Truth #12 – The Second Coming: Evidence for Christ’s Future Return

As discussed in Truth #4, the “First Coming” of Jesus occurred approximately 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. In this event, Jesus came from heaven on a mission:

To teach and warn humanity about the problem of sin.
To reveal God’s words, works, ways, and will.
To reconcile humanity with God by living a sinless life and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, shed His blood to cover the sins of all who place their faith in Him. The Second Coming, however, is the promise of Jesus’ future return to earth, when He will:

Eradicate all sin and death.
Judge the living and the dead.
Restore believers with new, everlasting bodies.
Usher in the new heaven and new earth.

New Heaven and New Earth

The Bible paints a breathtaking picture of the afterlife: a transformed heaven and earth, reconciled to God and free from the curse of sin. This is not a departure from earth but a restoration of it—redeemed and seen through a new, glorious lens.

In this renewed creation:

Natural disasters will cease, and suffering from them will be no more.
Humanity will live in perfect harmony, with no partiality or prejudice.
Jesus will reign as King, a just and gentle ruler over a theocratic monarchy.
Love will prevail as the defining characteristic of all relationships.
Sickness and disease will vanish, and humanity will receive new, incorruptible bodies that remain in the prime of youth.

In this perfected world, the beauty of creation will reflect the glory of its Creator, inspiring unending worship. Families and friends separated by death will be reunited in perfect unity, free from division or pain. These promises are described as the inheritance of believers, a loving Father’s gift to His adopted children.

Ticket to Heaven or Hell?

The Bible clearly teaches that humanity is created for eternity, with two possible destinations: heaven or hell. Our choices during our brief time on earth determine where we will spend eternity.

Heaven is promised to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, trusting Him as their Savior and Lord. This decision is not about human works or efforts but about accepting God’s gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible provides a clear path to receiving this “ticket” to heaven:

Acknowledge your sin. Recognize that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
Believe in Jesus. Trust in His death and resurrection as the only way to be reconciled to God (John 3:16).
Confess Him as Lord. Declare your faith in Jesus and commit to following Him (Romans 10:9-10).

Hell, by contrast, is described as eternal separation from God, a place of suffering and regret. It is not God’s desire for anyone to go there (2 Peter 3:9), but He honors the choices we make. Rejecting His offer of salvation leads to this tragic destiny.

Conclusion

The Second Coming of Jesus is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan—a time when all wrongs will be made right, and God’s kingdom will be fully established. For believers, it is a source of hope and joy, a reminder that the struggles of this life are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits.

This promise calls us to live with purpose, preparing our hearts for His return and sharing the good news with others. As Jesus said: “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll” (Revelation 22:7).

Are you ready for His return?

The $1 Million Dollar Question:

Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here’s a quick test:
Q. Have you ever told a lie?
Q. Have you ever stolen anything?
Q. Have you ever used God’s name in vain?
Q. Have you ever lusted over someone?
Q. Have you ever hated someone?

If you have done these things, God sees you as a liar, a thief, a blasphemer, an adulterer-at-heart, and a murderer-at-heart. And this is only 5 of God’s Ten Commandments (a/k/a “God’s Law”). And the Bible warns that on the Day of Judgment, God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But, there is “good news”! God is not willing that any should perish. Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine by shedding His sinless blood on a cross ~2,000 years ago. This means that God can legally dismiss their case (and yours!): “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent (turn away from your sins), put your complete trust in Jesus, and confess Jesus as your Lord & Savior… and God will give you eternal life as a free gift.

The $1 Million Dollar Myth:

Contrary to popular belief, being a “good person”, doing “good deeds”, or being “religious” will not get you a ticket to heaven! Many people are hoping God will dismiss their sins because their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. They further hope that because God is “good” he will let them go unpunished and enter heaven. However, because God is “good” he must by nature punish sinners (i.e., God would not be a good judge if he let criminals go free). The Bible states: “There is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) The Bible also states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) And finally, think about this, if your goodness could save you, Jesus would have died in vain (i.e., for no good reason). The Bible states: “I (Jesus) am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me. (John
14:6) Friends, please don’t “roll-the-dice” and gamble your eternal life on the life-threatening lie that being a “good person” will get you to heaven.

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus:

Here is a prayer you can use to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior. It is a suggested prayer – the key is that you are speaking from your heart.
“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me turn away from sin going forward. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus into my heart and I confess him as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for sending your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Congratulations! And welcome to God’s family!

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus:

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