Jesus Is Coming Back: Are You Ready for His Return?

 

Jesus is coming back! This is the subject I want us to reflect on today.

Is Jesus really going to come back? When is He coming? How do we know He is coming back? Has He already returned, as some people claim? Does His coming actually matter? What is the significance of knowing that Jesus is coming back?

These questions often create different attitudes among people when discussing the return of Jesus Christ.

Some people believe that Jesus has taken so long to return that there is no need to worry about it. They think there is still plenty of time. Others say they will get saved when they are about to die.

Some consider the return of Jesus a myth or a hoax, while others eagerly pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!"

There are also those who want Jesus to return but not just yet. They still have plans they would like to accomplish. Some want to get married, see their children grow up, enjoy their grandchildren or travel to places they have never visited.

Others are afraid of His return because they are not ready. They may also be concerned about their loved ones who have not yet given their lives to Christ. They think about their parents, brothers, sisters, children and friends who are not saved, and they wish Jesus would wait until these loved ones have come to know Him.

Whatever attitude we may have towards the return of Jesus, one thing is important: we must be ready. We should be able to say, "Jesus, even if You decide to come now, I am ready."

Understanding His return should not fill us with fear and anxiety. Instead, it should give us hope and encourage us to live faithfully.

In this article, we will explore three important aspects of Christ's return:

1. The biblical truth that Jesus is coming back.
2. The signs surrounding His return.
3. How we should respond as believers and as those who have not yet received Christ.

Jesus Is Coming Back: The Biblical Truth

The return of Jesus Christ is not a myth or a hoax. It is a fundamental truth of the Bible and an essential part of our Christian faith.

The Bible provides several witnesses to this truth.

The Prophets Foretold His Return

The return of Jesus was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament, including Daniel and Isaiah. The New Testament also speaks extensively about His coming.

Jesus Himself Promised to Return

Jesus personally confirmed that He would return.

In John 14:2–3, Jesus told His disciples that there were many rooms in His Father's house. He explained that He was going to prepare a place for them and promised that He would come back again to take them to be with Him.

This was not merely a message from a prophet or an angel. It was Jesus Himself making the promise.

The Angels Confirmed His Return

When Jesus ascended into heaven, His disciples watched Him rise into the clouds. As they stood looking upwards, the angels spoke to them.

In Acts 1:11, the angels said:

"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will also come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (NKJV)

The angels confirmed that Jesus would return in the same way they had witnessed Him ascend.

The Apostles Taught About His Return

The apostles in the early Church consistently emphasized the return of Jesus.

In Philippians 3:20, the Apostle Paul reminds believers that their citizenship is in heaven, from where they eagerly await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

We therefore have the testimony of the prophets, Jesus Himself, the angels and the apostles. All these witnesses establish the biblical truth that Jesus is coming back.

Why Has Jesus Taken So Long to Return?

The early Church also struggled with questions surrounding the return of Jesus. Some people began to doubt His promise because so much time had passed.

This is not a new concern. The Apostle Peter addressed it in his second letter.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter reminds believers of the words spoken by the holy prophets and the commands given by Jesus through the apostles.

He warns that in the last days, scoffers will appear, following their own desires and questioning the promise of Christ's return.

They will ask, "Where is this coming He promised?"

Peter explains that such people deliberately forget how God created the heavens and the earth by His Word and how the world was once destroyed by a flood during the days of Noah.

When Noah warned the people about the coming flood, they continued with their everyday activities and ignored the warning. Then the flood came upon them unexpectedly.

Peter uses this example to remind believers that God's Word is trustworthy and that His promises will be fulfilled.

God's Timing Is Different from Ours

One of the most important lessons Peter gives us is found in 2 Peter 3:8:

"With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (NKJV)

We may feel that Jesus has taken a long time to return, but God's understanding of time is different from ours.

Peter goes on to explain that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some people understand slowness.

Instead, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

This is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and love.

The reason Jesus has not yet returned is not because He has forgotten His promise. Rather, God is giving people an opportunity to repent and make peace with Him.

However, Peter also reminds us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief. It will come unexpectedly.

Therefore, we must not take God's patience for granted.

The Return of Jesus Brings Hope

The return of Jesus is not simply about the end of the present world. It is also about the fulfilment of God's plan to restore all things.

The world we live in today is not the perfect world God originally intended. It has been affected by sin, suffering, pain and brokenness.

But Jesus is coming back to restore all things to the state God intended.

His return is therefore a message of hope.

The Completion of Our Salvation

Our salvation has three important aspects.

First, we have been saved. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, making salvation available to everyone who believes in Him.

Second, we are being saved. As we continue our Christian journey, Jesus works in our lives, helping us through different circumstances and shaping us to become more like Him.

Third, we await the completion of our salvation. When Jesus returns, our salvation will be fully realized. Our imperfect bodies will be transformed, and what is imperfect will give way to God's perfection.

We also look forward to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, as Peter explains in 2 Peter 3:13.

What a wonderful hope we have in Christ!

When Is Jesus Coming Back?

This is one of the questions people frequently ask.

Even the disciples wanted to know when Jesus would establish His kingdom. However, Jesus made it clear that the specific times and dates were not for them to know.

In Acts 1:7, He explained that the times and seasons were in the Father's authority.

In other words, only God knows the exact day and hour of Christ's return.

However, God has not left us without guidance. Jesus gave His disciples signs to watch for so that they would recognize the season surrounding His return.

We can compare this to a woman who is expecting a baby. Although a doctor may provide an estimated delivery date, the exact day and hour of birth cannot always be predicted. Nevertheless, there are signs that indicate when the baby is about to arrive.

In the same way, although we do not know the exact time of Jesus' return, the Bible gives us signs to watch for.

Jesus explains these signs in Matthew 24.

Signs of the Return of Jesus

In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked Jesus:

"Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (NKJV)

Jesus responded by identifying several signs that would accompany the period leading up to His return.

1. False Messiahs and Deception

In Matthew 24:4–5, Jesus warns:

"Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." (NKJV)

Jesus warned that people would arise claiming to be the promised Messiah.

Throughout history, individuals have appeared claiming to be Christ or presenting themselves as His representatives in misleading ways.

The warning is clear: believers must be careful not to be deceived by everyone who makes religious claims.

We must remain grounded in the Word of God and exercise discernment.

2. Wars and Rumors of Wars

In Matthew 24:6–7, Jesus says that people will hear of wars and rumors of wars, and that nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

Wars, political tensions and conflicts between nations are among the signs Jesus identified.

We continue to hear reports of conflicts and instability in different parts of the world.

Jesus tells His followers not to be troubled by these events, reminding them that although these things must happen, the end is not yet.

These events should encourage us to remain spiritually alert rather than live in fear.

3. Famines, Pestilences and Earthquakes

Jesus also mentions famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7).

Food shortages, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and earthquakes are among the events He identifies.

Even countries blessed with fertile land and favorable conditions for agriculture can experience famine and food shortages.

These events remind us of the brokenness of the world and the importance of remaining watchful.

Jesus explains that these are the beginning of sorrows.

4. Persecution of Believers

In Matthew 24:9, Jesus warns that His followers will experience persecution and hatred because of His name.

Being identified as a Christian may become increasingly difficult in certain societies and circumstances.

Throughout the world, believers face opposition, discrimination and persecution because of their faith.

Jesus told His disciples beforehand so that they would understand the challenges they might face and remain steadfast.

Persecution is another sign He tells us to watch for.

5. The Rise of False Prophets

In Matthew 24:11, Jesus says:

"Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many." (NKJV)

Jesus warns that false prophets will increase and lead many people astray.

The Apostle Peter also addresses this issue in 2 Peter 2:1–3, warning believers about false prophets and teachers who introduce destructive teachings.

These individuals may present themselves as servants of God, yet their teachings can bring confusion, division and deception.

Peter highlights several characteristics of such people:

• They introduce destructive teachings and false doctrines.
• They lead people into confusion and division.
• They gather followers who struggle to distinguish truth from error.
• They exploit people for personal gain.
• They use religious claims and attractive messages to serve their own interests.

This is why believers must be rooted in Scripture and exercise discernment.

Not everyone who claims to speak in the name of God is necessarily teaching the truth.

We must examine what we hear against the Word of God.

6. An Increase in Lawlessness and the Love of Many Growing Cold

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus gives another warning:

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." (NKJV)

Lawlessness is an increasing disregard for what is right and wrong.

People become more concerned about doing what they want rather than respecting what is right.

We see the effects of lawlessness in different areas of society, including families, communities, institutions and public life.

When respect for what is right disappears, selfishness and wrongdoing become more common.

Jesus also warns that the love of many will grow cold.

This is a reminder that believers must guard their hearts and continue walking in love, regardless of the circumstances around them.

7. The Gospel Will Be Preached Throughout the World

Amid all these troubling signs, Jesus gives a message of hope.

In Matthew 24:14, He says that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come.

This means that the good news of Jesus Christ will continue to be proclaimed throughout the world.

The gospel is the message that Jesus saves, forgives sin and offers eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.

Although false prophets and misleading teachings may increase, there will still be faithful servants of God who preach the true gospel, not for selfish gain but for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

This is an important responsibility for the Church.

How Should Believers Respond to the Return of Jesus?

Having understood the biblical truth about Jesus' return and the signs surrounding it, we must ask ourselves an important question:

How should we live as we wait for Him?

The return of Jesus should influence our daily lives and the way we conduct ourselves as Christians.

Here are four important responses.

1. Be Spiritually Alert

Luke 21:34–36 warns believers not to allow their hearts to become weighed down by the cares and distractions of everyday life.

We must be careful about how we live.

The pressures of life, the pursuit of pleasure and the concerns of this world can easily distract us from our relationship with God.

We should therefore remain spiritually awake, watchful and committed to living according to God's Word.

2. Pray for Strength

Jesus encourages His followers to pray so that they may have the strength to stand firm through the difficult times ahead.

The Christian journey is not always easy. The waiting may be long, distractions may be many and temptations may arise.

We therefore need God's strength to remain faithful.

Rather than relying on our own ability, we must continually seek Him through prayer.

3. Encourage One Another

Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers not to neglect meeting together but to encourage one another, especially as they see the Day approaching.

Christian fellowship is important because we all experience moments of discouragement and difficulty. We need one another.

Attending church is important, but we must also be intentional about building relationships with other believers through smaller fellowship groups.

These groups provide opportunities to pray together, share experiences, encourage one another and grow in faith.

Let us remain committed to meeting together and strengthening one another as we await the return of Christ.

4. Preach the True Gospel

Jesus gave His followers the responsibility of sharing the gospel with the world.

In Mark 16:15, He commands His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

We must continue sharing the good news that Jesus saves.

The promise of Christ's return should not make us passive. Instead, it should motivate us to reach more people with the truth of God's Word.

There are people around us who have not yet heard or received the gospel. We have a responsibility to share the love of Christ with them.

Are You Personally Ready for His Return?

While the return of Jesus is good news for believers, it may create fear and uncertainty for those who have not yet received Him.

Some people worry about being left behind when Jesus returns.

However, one important truth we must understand is that salvation is personal. You cannot depend on the faith of your parents, spouse, children or friends.

There is no salvation by association.

You must personally make a decision to receive Jesus Christ and establish a relationship with God.

In Matthew 24, Jesus gives illustrations of people going about their daily activities, with one being taken and another left. These illustrations remind us that readiness for His return is an individual matter.

You cannot assume that because your family members are Christians, you are automatically saved.

You must personally believe in Jesus.

God's Desire Is for Everyone to Repent

Let us return to 2 Peter 3:9–10.

Peter reminds us that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise. Instead, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

The day of the Lord will nevertheless come unexpectedly.

This passage helps us understand God's heart towards humanity.

God does not desire destruction for people. His desire is that everyone should have an opportunity to repent, turn away from sin and receive salvation through Jesus Christ.

That is why the message of salvation is so important.

If you have not yet made peace with God, do not postpone that decision.

The return of Jesus is not something to ignore or treat casually. It is a reminder that our lives must be right with God.

Jesus is coming back. This is not a myth, a hoax or an empty promise. It is a truth established throughout Scripture. Although we do not know the exact day or hour of His return, Jesus has given us signs to watch for. We see warnings about deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, false prophets and increasing lawlessness. At the same time, the gospel continues to be preached throughout the world. As believers, our responsibility is to remain spiritually alert, pray for strength, encourage one another and faithfully share the gospel.

Above all, we must ensure that we are personally ready. The delay in Christ's return is an expression of God's patience and mercy. He desires that people should repent and receive salvation. Let us therefore live with hope, faithfulness and expectation, knowing that this world is not our permanent home. We look forward to the day when Jesus returns, restores all things and brings us into the fullness of His promises.

May we live every day with the confidence that we are ready to meet Him.

Jesus is coming back. Are you ready?

Reflection: If Jesus returned today, would you be ready to meet Him? Are you living with the hope of His return and helping others discover the salvation He offers?