reign of martyred saints with Christ (Rev. 20: 1-6) as well as a loosening of Satan following this reign (Rev. 20: 7-15). Scholars are deeply divided on what events correspond to these highly figurative prophecies.
The time of Jesus' coming: no man knows! Speaking of His return, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matt. 24: 36). Jesus' coming shall be unannounced and unexpected (1 Thes. 5: 1-8). Despite that, men have vainly sought to set the time of Jesus' coming. We simply are not told. The whole point is that we are to be ready at all times!
Jesus is coming again. There are over 300 references in the scriptures to the fact of Jesus' second coming. Matthew 25 is dedicated to the event of Jesus' return. When Jesus ascended into heaven, angels said, "...why stand ye gazing up into heaven: 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" (Acts 1: 11). Hence, if we believe Jesus ascended, we believe He shall come again!
The purpose of Jesus' coming. Contrary to the teaching of premillennialism, Jesus is not coming back to set up a physical, political kingdom. Jesus' kingdom was established when He initially came (Matt. 16: 18-19; Col. 1: 13). Actually, when Jesus returns He shall deliver up the kingdom (1 Cor. 15: 24). Neither is Jesus coming back to offer man a second chance (Matt. 25). He is coming for the final judgment and official sentencing (Matt. 25: 31-46; 2 Cor. 5: 10; John 5: 25-29; Rom. 2: 6-9).
Events before Jesus' coming. The scriptures teach that certain events were to happen before Jesus' return. There was to be a "falling away" (2 Thes. 2: 1-12). There was to be some type of spiritual reign of martyred saints with Christ (Rev. 20: 1-6) as well as a loosening of Satan following this reign (Rev. 20: 7-15). Scholars are deeply divided on what events correspond to these highly figurative prophecies.
The time of Jesus' coming: no man knows! Speaking of His return, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matt. 24: 36). Jesus' coming shall be unannounced and unexpected (1 Thes. 5: 1-8). Despite that, men have vainly sought to set the time of Jesus' coming. We simply are not told. The whole point is that we are to be ready at all times!