The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

The return of Jesus Christ is one of the most anticipated events in Christian faith. The Bible is clear: Jesus will return, and He will establish His kingdom. For those who believe that the Bible is God’s infallible Word, the signs of His imminent return are undeniable. In this post, we’ll explore key biblical passages that point to the return of Jesus, examine signs that indicate His coming is near, and discuss the hope of the pretribulation rapture for believers.

The Promise of Christ’s Return

Jesus Himself promised that He would return. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to His disciples, saying, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:2-3, KJV). This promise provides hope for believers, ensuring that He will return to gather those who belong to Him.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this promise, writing to the Thessalonians about the return of Jesus and the gathering of believers: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV). This is often referred to as the “blessed hope” of the church, and it offers comfort and anticipation for those awaiting His return.

Signs of the Times

The Bible gives several prophetic signs that signal the nearness of Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24, Jesus outlines specific events that will unfold in the last days. Known as the “Olivet Discourse,” this chapter is key to understanding end-time events. Jesus warns of wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. He states, “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8, KJV). We can see these events happening around us today with increasing frequency and severity.

The Apostle Paul also warns of societal decay as a sign of the end times. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul describes a time when people will be “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers” (2 Timothy 3:2-3, KJV). This description reflects much of what we see in society today, where selfishness, violence, and immorality are rampant.

The Prophetic Fulfillment of Israel

The reestablishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 is one of the most significant prophetic signs pointing to the return of Christ. The prophet Isaiah, writing under divine inspiration, foretold, “Shall a nation be born at once?” (Isaiah 66:8, KJV). Against all odds, Israel was reborn in a single day, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. This event set the stage for the end-time events described in both the Old and New Testaments.

In Luke 21:24, Jesus speaks of Jerusalem being “trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (KJV). The recapturing of Jerusalem in 1967 during the Six-Day War was a pivotal moment, bringing us closer to the fulfillment of this prophecy. The existence of Israel as a nation in these last days is a clear sign that we are approaching the time of Christ’s return.

The Hope of the Pretribulation Rapture

One of the most encouraging promises for believers is the hope of the pretribulation rapture. The rapture is the event when Jesus will take His church out of the world before the tribulation period. Paul describes the rapture in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (KJV). This passage reveals that the rapture will be a sudden, transformative event.

The concept of the pretribulation rapture is further supported in Revelation 3:10, where Jesus promises the faithful church in Philadelphia, “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (KJV). This promise implies a rescue from the tribulation, a time of God’s wrath on a sinful world. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes that believers “are not appointed to wrath” (1 Thessalonians 5:9, KJV), suggesting that the church will be taken to heaven before the tribulation period begins.

Spurgeon and the Imminence of Christ’s Return

Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher, often spoke of the necessity for Christians to live with a sense of urgency, watching for the Lord’s return. Spurgeon once remarked, “The hour of Christ’s return is not revealed, that we may always stand on tip-toe, expecting it.” His words reflect the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (KJV). The emphasis on watching and readiness underscores the imminence of Jesus’ return.

The Gathering of Nations Against Israel

In Zechariah 12:2-3, the prophet describes a time when all nations will come against Israel: “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about…though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (KJV). The hostility of nations toward Israel is increasing, and political tensions in the Middle East are at an all-time high. This opposition fulfills Zechariah’s prophecy and aligns with the end-time events described in Scripture.

The Rise of Deception and False Christs

Jesus warned that the last days would be marked by widespread deception. In Matthew 24:24, He cautioned, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders” (KJV). We see this today with an increase in false religions, cults, and self-proclaimed messiahs. The Apostle John adds to this warning, saying, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, KJV). This increase in spiritual deception is another sign that Jesus’ return is near.

The Increase in Knowledge and Travel

The prophet Daniel prophesied that in the last days, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4, KJV). Today, travel is faster and more accessible than ever, and information is available instantly. This exponential increase in knowledge and movement is unparalleled in human history, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy and pointing to the nearness of the end.

The Call to Readiness

In light of these signs, Christians are called to live in readiness for Jesus’ return. The Apostle Peter reminds believers to “be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14, KJV). This means walking closely with the Lord, repenting of sin, and living a life that honors Him. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 also serves as a warning. Jesus ends the parable with this exhortation: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13, KJV).

Conclusion: The Imminent Return of Christ is Certain

The Bible provides overwhelming evidence that Jesus Christ will return soon. The signs are all around us: the moral decay of society, the rebirth of Israel, the rise of global hostility against God’s people, and the increase in deception and false teachings. The pretribulation rapture offers hope for believers, promising that we will be taken up to be with the Lord before the tribulation begins.

As Spurgeon once said, “We cannot tell when He shall come. We only know that He is coming.” Let us live with that anticipation, looking forward to the day when Jesus will appear in glory.