The second coming of Jesus Christ is a significant and often misunderstood subject that has puzzled Christians for centuries. Many believers wonder, “Is Jesus’ second coming meant for us or alongside us?” While this question may seem straightforward, the Bible provides a clear answer. However, there remains confusion among the Church, synagogues, and those who have yet to embrace Jesus regarding the true nature of this event. As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." In this article, we will explore the intricacies of Jesus' return, examining biblical definitions and clarifying important concepts related to the rapture and the second coming.
Are We Preparing for Jesus' Return or Our Reunion with Him?
The question of Jesus' second coming—Is it meant for us or alongside us?—is quite intricate. Many Christians around the globe either do not emphasize the literal return of Jesus or believe that the Church is merely in a state of waiting for His arrival. Some believers express, "Let's prepare for Jesus' coming," which isn't inherently incorrect. However, the more pressing question is: Should we be getting ready for His second coming, or should we be focused on our reunion with Him? This leads us to a crucial inquiry—Is His return intended for us, or is it meant to happen with us? Furthermore, what does the Bible truly say about His second coming?
There is no ambiguity in the Word of God, particularly regarding the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, confusion does exist in both church pulpits and synagogues. The Jewish people, much like many within the Church, are still anticipating their Messiah and are uncertain about His arrival. Their primary misunderstanding lies in their disregard for the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus' first coming. Consequently, they mistakenly think that what Christians refer to as the second coming of Christ is actually His first. They overlook the crucial fact that He needed to come first and sacrifice Himself for their sins.
Jews do not pray for or anticipate the second coming of the Messiah in the same way that Christians do. Instead, they are looking forward to the biblical second coming, which is when the Messiah will come to rule on earth. They have bypassed the belief in His first coming and have gone straight to expecting the second. This is reflected in Matthew 23:37, where Jesus, upon entering Jerusalem on a donkey, wept for the city and lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
The Jewish people envisioned a Messiah who would arrive on a white horse, vanquishing their foes, establishing His reign in Jerusalem, and ushering in global peace and prosperity. They were unwilling to accept the prophetic messages that foretold a Messiah who would first come as a suffering servant to redeem them from their sins. This is why Jesus expressed sorrow over the city. However, this confusion is not exclusive to the Jewish community; it is also prevalent among Christians. The confusion primarily revolves around one key issue: many either overlook the concept of the rapture or outright reject it. Some choose not to teach it, perhaps deeming it too fantastical.
Rapture vs. Second Coming: Key Differences
Understanding the distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Jesus is crucial, as these two events are often mistaken for one another. They have different purposes and occur at separate times within God's divine plan. A fundamental difference highlighted in the Bible is that the rapture involves believers meeting the Lord in the air, while the second coming sees Jesus returning with the saints to establish His reign for a thousand years. The Rapture: Jesus Comes for Us During the rapture, believers will be taken up to meet the Lord in the air, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord."
This event is different from the second coming, which is when Jesus physically returns to Earth accompanied by His saints. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, the term "caught up" translates from the Greek word "harpazo," meaning "rapture" or "to be snatched away." This indicates that believers will be lifted into the air to meet the Lord, rather than Him descending to Earth at that moment. From then on, we will be with the Lord forever. • The Second Coming: Jesus' Return In contrast, during the second coming, believers will accompany the Lord. Zechariah 14:5 states: "Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with You." Zechariah 14 describes how His feet will touch the Mount of Olives, emphasizing that He will not come alone—He will be with all the saints. Revelation 1:7 further supports this: "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen." Moreover, Revelation 19:14 mentions: "And the armies in heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses." When Jesus returns, we will ride behind Him on white horses. If you are a believer and see Him coming rather than following Him, it indicates that you were not part of the rapture—you were left behind. Those who belong to Christ will always follow Him. Just as we follow Him in this life, we will continue to do so when He returns to reign on Earth.
Timeline of Events: Rapture Before the Tribulation
It is crucial to recognize that the rapture of the church is set to occur prior to the start of the Tribulation, while Jesus' second coming will take place immediately after this period. The Bible clearly outlines this sequence of events. The Tribulation is a seven-year timeframe during which God will fulfill His discipline of Israel and carry out judgment on the unbelieving world. Scripture indicates that the rapture will happen before this period of divine wrath. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10, it is written: "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him." Regardless of whether we are alive in Christ or have passed away in Him, we are assured of eternal life with Him. Most importantly, we are not destined to endure God's wrath. The prophet Daniel, in his prophecy of the seventy weeks, described this final seven-year period as a time of significant tribulation, referring to it as a "week of indignation" (zaam in Hebrew), signifying a time of divine judgment. Jesus Himself confirmed this assurance to His church in Revelation 3:10: "Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also protect you from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."
This verse affirms that believers will be protected from the impending global judgment. The rapture guarantees that the church will be taken away before God's wrath is unleashed, setting it apart from the second coming, which occurs when Christ returns after the Tribulation to establish His kingdom.
Rescue before judgment: the hopeful promise for believers
The seven-year Tribulation will commence with a period of testing—a challenge to see if individuals will follow a false messiah. This will lead to the Great Tribulation, a time of immense suffering and divine retribution. Nevertheless, believers are not destined to experience this time of wrath. God has assured us that He will protect us from this trial by removing us from what we are not meant to endure. Revelation 19:17–19 depicts the conclusion of this Tribulation period: "Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he called out with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the sky, ‘Come and gather for the great God’s feast, to eat the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, horses, and all who ride them, as well as the flesh of all people, both free and slave, small and great.’ I also saw the beast, along with the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to wage war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army." This passage portrays the final showdown between Christ and the forces of evil. However, believers will not endure this wrath, as affirmed in 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10:
They themselves testify about the way we came to you, how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God, and how you are waiting for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who saves us from the impending judgment. Jesus is our Savior from the coming judgment. The rapture guarantees that believers will be spared from the Tribulation, highlighting the difference between being taken away before God's wrath and returning with Christ at His second coming. If you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, you have already been saved from the future wrath. We will be taken up before God unleashes His judgment on the earth. During this time of tribulation, we will be with Him, and when He returns, we will accompany Him. The rapture is a means of deliverance—God removing His people before His judgment descends. This is why our times are compared to the days of Noah. While the world carries on as if nothing is coming, believers are aware of what is ahead. We recognize the urgency of preparing ourselves and urging others to seek the salvation that is available. That is precisely what I am doing right now—calling people to be ready.
John 3:17 highlights God's intention behind sending His Son: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it through Him." Additionally, Jesus made a significant promise in John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, so that where I am, you may also be." In chapters 14 to 16 of John, Jesus offered profound words of comfort. He stated, "I am going to prepare a place for you, and I will return to bring you to be with Me." Aware that He would soon be with the Father and that His followers would experience a temporary separation, He reassured them: "I will not leave you as orphans. I must go to prepare a place for you, but when I return, I will take you to the home I have made for you." This is the cherished hope of every believer—our promised reunion with Christ.
The Urgency of Readiness: Living in Expectation
Another important truth to understand is that the rapture can happen at any moment. There is no specific event that must take place before it occurs. Paul, when writing to the church in Thessalonica and to Titus, expressed his belief that the rapture could happen in his lifetime.
This is the mindset we should have—living in expectation, hope, prayer, and longing for the rapture to take place in our time. If we assume it will happen years from —whether in ten years or five—we risk becoming like the five virgins who had no oil in their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, they were unprepared.
Titus 2:13 reminds us:
"Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
We should live each day looking forward to the blessed hope—the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Man of Lawlessness and Israel's Salvation: Insights from 2 Thessalonians 2:4
2 Thessalonians 2:4 describes a figure who "opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." This passage highlights two important aspects. Firstly, it predicts the emergence of a global leader who will assert his superiority over everyone else. He will not only view himself as above all earthly powers but will also position himself above God, who is eternally worshiped. This person will take his place in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Although this event has not yet transpired, it is expected to occur once the third temple is constructed in Jerusalem. The Jewish people will resume their worship in the temple, but this man of lawlessness will enter and demand to be worshiped as God. Initially, he will deceive the Jewish people, allowing the temple's reconstruction, but after three and a half years, he will shift his approach and insist on being revered as God. This will leave the Jewish people in shock, prompting them to flee. This scenario will unfold during the seven-year Tribulation. In Revelation 12, God assures that He will protect and prepare a refuge for the Jewish people during the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation, specifically for 1,260 days, which corresponds to three and a half years. During this period, they will find shelter, and Jesus will return to reign alongside them once they recognize Him as the Messiah.
Matthew 24:29–30 describes a dramatic cosmic event: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will cease to shine, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn as they witness the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory." When Jesus returns, the only people who will rejoice will be Israel. He will have just rescued them from the Antichrist and protected them in the wilderness for three and a half years. Upon His return, they will recognize Him whom they have pierced and will grieve. This mourning will signify their repentance, fulfilling the Day of Atonement, allowing them to be saved. As Paul states in Romans 11, "all Israel will be saved."
A Message of Hope for Everyone
Revelation 6:15-17 describes a scene where "the kings of the earth, the influential, the wealthy, the military leaders, the powerful, as well as every slave and free person, sought refuge in the caves and mountains. They cried out to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the presence of the One who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! The great day of His wrath has arrived, and who can withstand it?'" This passage illustrates the fear and hopelessness that will engulf humanity during the time of God's judgment. When that moment arrives, even those in positions of power will find no escape, recognizing the certainty of divine retribution. On the other hand, the assurance given to believers is expressed in 2 Timothy 2:11-13: "This is a trustworthy statement: If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. Even if we are unfaithful, He remains faithful; He cannot deny His own nature."
This passage emphasizes the enduring hope and destiny of believers. As followers of Christ, we are spared from God's wrath and instead invited to reign alongside Him, confident in His faithfulness even during our moments of weakness. Our ultimate purpose is to be with Him, blessed with the gift of eternal life and glory. The second coming of Jesus is not merely a topic for discussion or a source of fear; it represents a message of hope. For believers, it signifies the realization of God's promises to establish His kingdom and reign forever. For those who have yet to embrace faith, it serves as an invitation to accept Christ's salvation and join His eternal kingdom. John 3:17 states, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” While the second coming will bring judgment, it will also be a moment when God's mercy and grace are extended to all who believe in Jesus.
Author Bio
My name is Samuel, and I am a dedicated Christian writer with extensive experience in studying and teaching biblical prophecy. Raised in a faith-oriented household and having served in various ministry capacities, I am deeply committed to comprehending the significance of Christ's second coming for both believers and non-believers today. Fueled by a strong desire to convey the message of Christ's return, I draw upon my personal experiences and my passion for the Church to write clearly and enthusiastically about topics that resonate with families, church members, and those exploring the Christian faith.
Summary
In this article, we have delved into the significant question of whether Jesus' second coming is meant for us or among us. By examining the key distinctions between the rapture and the second coming, we have emphasized the importance of understanding both events. Whether you are preparing for His return or eagerly awaiting the day He will reign on earth, it is essential to be ready and to live in the hope of His imminent arrival. This article serves as both an invitation to faith for those who have not yet accepted Christ and a reminder of the blessed hope for believers.