The following is a summary containing some of the highlights that are found in the 12 page PDF File and the Audio below.
The Return of Jesus Christ
For two millennia, Christians have lived in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ. This hope is not based on wishful thinking or isolated scripture, but on the clear and repeated promises of Jesus Himself and the consistent testimony of the New Testament. Jesus declared, “I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:3), and His disciples, eyewitnesses to His resurrection, affirmed this expectation. The New Testament is filled with references to Christ’s return (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 1:7), making it a central doctrine of the Christian faith.
Why do Christians believe Jesus will return? First, because Jesus said He would. When asked about the signs of His coming, Jesus did not correct His disciples’ expectation but described events that would precede His return (Matthew 24). Second, the Bible’s record of fulfilled prophecy—especially those concerning Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection—gives us confidence that the remaining prophecies, including His return, will also be fulfilled. Third, the testimony of the apostles, who saw the risen Christ and were willing to die for their faith, provides compelling evidence. They were not deceived or deluded; they were eyewitnesses who proclaimed what they had seen and heard and they testify to the fact that he said he would return. This will happen the same as past prophecies has come to pass
Jehovah Witnesses claim Jesus has already returned invisibly in 1914. However, the Bible is clear: His return will be visible and unmistakable. “Every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7), and His coming will be as evident as lightning flashing across the sky (Matthew 24:27). The same Jesus who ascended bodily and visibly into heaven will return in the same manner (Acts 1:9-11). The use of “clouds” in biblical descriptions does not imply invisibility as the Watchtower claims.
When will Jesus return? The Bible teaches that no one knows the exact day or hour (Mark 13:32-33), and warns against setting dates. However, it does describe events that will precede His coming, such as a time of great tribulation and the appearance of false prophets (Matthew 24). Regardless of differing views on the timing of the rapture, all orthodox Christian perspectives affirm a future, physical return of Christ.
Why will Jesus return? He will come to judge the world, rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked (Matthew 16:27, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). He will gather His followers to Himself (John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:17) and establish His kingdom in fulfillment of God’s promises (Zechariah 14:1-9).
How should we respond? The certainty of Christ’s return calls us to live in readiness, holiness, and hope. We are to proclaim His death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26), abide in Him so we may have confidence at His appearing (1 John 2:28), and pursue lives of peace and godliness (2 Peter 3:8-14).
In summary, the return of Jesus Christ is a well-founded hope, rooted in His own words, the testimony of eyewitnesses, the reliability of fulfilled prophecy, and the consistent teaching of Scripture. It is a call to faith, vigilance, and holy living as we await the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior.