Christ Shall Return in Glory Christ Shall Return in Glory
Christ shall come back in glory. The glorious appearance of the Lord Savior Jesus Christ (the second coming) is the climax of the full salvation. Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, �輶ehold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again�� (Matt. 20:18��19). True enough, these words were fulfilled. Before leaving His disciples, Jesus comforted them, saying, �𦚵et not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also�� (John 14:1��3). Jesus said that He would go to the Father to prepare a place for those who believe in Him, and that He would come again to receive them into glory. After He was taken up, the angels testified to the disciples, saying, �嚹his same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven�� (Acts 1:11).
It has been noted that, on average, one out of every 25 verses in the Bible refers to the Lord�䏭 coming. The Lord�䏭 coming is an absolute truth. His birth, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit are undeniable facts. And so too will be His return. Although it has not happened, it will eventually come to pass. Jesus said, �𣿯eaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away�� (Luke 21:33).
When will the Lord return? The exact date is not stated in the Bible. The Lord doesn�脌 want people to know the date because He wants them to be watchful and prepared at all times. He said, �輶ut of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is�� (Mark 13). That is why everyone should be prepared to meet the Lord when He comes. Those who have not accepted Jesus, repent quickly so that your sins may be forgiven by the precious blood of the Lord. Also be watchful and sober because the Lord will come at an unexpected hour. At that time, it�耱l be too late for you to repent!
When the Savior returns, He will judge all nations and people. This includes Christians (the Church) and non-Christians (the Gentiles), and the Israelites (the elect).
To genuine Christians, the Lord�䏭 return is the day of redemption. This is their most blessed hope. Henceforth, they will enjoy the glory with Christ forever. �𤧶or our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself�� (Phil. 3:20��21).
To unfaithful Christians and non-Christians, the Day of the Lord�䏭 return is a day of despair because they will not be able to escape the wrath and judgment of God. �乪hen the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power�� (2 Thess. 1: 7��9).
To the Israelites (the Jews), the second coming of Christ is the great day when the whole house of Israel will be saved. For salvation is of the Jews (John 4:22). But when they hardened their hearts, rejected and crucified their Messiah (Christ), this salvation came to us (the Gentiles). We then have a chance to accept the gospel and be established in the body of Jesus Christ (the Church). Nevertheless, when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, all Israel will be saved. As it is written, �嚹he Deliverer will come out from Zion, and He will turn ungodliness from Jacob�� (see Rom. 11:25��26).