Jesus coming is a prominent feature in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “. . . I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2,3). God came to earth over 2000 years ago in the form of a man, Jesus of Nazareth. Of the many things God revealed in initially sending his son to dwell among men was Jesus coming again.
Jesus coming again was foretold by angelic messengers.
Jesus coming again was also proclaimed by angelic messengers when he was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. As the early apostles continued to look towards heaven after Jesus passed out of sight, “. . . two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10,11). As His Father raised Jesus into heaven, so will His Father send him back to earth: Jesus coming again is the work of the heavenly Father.
Jesus coming again was believed by his early followers.
Jesus coming again was also believed by Peter, who was often the spokesman for those early followers of Jesus. He said, when ask what was happening on the feast of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear” (Acts 2:32,33). Peter connected the risen Jesus with the descend of the Holy Spirit. He would later add, “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves [prophets of the Old Testament], but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven . . .” (1 Peter 1:12). Jesus ascended and returned by the power of the Holy Spirit to be the means by which the gospel was preached: “And this is the word [the living word that abideth forever – 1 Peter 1:23] which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25). Jesus coming again was essential to the belief of the early disciples of Jesus.
Jesus coming again is crucial for the believer in every age.
Jesus coming again is also crucial today for all who would believe that there is abundant life in Jesus Christ. For understanding Jesus coming again gives the believer a clear knowledge of the ways of life (Acts 2:28). Again, Peter would later add, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). Jesus coming again is the answer for every trial of life: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Even now, in the current situation of your life, Jesus coming again can produce unspeakable joy, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6).
Knowing Jesus coming again empowers the believer and he, too, can say, “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in [this place of unseen terrors] . . .” (Acts 2:26,27). Regardless what may come in life, Jesus coming again can turn pain into gain. It will be joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).
