Today we will talk about what has to happen before Jesus comes back. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s a topic filled with anticipation and hope. Understanding the signs of His return can help us stay vigilant in our faith and live according to His will. The Bible provides us with many verses that highlight what we can expect before the glorious return of our Savior. Let’s approach this subject with open hearts and minds, meditating on God’s word as we uncover the truths laid out in Scripture about the events leading to the return of Christ.
What Has to Happen Before Jesus Comes Back
The Return of Christ and Its Signs
The return of Jesus is one of the most vital teachings of Christianity. It serves as a reminder that our lives have meaning and purpose, guiding us to live faithfully. The Greek word for “coming” is “parousia,” which implies a physical presence. In the New Testament, this term is predominantly used to describe Jesus’ Second Coming, symbolizing His return as King. From historical accounts, we understand that early Christians eagerly anticipated this return, believing it was imminent. This fervor is echoed in many passages of the Bible, urging us to be watchful and prepared.
As we assess what must occur before Jesus’ return, we need to acknowledge a few significant signs. Matthew 24:6-7 tells us that “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” These events are not just random occurrences but rather indicators of the time leading to His coming. In addition, Luke 21:11 reminds us of “great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences.” Each of these events serves as a call to believers to recognize the time and persevere in faith.
Moreover, Scripture indicates that there will be an increase in immorality and apostasy. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we are warned that “in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” The challenge of living in such a society places additional emphasis on our need to remain steadfast in love, truth, and faith.
Another crucial sign is the spreading of the Gospel. Matthew 24:14 states, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Thus, as we witness missionary efforts and the sharing of faith, we understand that this activity is central to ushering in the return of Christ. It’s a comforting thought, knowing our tireless efforts in spreading the good news contribute to the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan.
Israel’s Role in the End Times
When discussing the events leading up to Jesus’ return, we cannot ignore the significant role that Israel plays in God’s plan. The Hebrew term for Israel, “Yisra’el,” means “he struggles with God.” This designation captures the essence of Israel’s history—struggling through tribulation while remaining within God’s covenant. Important prophetic scriptures assert that events centered around Israel signify the nearing of Christ’s return.
Jeremiah 30:3 highlights that the “days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and Judah.” This promise speaks to the restoration of Israel as a nation, which many interpret as a marker of the end times. Additionally, Zechariah 12:3 indicates that “On that day, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples.” This shows that there will be a focus on Jerusalem before Christ’s return, further signaling the last days.
Moreover, Matthew 24:32-33 urges us, “Learn from the fig tree. As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.” Here, the fig tree represents Israel, and its blossoming is a sign of the nearing return of Christ. This correlation reinforces the necessity for us to be informed about Israel’s status and remain vigilant as events unfold in the region.
As we navigate the signs surrounding Israel, we must remember that it reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of promises, and the centrality of His people in His redemptive plan. Our understanding of this undoubtedly shapes how we respond to the present and future, making our prayers and support for Israel all the more relevant.
The Great Tribulation and Its Importance
The Great Tribulation denotes a time of immense suffering and trial before Jesus’ return. It is termed as a time of “great distress,” as outlined in Matthew 24:21. The Greek word used here for “tribulation,” “thlipsis,” implies pressure, stress, or persecution faced by the people. This time is crucial as it serves to purify the faithful and reveals the hearts of individuals. The tribulation period is characterized by a great spiritual battle between good and evil, as the world faces challenging circumstances.
In Revelation 7:14, we see a glimpse of those who come out of the Great Tribulation, signaling hope amidst despair. These believers endure trials but eventually receive a reward for their faithfulness. While this period may seem daunting, it serves as a necessary process for refining believers, ensuring they are ready for the return of Christ.
During this chaotic time, it’s essential for believers to have a robust understanding of God’s sovereignty and peace. Scripture encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, reminding us to “be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” In navigating tribulations, prayer becomes a lifeline, reinforcing our connection with God and fortifying us against any doubts.
Preparing ourselves spiritually for the Great Tribulation is essential. Matthew 24:13 assures us, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” We are called to remain steadfast and committed to our faith, actively engaging in prayer, worship, and community. This preparation allows us to face tribulations with resilience and trust as we look forward to Jesus’ triumphant return.
Signs and Wonders in the Heavens
A noteworthy aspect of the return of Christ involves profound signs and wonders occurring in the heavens. The Bible tells us that as we near His coming, there will be significant celestial events that cannot go unnoticed. In Luke 21:25-26, we read of “signs in the sun and moon and stars” that will be seen by the earth’s inhabitants, instilling fear among people. The Greek words used here capture a sense of amazement and fear at the cosmic occurrences, underscoring their importance in the timeframe leading to Christ’s arrival.
Some scholars assert that these heavenly signs may correlate with changes in the natural order. For instance, Revelation 6:12-14 describes a great earthquake, the sun turning as black as sackcloth, and the moon turning red. Such vivid illustrations compel us to recognize the seriousness of these events as markers encompassing the final days.
As believers, it’s crucial to perceive these signs not merely as fear-inducing occurrences but rather as reminders of God’s ultimate authority. Just as He established the sun, moon, and stars, He has control over them. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This assurance allows us to embrace the wonderful aspects of our Creator while acknowledging the signs indicating His impending return.
In the face of uncertainty and fear that may come from witnessing these signs, we can lean into our faith, grounded in hope. Jesus encourages us in Luke 21:28 to “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Our focus remains not on what is fearful but on the promise of our Savior’s return.
The Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations
As we examine the events prior to Jesus’s return, it’s essential to focus on the spread of the Gospel to all nations. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls believers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” These directives lead to the understanding that the Gospel must permeate the entire world before the end arrives. The Greek word “ethne” translates to “nations,” emphasizing that the Good News must reach every people group.
In our modern context, missionary efforts and evangelism efforts have significantly increased, aiming to fulfill this mission. Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the importance of sharing the message, stating, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Clearly, this commission continues to ring true for us today.
We must reflect on how integral our roles are in sharing faith. Regardless of our resources or shortcomings, each of us can contribute to proclaiming the Gospel through various avenues—socially, relationally, and digitally. Mark 16:15 encourages us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” By recognizing our calling as ambassadors for Christ, we fulfill the prophetic aspect that draws us closer to His return.
As we witness the completion of the Great Commission, we can find motivation to persist in our efforts. Matthew 24:14 reminds us, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Our participation in advancing the Gospel hinges on our willingness to act, creating a ripple effect leading to transformative change on both a personal and global level.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our discussion on what has to happen before Jesus comes back, I am reminded of the urgency and hope we find in these scriptures. Understanding the signs encourages us to be vigilant and committed to our faith. Each event described in the Bible serves as a stepping stone toward the beautiful day of His return.
We see how Israel’s role, the Great Tribulation, signs from the heavens, and the ongoing mission to spread the Good News combine to weave a story of anticipation. Let’s keep our hearts open and our spirits engaged, embracing our calling to share the message of salvation. Together, we can stand firm in the faith, trusting in God’s promises as we await the return of our Savior.
In our journey, let us support and uplift one another, recognizing that our eyes are set upon the future with hope. We can be the light in a world that often feels lost. As we draw nearer to His return, let’s remember that our faith is not in vain; it is a building block for the Kingdom of God.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4