People are eager to know the details about the end of the world. Much of what people write about these events is speculative and debatable, but on some aspects of the future, the Bible is very clear.
Jesus Is Coming Back
All believers agree that Jesus will return to this earth. He taught this (Matt 24:27), and the writings of the New Testament expand on what Jesus said.
The New Testament uses several terms to describe Jesus’ return. The word “parousia” means “presence” or “coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; James 5:7-8). “Apocalypsis” means “unveiling” or “disclosure” (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7), as when Jesus will will be fully revealed to the world. “Epiphaneia” means “appearing,” focusing on the visibility of Christ’s return (1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:8). The return of Christ is also referred to as “the day of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 1:14), “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10), or simply as “the day” (Hebrews 10:25).
Views of the the “Rapture”
One issue on which Christians disagree is how Jesus’ return for his people relates to other future events. His coming for his people is called “the Rapture,” from a Greek word meaning “to be caught up.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes how, when Jesus comes again, his followers “will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Those who have died will be resurrected, and those still alive will be instantly transformed.
Yet believers debate where the Rapture fits in the sequence of events surrounding Jesus’ return. First, is the Rapture the same event as the final revelation of Jesus to all humanity, or are these two different events? Second, does the Rapture occur before, during or after the time of global persecution called “the Great Tribulation”?
These differences express a tension in the biblical material between immediacy and delay (Matthew 25:1-13; Matthew 25:14-30). One on hand, the Bible speaks of a sudden, unexpected return of Christ. On the other hand, it spells out various events (signs) that must happen before he returns, including::
- The gospel preached to all nations (Matthew 24:14).
- The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22)
- The coming of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:2).
Consider the two most common approaches to these questions:
- Pre-tribulation Rapture. Jesus will return without warning for his people. This could happen at any moment. He will then return again publicly for all to see, after the fulfillment of all the signs. This view seeks to preserve the immediacy of Jesus’ return. It is based on the argument that Christians will never be subject to God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), while the Great Tribulation will be an outpouring of God’s wrath (Revelation 16:1). It also assumes that God has a separate program for Israel versus the church (see Topic 10), and that the Great Tribulation is for Israel, not the church.
- Post-tribulation Rapture. Jesus’ return is right around the corner, but he could not return at any moment, because all the signs have not yet been fulfilled. The Rapture and the public coming of Jesus are one and the same event. Thus the Great Tribulation must happen before the Rapture. This is based on the absence of any statement in the Bible that divides the return of Jesus into two events. It notes that, while the Great Tribulation is a time of God’s wrath, God could protect his people from that wrath, as he did with Noah during the flood.
Views of the Millenium
Another point upon which believers have historically disagreed is on how to interpret the prophetic passages of the Bible. For example, is the book of Revelation to be understood mainly as literal or symbolic? If it is symbolic, what do the symbols mean? This question leads to disagreement on the meaning of Revelation 20:1-8, which speaks of a 1,000 year reign of Jesus on earth, called “the Millennium”. Is the Millennium literal or symbolic? Two main views prevail.
- The amillenial view takes Revelation as mainly symbolic, describing the spiritual warfare that occurs throughout Christian history leading up to Jesus’ victorious return. The word “a-millenial means “no millennium.” The 1,000 year reign of Christ is seen as symbolic of his rule during this present age. There is no literal earthly reign of Christ in the future because Jesus is now reigning over his people as their Lord. This perspective argues that features of a literal Millenium don’t make sense, such as the presence of both mortal and resurrected people on earth. It also finds the idea of a Millenium redundant, because when Christ returns, the final judgment occurs and the new creation (heaven) begins.
- The premillenial view takes Revelation as largely literal, describing both present and future spiritual warfare. When Jesus returns, he will establish a literal reign as Messiah over the entire earth. So “pre-millenial” means that Christ will return before the Millenium. Only at the end of that period will the final judgment occur and the new creation begin. Premillenials argue that features of Revelation 20 don’t make sense unless taken literally. For example, it doesn’t seem like Satan is bound during this age, as Revelation 20:3 says he will be. Revelation 20:4-5 speaks for two resurrections, at the beginning and at the end of the Millenium. Premillenials don’t accept that the first resurrection is symbolically talking about regeneration, while the second is physical.
Features of Jesus’ Return
Regardless of where one comes down on debatable issues, some things are certain. When Jesus comes back, his return will be personal and physical (Acts 1:11). He will not return in a merely spiritual sense or the guise of someone else. His return will also be visible (Matthew 24:30). In fact, the entire world will see him (Revelation 1:7). His second coming will be triumphant (Matthew 24:30). Unlike his first coming, when he was born, lived and died in lowly circumstances, he will return in great power and glory. Jesus’ return will be his final victory over all his enemies (Revelation 19:11-21), including all powers that war against his people. Finally, his return will be unexpected (Matthew 24:36-39). In spite of general signs preceding his return, no one knows when he will appear (Mark 13:33-35).
Implications of Jesus’ Return
The doctrine of Jesus’ second coming is the blessed hope believers long for (Titus 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:13). Jesus will bring our salvation to its final culmination (Hebrews 9:28), including our resurrection. As such, we anticipate it eagerly (Philippians 3:20-21). Nowhere does the Bible suggest we should be obsessed with speculation about the details of his return. But we should live soberly (1 Thessalonians 5:2-11), faithfully serving and honoring God until he appears (Matthew 24:42-46). We should be engaged in the Great Commission, knowing that the opportunity for people to trust in Jesus will not last forever (Matthew 24:14; John 9:4-5). Finally, we look forward to receiving our reward for how we have followed Jesus in this life (2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Final Judgment
Not all Christians agree on the timing of events surrounding Jesus’ return, but all agree that upon his coming, Jesus will preside over the final judgment of humanity (John 5:22). All who have ever lived will stand before his throne (Revelation 20:11-15) to be judged on the basis of their deeds. All will fail this judgment. But a second stage of judgment ensues when the “book of life” is opened. Only those whose names are written in this book – those who belong to Jesus – are spared (Revelation 20:15). This judgment is final (Matthew 25:46), as every person passes into an everlasting punishment or reward (see Topic 11).
This article only scratches the surface of the various debates about eschatology. But the study of future things should focus mainly on what the Bible makes very clear: Jesus is coming again. This is our blessed hope. It changes how we live every day.
