Can you imagine what the disciples of Jesus must have felt as they watched their beloved resurrected Savior ascend into the clouds? What would you have felt in such a moment?
“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’ ” (Acts 1:10–11)
Surely they felt disappointed to see Jesus go. Surely they wondered, “But when? When will Jesus return?” Yet, they must also have felt unshakeable hope in this assurance from the angels. They had seen Jesus feed the five thousand, heal lepers, raise the dead, walk on water, die and rise again. He never failed, never broke His promises. And looking back, the disciples likely remembered that Jesus had given them clues of when He would return, sure signs of His Second Coming.
Today, we’re still experiencing the anticipation and hope of Jesus’ return. And many are still asking the question that believers of every generation have asked: How can I be ready for it?
God’s Word gives us the answer.
When Will Jesus Return?
For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have wondered: “When will Jesus return?” The disciples asked it. The early church wondered about it. Christians who lived through some of the world’s most tragic events felt sure that the end was near. In light of our modern world’s wars, natural disasters, moral confusion, technological upheaval, and global uncertainty, many people are asking once again: “Are these events signs of the Second Coming? Are we living in the end times?”
The Bible gives a clear and fascinating answer.
No One Knows the Exact Day
Jesus Himself addressed the question of when He will return:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
Not long after, He advised:
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44)
Scripture is remarkably clear: no human being knows the exact date of Christ’s return. Throughout history, many have attempted to set dates, and every prediction has failed (obviously). God intentionally withheld the exact day because He wants His people to live in continual readiness rather than wait until the last moment to get ready.
What Did Jesus Say About the Signs of His Return?
Although Jesus stated that we cannot know the exact day or hour of His return, He did tell us we could recognize the season. He compared the signs of His Second Coming to leaves on a fig tree:
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.” (Matthew 24:32)
In Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3, and Revelation, God provides signs indicating that Earth’s history is moving toward its climax. Among these signs are:
- Increasing international conflict
- Famines and natural disasters
- Moral decline
- Religious deception
- Growing persecution of believers
- A worldwide proclamation of the Gospel
Jesus summarized these conditions:
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars . . . ” (Matthew 24:6)
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (verse 7)
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (verse 12)
But Jesus also gave this message of hope:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
These signs of the Second Coming do not provide us with a date, but they do tell us that Jesus is coming soon.
What Will the Second Coming Be Like?
The return of Christ will not be secret. The Bible repeatedly describes this event as visible, glorious, and unmistakable.
Jesus declared:
“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)
John wrote:
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” (Revelation 1:7a)
Paul also described the event:
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. . . . ” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
According to Scripture, the Second Coming will be visible and audible to all humankind. No one will need to wonder whether Jesus has returned. The entire world will know.
The More Important Question: How Can I Be Ready for Christ’s Return?
Many people ask, “When will Jesus come?” But the more important question is, “Am I ready if He comes today?”
The Bible’s emphasis is not on calculating dates but on preparing hearts. In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. “They all slumbered and slept” as they waited (verse 5), but only five had enough oil to keep their lamps burning when news of the bridgeroom’s soon arrival came. The other five tried to get more oil, but by the time the bridegroom arrived, it was too late. “The door was shut” (verse 10).
The lesson is simple: preparation for Christ’s return must happen before He appears. Don’t wait!
How to Be Ready for Jesus’ Return
1. Accept Jesus as Your Savior
The foundation of readiness is not perfection but a relationship with Christ.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
Salvation is a gift, bought by the blood of Jesus and given to us freely.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
No one earns heaven. No one gets ready for the return of Christ on their own. We receive eternal life by trusting in Jesus. We get ready by accepting Him into our lives.
2. Repent and Surrender Daily
Repentance means turning away from sin and toward God.
Peter preached:
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
The Christian life is not a one-time decision. It is a daily walk with Christ. When we surrender our plans, desires, fears, and ambitions to Him each day, we receive a continuous, refreshing stream of readiness and peace.
3. Spend Time in God’s Word
Praying for His believers, Jesus asked His Father:
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
The Bible strengthens faith, reveals God’s character, and protects us from deception. Those who know Scripture are far less likely to be misled by false teachings in the last days.
4. Maintain an Active Prayer Life
Prayer keeps us connected to heaven.
Jesus instructed:
“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)
Prayer is not merely asking for things. It is fellowship with God. And the more we know Christ now, the more we will rejoice when He returns.
5. Live in Loving Obedience
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obedience does not save us, but it is the fruit of a transformed heart. A person preparing for Christ’s return seeks to honor Him in every area of life.
6. Share the Gospel
Jesus commissioned His followers:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . ” (Matthew 28:19)
One of the greatest signs of readiness in an individual is their effort to help others become ready as well. You may not know when Jesus will return. Some days, you may not even feel ready for it. But you have been called to be a light in a dark world. Don’t neglect your mission!
Getting Ready for the Second Coming of Christ in Hope, Not Fear
Some people fear the Second Coming, but believers have no reason to be afraid.
Titus calls this victorious event:
“The blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
The return of Jesus means:
- The end of war
- The end of injustice
- The resurrection of those who died in Christ
- Reunion with loved ones
- Eternal fellowship with God
One of the Bible’s final promises is perhaps its most beautiful:
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Don’t Wait to Get Ready for Christ’s Return
No one but God knows the exact day of Jesus’ return to Earth. However, through the Bible, God has given us signs of the season of Christ’s coming, including natural disasters, moral collapse, and a distinct religio-political power that will twist God’s Word and persecute loyal believers. A deep study of Revelation 13, 14, and 18 reveals that this power will appear as a confederacy between the beast (papal system), the false prophet (United States), and governmental economic forces (financial system). Scripture leaves little doubt that history is moving toward this confederacy and toward the great event of the Second Coming.
The signs tell us that Christ’s return is near! The Gospel tells us how to prepare—not through fear, speculation, or date setting, but through knowing Jesus personally.
Today, Christ extends the same invitation He has always offered:
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
When Jesus returns, no one will be wondering, “Did anyone correctly predict the date?” As all eyes look upward to witness His glory, the only thing that will matter to each individual is whether or not they accepted His invitation. And for those who chose to trust Him, these beautiful words of Scripture will become reality:
“And it will be said in that day: ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.’ ” (Isaiah 25:9)
Jesus is coming again! The best time to prepare is today.
Related Articles:
Why Hasn’t Jesus Come Back Yet? Understanding God’s Timing
Preparing the Heart for the Second Coming of Jesus
Silicon Valley, the Papacy, and the Final Conflict: A Great Controversy Perspective
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Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
