Is Jesus Coming Back For Those Who Are Looking For Him?

The Bible promises that Jesus will one day return to gather those who believe in Him. This promise gives hope to Christians as they eagerly wait to be united with their Lord and Savior.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: According to the Bible, Jesus promises to come back to bring salvation for those who believe in Him. The exact timing is unknown, but believers are called to actively watch, wait, and prepare themselves for His return.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore what the Bible says about Jesus’ second coming, provide evidence that He will return, explain signs to look out for, describe what will happen when He returns, and give practical advice for believers on how to prepare themselves for His return.

Jesus’ Promise to Return

Old Testament Prophecies

The Old Testament contains several prophecies about the Messiah returning. For example, Zechariah 14:1-4 foretells the Lord coming to set foot on the Mount of Olives. Additional Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament predict the Messiah establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace on earth.

Jesus’ Own Words

In the New Testament Gospels, Jesus made clear promises to return in glory and power. For instance, in Matthew 24:27-31, He described His second coming being visible worldwide, accompanied by angels and heavenly signs.

In John 14:1-4, Jesus comforted His disciples by assuring them He would come back to bring them into His Father’s house.

The Apostles’ Teachings

The apostles frequently referenced Jesus’ second coming in their letters to the early churches. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes believers being caught up to meet the Lord in the air when He returns.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John recorded apocalyptic visions reinforcing Christ’s promise to make all things new upon His return as triumphant King and Judge.

Signs That Point to Jesus’ Soon Return

Increasing Evil and Godlessness

Many Bible scholars believe that the prevalence of evil and rejection of God in society are signs that Jesus’ return is drawing near. Paul wrote about this in his letter to Timothy, saying that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty” and people will be “lovers of self” and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

Surveys show that fewer people today attend religious services or identify with a religion compared to past generations. The decline in religious adherence could signal that humanity is rejecting God’s ways and becoming more self-centered, providing fertile ground for increased lawlessness.

Rise in Natural Disasters

Jesus predicted that prior to His return there would be an increase in earthquakes, famines, and pestilences (Luke 21:11). According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), since 2000 there has been a dramatic rise in climate-related disasters like flooding, hurricanes, and heatwaves.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction also reports that climate disasters have more than tripled over the past 30 years. While not every natural disaster is evidence of the end times, the upward trend in catastrophic events could indicate that the earth is “groaning” for the return of its Creator, as described in Romans 8:22.

The Gospel Preached Globally

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus proclaimed that the end would come after the gospel had been preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations. For much of history, spreading the gospel worldwide seemed an impossible feat.

But innovations in travel and communication technology during the past century have allowed missionaries to reach remote areas quickly. In 1980, the U.S. Center for World Mission estimated that over 80% of the world’s population could be reached by Christian evangelism.

Today, Christian literature and broadcasting blankets the globe. While not everyone believes, this proliferation of the gospel fulfills the condition required prior to Jesus’ return.

Events Accompanying Jesus’ Return

The Rapture

The Rapture refers to the event where Jesus will descend from heaven and gather believers, both living and deceased, to meet him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This will occur unexpectedly, in the “twinkling of an eye”, and usher in the end times events.

Many biblical scholars believe the Rapture will precede the 7-year Tribulation period, sparing believers from God’s wrath during this distressing time.

The Great Tribulation

The Great Tribulation is a 7-year period of great suffering and turmoil on earth. It is initiated by the Antichrist’s rise to power and his signing of a peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27). Key events include:

• Antichrist’s global rule and demand for worship (Revelation 13:7-8)
• Two prophets of God bearing witness in Jerusalem and performing miracles (Revelation 11:3-12)
• Seven trumpet and seven bowl judgments unleashed on earth (Revelation 8-9, 16)
• Unprecedented natural disasters and plagues (Revelation 6:12, 8:7, 16:2-4)
• Massive persecution of Jews and Christians who refuse the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:15-17)

The Battle of Armageddon

The Battle of Armageddon refers to the final war between human governments inspired by Satan and led by the Antichrist against God himself. It will take place in Israel, in the prophesied location of Megiddo (Revelation 16:16). Specific events include:

• Antichrist and 10 nation alliance will invade Israel (Daniel 11:40-45)
• Jesus will return in power and glory to defeat Antichrist’s forces (Revelation 19:11-21)
• Antichrist and false prophet thrown into lake of fire (Revelation 19:20)
• Satan bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3)
• Establishment of Jesus’ millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4-6)

This epic battle will usher in Christ’s millennial reign and mark Satan’s ultimate defeat.

Practical Preparation for Jesus’ Coming

Grow in Spiritual Maturity

As followers of Jesus, we should constantly seek to grow in spiritual maturity and become more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-15). This involves things like regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with other believers, serving others, and sharing our faith.

The more we grow in likeness to Jesus, the more ready we will be for His return. Let’s keep our focus on pursuing holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amazing things happen when we yield ourselves fully to God!

Dedicate Your Life to God’s Mission

Rather than sitting back and passively waiting, we can actively participate in God’s mission to redeem the world (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus wants His followers to be His hands and feet, sharing the gospel through word and deed.

We must vigilantly watch for opportunities to show His love and tell people about the hope found in Christ. Imagine the joy when someone comes to faith because of our faithfulness! Let’s fully leverage the time we have left on earth to further God’s kingdom purposes.

Eagerly Watch and Wait with Patient Endurance

As we eagerly await Jesus’ promised return, we must also wait patiently, knowing neither the day nor hour (Matthew 24:36). Don’t be discouraged that He has not come back yet. God is giving more time for repentance and salvation (2 Peter 3:9).

Keep looking up expectantly, but don’t obsess over trying to predict dates. Let your ultimate hope be in God, not in any timeline. Remember, His timing is perfect. Keep praying “come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) and faithfully occupy yourself with His work until He comes.

Our perseverance will be richly rewarded!

Conclusion

Jesus gave believers the sure promise that He will return as King and Judge. While no one knows the day or hour, the signs reveal it may be soon. Rather than fear, believers can have hope and joyfully anticipate being united forever with their Savior.

Those looking for Jesus must actively watch and prepare by growing in spiritual maturity and joining God’s redemptive plan to reach the world with the gospel message before He returns in glory.