Second Coming

What Is the Second Coming?

The Second Coming is the future return of Jesus Christ in glory at the end of time.

After His Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, Christ promised that He would come again.

At His return, He will bring God’s plan of salvation to its fulfillment, judge the living and the dead, and establish the fullness of His Kingdom.

“This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.” — Acts 1:11

Why Will Christ Return?

Jesus Christ will return to complete the work He began through His Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

His return will reveal the fullness of God’s justice, mercy, and glory.

All creation will be renewed, and God’s victory over sin, death, and evil will be fully manifested.

Christ Will Return in Glory

At His First Coming, Jesus came in humility as a child born in Bethlehem.

At His Second Coming, He will return in glory as King and Judge.

Scripture describes His coming as visible, powerful, and known to all.

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.” — Matthew 24:30

No One Knows the Day or Hour

The Church teaches that no one knows exactly when Christ will return.

Jesus Himself instructed His followers not to speculate about dates and times.

Instead, Christians are called to remain faithful, vigilant, and prepared.

“But of that day and hour no one knoweth, no not the angels of heaven, but the Father alone.” — Matthew 24:36

The Final Judgment

The Second Coming is closely connected to the Final Judgment.

Christ will reveal the truth of every life and every human action.

God’s justice will be fully displayed, and His mercy will be seen in all who accepted His grace.

The Defeat of Evil

At Christ’s return, evil will be definitively defeated.

Satan, sin, and death will have no final victory.

Christ’s triumph, won through the Cross and Resurrection, will be fully manifested before all creation.

The Renewal of Creation

The Second Coming will bring about the renewal of creation.

Scripture speaks of a new heaven and a new earth in which God’s glory will dwell.

The faithful will share in the fullness of redeemed and glorified life.

The Christian Response

Christians are called to await Christ’s return with hope, not fear.

The proper response is faithful discipleship, prayer, repentance, and perseverance.

Every Mass echoes this expectation as the Church looks forward to Christ’s coming in glory.

Common Misunderstandings

No One Can Predict the Date

The Church rejects attempts to calculate the exact date of Christ’s return.

The Second Coming Is Not the Same as the Ascension

The Ascension was Christ’s return to the Father. The Second Coming is His future return in glory.

Christians Should Not Live in Fear

The Second Coming is a source of hope for those who trust in Christ.

The Second Coming Is Real

It is not merely symbolic. The Church professes that Christ will truly come again.

Why the Second Coming Matters

The Second Coming reminds us that history is moving toward a goal.

Evil will not have the final word.

Christ will return, justice will prevail, and God’s Kingdom will be fully revealed.

This truth gives Christians confidence, perseverance, and hope.

Key Truths About the Second Coming

• Jesus Christ will return in glory.
• The Second Coming will occur at the end of time.
• No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return.
• Christ will judge the living and the dead.
• Evil, sin, and death will be definitively defeated.
• Creation will be renewed.
• The faithful should await Christ with hope and vigilance.
• The Second Coming fulfills God’s plan of salvation.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Second Coming reminds us to live each day for God.

Because we do not know when Christ will return, we are called to remain faithful, repent of sin, and persevere in holiness.

Above all, the Second Coming gives hope that Christ’s victory will one day be fully revealed.

Explore the Last Things

Continue Learning

Now that you understand the Second Coming, the final topic is: Resurrection of the Body

Learn why Christians believe that the dead will rise and share in Christ’s Resurrection.