“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” – Matthew 16:27
The Promise of His Return
As followers of Christ, we hold onto the beautiful promise that He will return. This assurance is not merely an idle hope; it is a cornerstone of our faith. Throughout the scriptures, we see that the Lord has consistently affirmed that He will return to gather His people. It gives us confidence as we navigate through life’s challenges, knowing that our Savior will keep His word. This promise shapes our expectations and influences how we live today, encouraging us to live in righteousness and anticipation of His second coming.
John 14:3
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – John 14:3
Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” – Revelation 22:12
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Titus 2:13
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13
Living in Expectation
As we wait for the return of our Savior, we are encouraged to live in a state of expectation. This anticipation should spark in us a desire to align our lives with God’s will, growing in faith and good works. When we understand that His return could happen at any moment, it motivates us to be vigilant and dedicated to living out our faith. Living in expectation helps us to prioritize what truly matters and spreads hope to those around us.
Matthew 24:44
“Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Matthew 24:44
Luke 12:40
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Luke 12:40
James 5:7
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains.” – James 5:7
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13
Revelation 3:11
“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” – Revelation 3:11
Signs of His Coming
As we wait, we often look for signs indicating His imminent return. Many prophecies in the Bible provide clues and indicators that signal His approaching arrival. By studying these signs, we can gain insight into the times we are living in and be better prepared for his return. These signs, whether in nature, society, or our own hearts, remind us of the urgent call to be vigilant, faithful, and active in sharing the Gospel.
Matthew 24:6-7
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” – Matthew 24:6-7
Luke 21:25-26
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.” – Luke 21:25-26
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” – 1 Timothy 4:1
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” – Matthew 24:42
2 Peter 3:3-4
“Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” – 2 Peter 3:3-4
The Call to Stay Ready
We must commit to staying ready, as the call for preparedness in our hearts is repeated throughout scripture. Being spiritually equipped involves continuous prayer, studying the Word, and living in obedience to God’s commands. When we actively seek His presence, we reinforce our commitment to being ready for His return. It is through this readiness that we can shine light in a world that often seems dim, encouraging others to seek Christ as well.
Matthew 25:13
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:13
Luke 21:36
“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:36
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:5
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
The Hope of Eternity
The hope of eternal life is what makes the promise of His coming even more beautiful. Living with the expectation of His return reminds us that our struggles here are temporary and that a glorious life awaits us. This hope fuels our endurance and helps us to keep our focus on eternity rather than the fleeting troubles of this world. As we share this hope with others, we point them toward the love and salvation found in Christ, who is coming back for His children.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Encouragement in Trials
The promise of His return serves as a source of encouragement during our trials. When we face hardships, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. Yet, knowing that our Redeemer will come back provides comfort and strength. Together, we can remind one another that our present difficulties are nothing compared to the joy of His return and the new life He offers. As we share this truth with each other, we build a supportive community that looks forward to Christ’s glorious coming.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 10:25
“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:25
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the certainty of God’s return, we are filled with hope and courage. We hold on to the promise that our Savior is coming back for us, and this motivates us to live lives that reflect His love and grace. In anticipation, we remain watchful and prepared, sharing our faith with others and encouraging them to join us in looking toward the day when He will return.
We face trials and tribulations, yet the hope of His coming gives us strength. Let’s keep our eyes on those signs and be vigilant in our walk with Christ. It is a beautiful journey of faith, and we can trust in His promises as we navigate this life together with fellow believers.
I encourage all of us to continue exploring topics such as the end of days and signs from God, seeking wisdom and knowledge that draws us closer to Him.