Discerning Prophecy And End-Time Signs Shembull

How Will Jesus Return?

The Bible uses various phrases to describe Jesus’s return and its accompanying events: “the coming of the Lord” and similar expressions (see, for example, Matthew 24:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; Hebrews 10:37; James 5:7–8; 2 Peter 1:16); “caught up…to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17); “the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Acts 2:20); “our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing” (1 Timothy 6:14); and “the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19).

These biblical descriptions of Jesus’ return actually encompass two different events. To understand the difference between these events, we need to review each of Jesus’ three direct interventions on earth depicted in the Scriptures: first, Jesus’ coming to His temple; second, Jesus’ appearing; third, Jesus’ second coming. All of these interventions are mentioned in the following passage:

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers soap.” (Malachi 3:1–2)

1. Jesus’ Coming to His Temple

Malachi’s depiction of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple refers to the Messiah’s first arrival on earth as a human being more than two thousand years ago. His birth is traditionally celebrated on December 25, although, based on the biblical evidence, many scholars think He may have been born in the fall, in September or October, while others believe He was born during the summer. I agree with the first estimation because a fall date would coincide with the feast of Tabernacles, which represents the fullness of time. (See Galatians 4:4.)

Jesus’ first intervention on earth was therefore His incarnation as a human being, when He died on the cross, paid for our sins, rose again for our salvation, and ascended into heaven.

2. Jesus’ Appearing

Jesus’ second intervention on earth will be His appearance to take the remnant of the church to heaven with Him before the great tribulation. There is a key distinction between Jesus’ appearing and His coming, so I want to make sure this point is clear: 

· Jesus’ appearing is solely for His bride—those believers who are eagerly awaiting His return and are ready for Him.

· Jesus’ coming is for the purpose of judging the world; thus, it is directed mainly at those who have remained on the earth during the tribulation.

The term most often used in Christian circles to describe the event in which Jesus will return for His bride is “the rapture.” This expression is not found in the Bible but is derived from a Latin word, rapio, meaning “to seize or snatch in relation to an ecstasy of spirit or the actual removal from one place to another.” It has been used to describe what the coming of the Lord will be like for His church.

The Word of God presents two similes for Jesus’ appearing that give us a sense of urgency regarding our need to be ready. The first simile is lightning: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27). This is vivid imagery because judgment is often quick, and lightning is an instantaneous phenomenon. Jesus will appear in the same way—suddenly and unexpectedly—to those who are not prepared and watching.

The other simile is that of a thief’s stealthiness. “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Thieves often choose to rob homes under cover of darkness because they can more easily slip in and out, stealing valuables without anyone noticing until it’s too late. Similarly, those who do not know Christ are spiritually asleep and living in darkness; therefore, they will be taken by surprise at His appearing. However, those who know Jesus and are living in His light will expect Him. Jesus urged us to “watch and pray” (Mark 13:33; see also Luke 21:36).

These illustrations of the quickness of lightning and the stealthiness of a thief send a clear message: be ready! 

As previously explained, after Jesus’ appearing, the world will enter the great tribulation:

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)

For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3) 

“Peace and safety” represent social and economic stability. There will be financial meltdowns on the earth, causing all currencies to lose their value. (See Revelation 6:6.) The world economy has already begun to experience shakiness. While national monetary policies or banks might provide some stability, we cannot put our trust in them for our provision, especially in these last days. We must trust only in the Lord to provide for us. He alone is our Rock. The world often thinks it has everything under control, but there will be social and economic devastation during the tribulation.

Jesus commanded His disciples, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36). Only those who have been purified to become the bride of Christ and who know how to discern the signs will be ready to be taken by Christ at His appearing.

These are times when we must be watching and praying for the signs of Jesus’ return. Stay awake and alert, for He may appear at any time! Is your heart ready for the imminent return of the King?

3. Jesus’ Second Coming

When the seven years of tribulation have concluded, Jesus will come back to the earth once more. This time, He will return with the believers who were caught up to heaven with Him in the rapture. Jesus’ coming will be seen clearly by all people throughout the world. His arrival will initiate the millennial period, during which He will rule the world. 

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:30–31)

After the millennium will come the battle of Armageddon, in which Jesus will utterly defeat His enemies. That includes Satan, his demons, the Antichrist, and all other human beings who choose to join them in their rebellion. Jesus will cast Satan and his followers into the lake of fire. This will also be the time of final judgment for all people. (See Revelation 20:10–15.) Then, God will create new heavens and a new earth. The Lord will reign over a kingdom of peace, dwelling forever with His people. (See Revelation 21:1–3.)

In Day 9, we will explore three specific questions Jesus’ disciples asked Him regarding the signs of His return.