What will happen when Jesus returns?

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, a doctrine that has fascinated theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. The anticipation of Christ's return is rooted in numerous biblical prophecies and teachings, and it is a theme that reverberates through both the Old and New Testaments. When Jesus returns, several significant events and transformations are expected to unfold, reshaping the cosmos and human history as we know it.

First and foremost, the return of Jesus is marked by its suddenness and visibility. Unlike His first coming, which was characterized by humility and obscurity, the Second Coming will be an event of unparalleled grandeur and public revelation. In Matthew 24:27, Jesus Himself declares, "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." This imagery suggests an event that will be unmistakable and observable by all, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity.

The Apostle Paul provides further insight into the nature of Christ's return in his letters to the Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, he writes, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." This passage highlights several key aspects of the Second Coming: the resurrection of the dead, the transformation of the living, and the ultimate reunion of believers with Christ.

The resurrection of the dead is a cornerstone of Christian hope. When Jesus returns, those who have died in faith will be raised to new life. This is not merely a resuscitation of their old bodies but a transformation into a glorified state, free from the corruption and decay that characterize our current existence. Paul elaborates on this transformation in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." This promise of resurrection and transformation underscores the victory over death that Christ's return will bring.

For those who are alive at the time of Christ's return, a similar transformation awaits. They will be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air, as Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians. This event, often referred to as the "rapture," signifies the gathering of believers to Christ, an event that will be both awe-inspiring and deeply comforting. The notion of being "caught up" conveys a sense of suddenness and divine intervention, emphasizing that believers will be delivered from the trials and tribulations of the present world.

Another significant aspect of the Second Coming is the final judgment. Jesus will return as the righteous judge, bringing justice and vindication to the world. In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus outlines the scene of the final judgment: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." This imagery of separation underscores the seriousness and finality of the judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, while the wicked will face eternal punishment.

The final judgment is not merely a punitive event but also a moment of ultimate justice and restoration. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where evil is finally vanquished, and righteousness is established. Revelation 20:11-12 provides a vivid description of this judgment: "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." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment, where every deed is accounted for, and justice is rendered.

In addition to the resurrection and judgment, the Second Coming will usher in the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. This is a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Isaiah 65:17 speaks of this new creation: "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." This promise of renewal and restoration is echoed in Revelation 21:1-4, where John describes his vision of the new creation: "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"

This vision of a new heaven and a new earth encapsulates the ultimate hope of the Christian faith. It is a vision of a restored creation, free from the curse of sin and death, where God dwells intimately with His people. The imagery of the new Jerusalem, beautifully adorned as a bride, conveys the idea of a perfected and glorified community, united with Christ in eternal fellowship. The eradication of death, mourning, crying, and pain signifies the complete and final victory over the forces of evil and suffering.

Furthermore, the Second Coming will bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom in its fullest sense. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of God, a kingdom characterized by justice, peace, and righteousness. However, the full realization of this kingdom awaits His return. In Revelation 11:15, we read, "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" This declaration signals the consummation of God's redemptive plan, where His reign is fully established, and His will is perfectly realized.

The Second Coming also holds profound implications for the church, the body of Christ. It is a time of vindication and reward for those who have remained faithful to Christ. In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul expresses his confidence in the reward that awaits him: "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing." This promise of reward underscores the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian life. It is an encouragement to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations, knowing that a glorious future awaits.

In light of these profound events and transformations, the Second Coming of Jesus serves as a call to readiness and vigilance. Jesus repeatedly exhorted His followers to be watchful and prepared for His return. In Matthew 24:42-44, He warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." This call to readiness is not merely about anticipating a future event but living faithfully and obediently in the present.

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a doctrine that encompasses hope, justice, renewal, and consummation. It is a promise that the brokenness of this world will be healed, that evil will be vanquished, and that God's kingdom will be fully established. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, to remain faithful and vigilant, and to eagerly anticipate the glorious return of our Lord. As we reflect on the promise of Christ's return, may we be inspired to live lives that reflect the hope and transformation that His coming will bring.