The second coming of Christ is the future return of Jesus to earth in power and glory. When he came the first time, Jesus arrived as a humble Savior and went to the cross. When he returns, he will come as a conquering King to defeat evil, judge the world, and establish his eternal kingdom. For those who trust him, his return is something to look forward to with hope.
Jesus Will Return as a Mighty King
Jesus’ first coming was marked by humility. He was born in a manger, lived a sinless life, and willingly died for our sins. His second coming will look completely different. The first time he faced a cross; the next time he will wear a crown.
Revelation 19:11-13 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. 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 rider on the white horse is Jesus. His names show his character: he is faithful, true, and the very Word of God. The robe dipped in blood reminds us that his victory was won at the cross.
Jesus Will Defeat Evil Forever
We live in a world filled with pain and injustice, and it’s easy to wonder when God will put an end to it. Revelation 19-20 shows that day is coming. The beast and the false prophet are captured (Revelation 19:20), and Satan meets his final end.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Jesus won’t struggle to win this battle. Evil will be completely and permanently removed. The temptation, heartbreak, and sorrow caused by sin will be gone forever.
Jesus Will Judge the World
Along with defeating evil, Jesus will bring final judgment.
Revelation 20:11-12 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 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.
That can feel frightening, because God’s holiness requires that sin be punished. But Jesus offers good news. Those who trust him have already been rescued from judgment.
John 5:24 Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
When you place your faith in Jesus, he takes the punishment for your sins. Your name is written in the book of life. For believers, the second coming isn’t a day of fear, but a day of celebration.
How Should We Prepare?
God doesn’t reveal the future so we can guess dates or draw complicated charts. He reveals it so we will live with purpose now. As we wait, we share the good news, love others, and grow in holiness. Our trials are temporary, but our future with Jesus is eternal. You can read more in What Happens When Jesus Comes Back?
The Takeaway
The second coming of Christ is the promised return of Jesus as King. He will defeat evil forever, judge the world with justice, and gather his people into eternal life. Because Jesus paid for our sins, we can look forward to his return with confidence instead of fear.
