What is the Second Coming?

What do the Scriptures teach about Christ’s second coming?¹

• Christ will return visibly and with great glory on the Last Day (Matthew 24:27; Luke 21:27; Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 1:7).
• Christ will return to judge the world, not to set up an earthly government (Matthew 25:31-32; John 12:48; John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
• Christ will return on a specific day known by God alone (Matthew 24:44; Mark 13:32; Acts 17:31). Bible narrative: The parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
• Before Christ returns, there will be increasing turmoil and distress for the church and the world (Matthew 24:7; Matthew 24:22; 1 Timothy 4:1). Bible narrative: Signs preceding Christ’s coming (Matthew 24).
• The return of Christ is a source of hope and joy for the Christian (Luke 21:28; Hebrews 9:28; Titus 2:13; Revelation 22:20). Bible narrative: Encouraging words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

How is Christ to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world?²

Christ is to be exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked men, shall come again at the last day in great power, and in the full manifestation of his own glory, and of his Father’s, with all his holy angels, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, to judge the world in righteousness.

Footnotes

1. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 149.
2. Westminster Larger Catechism (1647), Question 56.