What the Bible Predicts- The Impending Return of Jesus Christ and Its Consequences
What does the Bible say will happen when Jesus returns? This question has intrigued Christians for centuries, as they await the Second Coming of Christ. The Bible provides numerous prophecies and descriptions of the events that will unfold when Jesus returns, offering a glimpse into the future and the promise of eternal life for believers.
The Bible predicts that Jesus will return in a manner that is both visible and dramatic. Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him.” This verse suggests that Jesus’ return will be a public event, witnessed by everyone on earth. The Apostle Paul also describes the return of Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will descend 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.”
When Jesus returns, the world will be transformed. The Book of Revelation describes a series of events that will precede His return, including the tribulation, the rapture, and the final judgment. The tribulation is a period of intense suffering and hardship that will befall the earth, as described in Revelation 6-19. During this time, many believers will face persecution and trials, but they will also experience divine protection and comfort.
The rapture, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, is the moment when Christ comes to take His followers to heaven. This event is believed to be a secret and instantaneous event, where believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The rapture is a source of hope and comfort for believers, as it signifies the beginning of their eternal life with Christ.
After the rapture, Jesus will return to earth with His followers, as described in Revelation 19:11-16. This event is known as the Second Coming. During the Second Coming, Jesus will defeat His enemies, establish His kingdom, and restore righteousness to the earth. The Book of Revelation describes a magnificent scene where Jesus rides on a white horse, wielding a sword, and leading an army of believers to victory.
Following the Second Coming, the final judgment will take place. The Great White Throne Judgment, as described in Revelation 20:11-15, will be the ultimate judgment of all humanity. Those who have rejected Jesus and His salvation will be judged and sentenced to eternal punishment in hell. However, believers will be judged based on their works and rewarded accordingly, with eternal life in the presence of God.
In conclusion, the Bible provides a detailed account of what will happen when Jesus returns. From the tribulation and the rapture to the Second Coming and the final judgment, the events surrounding Christ’s return are a source of hope and anticipation for believers. As we await the Lord’s return, we are called to live a life of faith, love, and obedience, preparing ourselves for the eternal glory that awaits us.
