Overview
Christ's return, also called the Second Coming or Parousia, is explicitly promised throughout Scripture as a literal, physical event. Jesus will return to resurrect the dead, judge all humanity, and reign forever. This return gives believers assurance of God's ultimate plan and purpose for creation.
Key Scriptures
"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, ESV).
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations" (Matthew 25:31-32, ESV).
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life'... 'I will come back and take you to be with me' " (John 14:3-6, NIV).
Application
Living with Christ's return in view should motivate holy living, faithful witnessing, and patient endurance through present trials.