Eschatology (Doctrine of Last Things): Return of Christ
The return of Christ is at the heart of Christian eschatology—the doctrine of last things. Throughout the New Testament, believers are called to watch, wait, and hope for the appearing of Jesus Christ in glory. His return marks the consummation of God’s plan for history, the end of sin and death, and the renewal of creation.
The Bible describes Christ’s return with rich language: parousia (coming), epiphany (appearing), and apocalypse (revealing). These terms remind the church that this event is not only future but also decisive and universal. In this view, the thousand years of Revelation 20 represent the present age in which Christ reigns spiritually, while the church experiences both triumph and persecution. At the end of this era, Satan will be briefly released, culminating in the visible return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and final judgment.
This article explores the meaning, timing, and significance of the return of Christ, highlighting how this doctrine shapes the life and mission of the church today.
1. The Certainty of Christ’s Return
The New Testament consistently affirms that Jesus Christ will return.
Promises of Jesus: He assured His disciples that He would come again to bring them into His Father’s house (John 14:2–3).
Angelic testimony: After the ascension, angels declared, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go” (Acts 1:11).
Apostolic teaching: Paul, Peter, John, and the author of Hebrews all emphasize the certainty of His return as central to Christian hope (1 Thess 4:16; Heb 9:28; 1 Pet 1:7).
This certainty provides the church with hope in suffering, perseverance in faith, and confidence that history is moving toward God’s appointed goal.
2. The Nature of His Return
The return of Christ will be visible, personal, and glorious.
Visible: Every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7). His return will not be hidden or secret.
Personal: It is Jesus Himself—not merely His Spirit or an impersonal force—who will appear (1 Thess 4:16).
Glorious: He comes with power and great glory, attended by angels and accompanied by cosmic signs (Matt 24:30–31).
This stands in contrast to His first coming in humility. His second coming will be unmistakable, displaying His authority as King of kings and Lord of lords.
3. The Timing of His Return
Scripture emphasizes both the nearness and the unpredictability of Christ’s return.
Imminence: Believers are urged to be ready at all times, for He comes “like a thief in the night” (1 Thess 5:2).
Patience: The delay of His return demonstrates God’s mercy, giving opportunity for repentance (2 Pet 3:9).
Uncertainty: Jesus Himself said no one knows the day or hour except the Father (Matt 24:36).
This tension between imminence and delay shapes Christian living. We are called not to speculate on dates but to live faithfully in the present, ready for Christ’s appearing at any moment.
4. The Millennium and the Return of Christ
Revelation 20’s description of a thousand-year reign has sparked diverse interpretations. The symbolic view understands this period as the current age between Christ’s resurrection and His return. During this time:
Satan’s power is restrained so that the Gospel may go to all nations (Rev 20:2–3).
Believers who have died reign with Christ in heaven (Rev 20:4).
The church continues its mission amid suffering and opposition.
At the close of this era, Satan will be briefly released to deceive the nations (Rev 20:7–8), leading to a final rebellion. This rebellion ends abruptly with Christ’s return, the destruction of evil, and the final judgment (Rev 20:9–10).
5. The Events Accompanying His Return
The Bible describes several key events linked to the return of Christ:
General resurrection: Both the righteous and the wicked will be raised (John 5:28–29).
Final judgment: All will stand before God’s throne, with destinies determined by their relationship to Christ (Rev 20:11–15).
Renewal of creation: The present heavens and earth will give way to a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).
Eternal kingdom: Christ will hand the kingdom to the Father, that God may be all in all (1 Cor 15:24–28).
These events underscore the finality of Christ’s return—it is the conclusion of history, not the beginning of another temporary era.
6. The Return of Christ and the Gospel
The return of Christ is not a distant abstraction but a vital part of the Gospel. The good news is that Jesus has already inaugurated God’s kingdom through His death and resurrection, and His return will bring its completion.
For believers, His coming means vindication, resurrection, and eternal life in God’s presence (Phil 3:20–21).
For unbelievers, it means judgment and exclusion from the kingdom (2 Thess 1:7–9).
For creation, it means liberation from corruption and renewal in glory (Rom 8:19–21).
The Gospel, then, is both present and future: Christ saves now, and He will return to bring salvation to its final fullness.
7. Living in Light of His Return
The New Testament consistently connects eschatology with ethics. The return of Christ motivates believers to live holy, faithful lives.
Holiness: “What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Pet 3:11–12).
Hope: Believers are to comfort one another with the hope of Christ’s appearing (1 Thess 4:18).
Mission: The delay of Christ’s return is an opportunity for the Gospel to reach the nations (Matt 24:14).
Thus, eschatology fuels worship, endurance, and mission, anchoring the church in God’s promises.
8. The Consummation of All Things
The return of Christ leads to the final state of all creation:
Evil and death are abolished forever (Rev 20:14).
The redeemed dwell with God in the new creation, where He wipes away every tear (Rev 21:4).
The kingdom of God is fully realized, with Christ as the center of all worship and joy (Rev 22:3–5).
The doctrine of last things therefore points us not merely to judgment but to the eternal communion of God with His people. Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
Conclusion
The return of Christ is the climactic hope of Christian faith. It assures us that history has meaning, that evil will not prevail, and that God’s promises will be fulfilled. Rather than fueling speculation, this doctrine calls the church to watchfulness, holiness, and mission.
Christ’s return is certain, glorious, and final. It is the moment when the kingdom is consummated, justice is established, and God’s people enter into eternal joy. Until that day, believers live in the tension of the already and the not yet—rejoicing in Christ’s present reign and longing for His future appearing.
Bible Verses about the Return of Christ
“This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.” (Revelation 1:7)
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:4)
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28)
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)
“For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.” (Luke 17:24)
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
