The second coming of Jesus

A summary of the Bible Hour presentation at the Christadelphian Hall, Blackpool Street, Burton-upon-Trent on Sunday 9th May 2010.

This blog uses Bible references. If you don’t have a Bible, you can find the Bible text online.


1. The fact of the second coming

There are many mentions throughout the Bible of Jesus’ second coming. For example:

Jesus taught it in plain speech, e.g. Matthew 16:27.

Jesus taught it in parables, e.g. Luke 19:11 onwards.

The apostles taught it, e.g. Peter (Acts 3:20,21); John (1 John 2:28); Paul (he mentions it in every chapter of both letters to the Thessalonians).

2. The nature of the second coming

Acts 1:11: The angels’ words to the disciples as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven: “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

1 John 3:2: “We shall see him as he is.”

Revelation 1:7: “Every eye shall see him.”

Jesus’ second coming will be literal, personal and visible.

3. The reason for the second coming

To raise the dead – 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

To judge the living and the dead, to give eternal life to some and condemn others – John 5:28, 29; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10 (those who are ignorant of the Gospel will not be judged, only those who have had the opportunity to respond to the Gospel).

To establish God’s kingdom – Luke 1:32,33; Jeremiah 3:17. We’re given lots of information about the kingdom of God, e.g. Isaiah 2:2-4, no more war; Amos 9:13, agricultural prosperity; Isaiah 65:21,22, housing for all.

4. The time of the second coming

No one knows the day or the hour, but there are clues:

Revelation 16:13-14, a time of unprecedented trouble in the world.

Revelation 16:15, he will come like a thief (behind the scenes, unbeknown to the world).

Zechariah 14:1-2, at a time of world conflict focused on Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 38:8-9 is a description of the modern state of Israel!

Zechariah 14:3-9, Jesus will reveal himself to the world and deliver Israel from its enemies.

5. The second coming and you

Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Are you ready to meet Jesus when he returns?