THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS The Most Glorious Event in Human History.
- Gil Junqueira
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST!
We’re not talking about a vague hope or a religious dream, but about the SUREST and most GUARANTEED PROMISE in all of Scripture!
Jesus Himself, moments before ascending to heaven, left us with this glorious promise:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where
I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)
The angels confirmed this promise to the disciples:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
JESUS IS COMING BACK! This is not a possibility, but an ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY! It’s not a distant hope, but an IMMINENT REALITY! Not an optional event, but the INEVITABLE CLIMAX of history!
He who once came as the Lamb to die will RETURN as the Lion to reign! He who descended in humility will RISE in majesty! He who was once rejected will be WORSHIPPED by every creature!
Let’s explore this glorious truth that fills our hearts with hope and motivates us to live in holiness!
THE PROMISE OF THE SECOND COMING:
1. Jesus Promised to Return:
Direct Promises from Jesus:
In the Upper Room:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3)
In the Prophetic Discourse:
“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man. And then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
In the Great Commission:
“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Characteristics of the Promises:
Unconditional – They do not depend on us
Immutable – God does not change His mind
Certain – Based on God’s character
Specific – With clear and detailed information
2. Angelic Confirmation:
The Testimony of the Angels:
“And as they were gazing up into heaven, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said: ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11)
Elements of the Confirmation:
“This same Jesus” – The very same person
“Will come” – Absolute certainty
“In the same way” – In like manner
“As you saw Him go into heaven” – Visibly and gloriously
3. Apostolic Testimony
Paul:
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Peter:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10)
John:
"Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen." (Revelation 1:7)
Jude:
"Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.'" (Jude 14)
TWO PHASES OF THE SECOND COMING:
1. The Rapture – Jesus Comes FOR the Saints
Characteristics of the Rapture:
Invisible to the World:
"Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Meeting in the air
Only the saved will see Him
The world does not perceive initially
Secret and sudden
Instantaneous:
"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
"In a moment" – Greek "atomos"
"Twinkling of an eye" – instantaneous
Bodily transformation
Immediate glorification
Imminent:
"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42)
Can happen at any moment
No prophetic sign needs to be fulfilled beforehand
Constant expectation
A generation that will not see death
Purposes of the Rapture:
To Deliver the Church from Wrath:
"For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
Marriage Supper of the Lamb:
"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7)
Judgment Seat of Christ:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10)
2. The Revelation – Jesus Comes WITH the Saints
Characteristics of the Revelation:
Visible to All:
"Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him." (Revelation 1:7)
"Every eye will see Him"
Global manifestation
Visible glory
Revealed majesty
With Power and Glory:
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30)
Supernatural power
Divine glory
Absolute authority
Royal majesty
Accompanied by the Saints:
"Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints.'" (Jude 14)
The raptured Church returns
Angels accompany Him
Heavenly army
Glorious procession
Purposes of the Revelation (Second Coming)
To Establish His Kingdom:
"Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15)
To Judge the Nations:
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25:31-32)
To Destroy the Antichrist:
"And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming." (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
Comparison Between the Two Phases:
Rapture | Revelation |
Jesus comes FOR the saints | Jesus comes WITH the saints |
Meeting in the AIR | His feet TOUCH the Mount of Olives |
INVISIBLE to the world | EVERY eye will see Him |
BEFORE the Tribulation | AFTER the Tribulation |
For the CHURCH | For ISRAEL and the nations |
IMMINENT - no signs | Preceded by SIGNS |
DELIVERANCE from wrath | EXECUTION of judgment |
BLESSED hope | TERRIBLE day of the Lord |
As the BRIDEGROOM | As the KING |
Resurrection of the dead in Christ | No resurrection |
HOW WILL JESUS RETURN?
1. Personally
The Same Jesus:
"Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
It will NOT be:
Merely spiritual
Symbolic or allegorical
Through other people
Reincarnation or a new form
It WILL be:
Literal and physical
Bodily and visible
Personal and real
The same Jesus who ascended
2. Bodily
Glorified Body:
"Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:21)
Characteristics of the Glorified Body:
Incorruptible – does not age
Immortal – does not die
Powerful – supernatural abilities
Spiritual – not limited by matter
Glorious – radiant with glory
3. Visibly
Every Eye Will See Him:
"Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him." (Revelation 1:7)
Universal Visibility:
All the living will see Him
Simultaneous worldwide
Undeniable and unmistakable
Glory that cannot be hidden
4. Gloriously
With Power and Great Glory:
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30)
Manifestations of Glory:
Light brighter than the sun
Power that shakes the earth
Majesty that inspires awe
Authority that subdues all
WHEN WILL JESUS RETURN?
1. The Imminence of the Rapture
No One Knows the Hour:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
Characteristics of Imminence:
It could be today
It could be tomorrow
No event needs to happen first
Constant expectation is necessary
Like a Thief in the Night:
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
Aspects of the Comparison:
Unexpected for the world
Sudden and silent
When least expected
Preparation required
2. Signs of Nearness
General Signs:
“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” (Matthew 24:33)
Signs Being Fulfilled:
Wars and rumors of wars
Famines, plagues, and earthquakes
Religious deception
Moral degeneration
Apostasy in the church
The Fig Tree Budding:
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” (Matthew 24:32)
Israel as a Sign:
Restoration of the nation (1948)
Return to Jerusalem (1967)
Blooming of the land
Preparation for the temple
3. This Generation
The Generation of the Signs:
“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” (Matthew 24:34)
Interpretations:
The generation that sees Israel restored
The generation that sees the signs
The generation of the end times
Our current generation
WHY WILL JESUS RETURN?
1. To Fulfill His Promises
God’s Faithfulness:
“He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
Promises to Be Fulfilled:
Rapture of the Church
Establish His Kingdom
Judge the world
Restore all things
2. To Receive His Bride
The Church as His Bride:
“For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a pure virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2)
The Heavenly Wedding:
Betrothal – at conversion
Preparation – Christian life
Wedding – at the rapture
Honeymoon – eternity
3. To Establish Justice
Kingdom of Justice:
“But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4)
Need for Justice:
Worldwide corruption
Social injustice
Oppression of the weak
Impunity of the wicked
4. To Overcome Evil
Final Victory:
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)
Complete Defeat:
Satan will be bound
Antichrist will be destroyed
False prophet will be judged
Evil will be eliminated
RESULTS OF THE SECOND COMING
1. For the Church
Glorification:
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)
Transformations:
Glorified bodies
Perfect nature
Complete knowledge
Perfect fellowship
Rewards:
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)
Types of Rewards:
Crowns of victory
Positions of authority
Public recognition
Eternal joy
2. For Israel
National Restoration:
“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son.” (Zechariah 12:10)
Aspects of Restoration:
Recognition of Jesus as Messiah
National repentance
Mass conversion
Position of world leadership
3. For the Nations
Judgment of the Nations:
“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:32)
Criteria for Judgment:
Treatment of the Jews
Response to the Gospel
Attitude toward Christians
Justice and righteousness
4. For Creation
Universal Renewal:
“Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21)
Transformations:
Restored nature
Animals at peace
Fruitful earth
Perfect climate
HOW TO PREPARE FOR HIS COMING:
1. Constant Watchfulness
Watch and Pray:
“Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
Aspects of Watchfulness:
Observe the signs of the times
Discern deceptions
Stay spiritually alert
Avoid spiritual sleep
2. Holiness of Life
Purification:
“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3)
Areas of Purification:
Thoughts and motivations
Words and attitudes
Relationships and commitments
Priorities and values
3. Faithful Service
Responsible Stewardship:
“Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.” (Matthew 24:46)
Characteristics of the Faithful Servant:
Responsibility with gifts
Faithfulness in small things
Perseverance in service
Love for the lost
4. Urgent Evangelization
Preach In Season and Out of Season:
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Evangelistic Urgency:
Limited time
Fewer opportunities
Precious souls being lost
Our responsibility
PRAYER FOR THE SECOND COMING
Lord Jesus, my heart is filled with joy and expectation as I think of Your glorious Second Coming.
You promised to return and I firmly believe in this promise.
Thank You for not leaving us orphans in this world.Thank You for the blessed hope of the rapture.Thank You for the certainty that one day we will see You face to face.
Prepare my heart for Your coming. May I live each day as if it were the last. May my life be holy and blameless before You.
Help me to watch the signs of the times without fear.
May I recognize Your nearness and prepare myself adequately. Deliver me from spiritual sleep and negligence.
Give me evangelistic urgency. May I seize every opportunity to share the Gospel, knowing that time is short and that many souls still need salvation.
Purify my heart from all sin. May I be found spotless when You return. May my life be a testimony of the hope that is in me.
Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Remind us that we will meet again at the rapture. May this hope dry our tears.
May Your Church prepare itself as a bride adorned for her husband. May we be found watchful, praying, and serving when You return.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come for Your bride! Come establish Your Kingdom! Come judge the earth with righteousness!
Maranatha! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!
In Your glorious and mighty name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DECLARATIONS ABOUT THE SECOND COMING:
Declare with faith and expectation:
"Jesus is coming back! This is the surest promise in the whole Bible!"
"I live in constant expectation of my Lord's return! He may come today!"
"I prepare myself daily to meet Jesus! My life is ready!"
"I watch the signs of the times! I recognize that His coming is near!"
"I evangelize with urgency! Time is short and souls need salvation!"
"I live in holiness! I want to be found blameless when He returns!"
"Maranatha! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! I await You with joy and expectation!"
CONCLUSION: THE BLESSED HOPE:
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS is the “blessed hope” of the Church! It is the event that gives meaning to our faith, purpose to our life, and hope to our future!
No matter how dark the days may be!No matter how difficult the circumstances!No matter how intense the persecution! JESUS IS COMING BACK!
He promised and He will fulfill it! He ascended and He will descend!
He went as the Lamb and will return as the Lion! He departed in humility and will return in glory!
This promise must transform the way we live! It must purify our hearts! It must motivate our service! It must urge our evangelism!
Live every day as if Jesus were coming back today! Serve as if He would judge your work tomorrow! Evangelize as if souls depended on you!
Watch and pray!
Purify and sanctify yourself! Serve and bear witness!
Wait for and long for His coming!
The Bridegroom is coming to receive His bride!
The King is coming to establish His Kingdom!
The Judge is coming to do justice!
The Savior is coming to consummate our salvation!
May you be found watchful when He returns!
May your lamp be burning!
May your heart be prepared!
May your life be ready!
The hour is near!
The day is approaching!
The trumpet will sound! Jesus will appear!
JESUS IS COMING BACK! PREPARE! WATCH! PRAY! WAIT!
Maranatha! Even so, come, Lord Jesus! May this blessed hope fill your hearts with joy until. He comes! Amen!
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