The Journey Home – Stop 9
He Will Return
Have you ever been let down by a broken promise? A sea captain tells his wife he’ll return from one last voyage, but his ship is lost at sea. A father promises his child he’ll be right back, but tragedy prevents his return. Even with the best intentions, human promises can fail.
But there is one promise that will never fail: the promise of God. Jesus Christ Himself said, “I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).
This isn’t a new idea—it echoes all the way back through Scripture. Prophets like Enoch, Job, and Isaiah spoke of the Lord’s return. Jesus confirmed it, telling the religious leaders they would see Him “coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). And the final words of the Bible close with His promise: “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20).
The Bible is clear: Jesus will return. But how can we know His coming is near?
Signs of the Times
Faith in Christ’s return is not blind belief—it’s anchored in signs God told us to watch for. Jesus’ disciples once asked Him, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3). His answer described events in the skies, on the earth, and in the hearts of people.
1. Signs in the Sky
Jesus foretold that the sun would be darkened, the moon would not give light, and the stars would fall (Matthew 24:29). History records events that match these prophecies:
- The Dark Day (May 19, 1780): Sunlight vanished over much of North America.
- The Moon Like Blood (same night): The moon appeared blood-red.
- The Falling Stars (November 13, 1833): The greatest meteor shower in history lit the skies.
2. Conditions on Earth
Jesus also described unrest and decline in human society:
- Wars and Unrest – Nations in conflict, with constant rumors of war (Matthew 24:6-7).
- Economic Inequality – The cries of the exploited reaching heaven (James 5:1-4).
- Explosion of Knowledge – Daniel predicted an unprecedented increase in knowledge at the time of the end (Daniel 12:4).
- Moral Decline – People would become lovers of self and pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
- Natural Disasters – Famines, disease, and earthquakes in many places (Matthew 24:7).
These signs, seen together, are like birth pains—evidence that His coming is near, “even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33).
Will the World Get Better First?
Some believe the world will gradually improve until it’s ready to welcome Christ. The Bible says the opposite: “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” (2 Timothy 3:13).
Jesus compared the last days to:
- The Days of Noah – A world filled with violence and evil (Genesis 6:5, 11).
- The Days of Lot – Life continuing as usual—eating, drinking, buying, selling—until sudden destruction fell (Luke 17:28-30).
When Jesus comes, the world will not be expecting Him. Many will mourn, trying to hide from His presence (Revelation 6:16). But for those who love Him, it will be the most joyful day in history.
How Will Christ Return?
With so much confusion about this topic, the Bible gives unmistakable clarity:
- Visible to All – “Every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7).
- Audible – A shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- In Person – “This same Jesus… shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
There will be nothing secret about it. Jesus warned against false claims of a hidden or private coming (Matthew 24:26-27). His return will be a global, undeniable event.
Why Must Christ Return?
The second coming is the grand climax of God’s plan. Jesus comes back to:
- Gather His People – To take His followers home (John 14:3).
- Resurrect the Dead – The faithful who sleep will rise again (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
- Transform the Living – Mortality will put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).
- Execute Justice – To set all things right and bring an end to evil (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
- Establish His Kingdom – A kingdom that will never end (Daniel 2:44).
- Renew Creation – A new heaven and new earth filled with righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).
The Hope of Resurrection and Renewal
From Job to the apostles, God’s people have always looked forward to the resurrection. Jesus Himself said, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). Without Him, our hope would be empty—but because He lives, we can have confidence.
The Bible teaches that Christ’s return marks the beginning of a thousand-year period (the “millennium”), ending with God’s final victory over sin and the creation of a new earth where His people will live forever in peace (Revelation 20–21).
Are You Ready?
If Christ’s return is certain and soon, how should we live today? The Bible asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).
Preparation doesn’t mean fear—it means relationship. Jesus said, “You must be born again” (John 3:3). That means letting Him change your heart, giving Him your burdens, and living in His grace.
When He comes, there will be two responses. Some will cry out in fear, wishing to hide. Others will lift their heads with joy and say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us” (Isaiah 25:9).
Which group will you be in?
The invitation is open now. Jesus longs to return for you—not to condemn, but to bring you home.
Go Deeper In The Word
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