RETURN OF CHRIST

During his earthly ministry, Jesus promised that, following his death and ascension back to heaven, he would "come again" eventually (Jn. 14:3; cf. Mt. 24:37ff; 25:31ff). When he left the earth, angels vowed he would return again (Acts 1:10-11). The doctrine of the second coming was steadfastly proclaimed by the writers of the N.T. (a) The return of Christ is certain, being buttressed by the fact that the Lord was raised from the dead (Acts 17:31). (b) Christ's return will be uncertain in terms of the time. It will be an unexpected event (Mt. 24:37ff). The date-setters have all been wrong. (c) Christ's coming will be visible (2 Thes. 1:7; Heb. 9:28) and audible (1 Thes. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:10) -- not secretly and silently, as in the "Rapture" theory. See RAPTURE. (d) At his coming, the Savior will raise all the dead (Jn. 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:23). (e) The great Judgment Day will occur at the time of the Savior's return (Mt. 25: 31ff; Acts 17:31; 2 Cor. 5:10), at which point the righteous and wicked will be separated (Mt. 13:30, 48). (f) Those who have been obedient to the Lord will inherit eternal life, and those who have refused him will suffer everlasting punishment (Dan. 12:2; Mt. 25:46; 13:41-43). (g) Consummating Christ's return will be the destruction of the material Universe. As God spoke it into existence, so, by his word, it will be destroyed (Mt. 24:35; 2 Pet. 3:1-13).