It is a mistake to suppose that the earth will be converted at the time of the second coming of Christ. His coming and the establishment of his kingdom are for the very purpose of converting the world and uplifting mankind in general out of sin and death conditions which now prevail. In describing the work of Christ, the Apostle Paul mentions this kingdom, saying, “He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet (all insubordination, etc.). The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). The anger of the nations at the time of the Second Advent will not necessarily be against the Lord; but rather, the spirit of selfishness, which is already prevalent in the world, will break forth as a consuming fire, destroying the social fabric and bringing utter ruin. At that time Messiah’s kingdom will interpose for the preservation of mankind and for the establishment of a new order of things. This new order of things will result in converting the world to righteousness (Isaiah 11:2-5). And the peoples of earth “shall beat their swords into plow shares, and their spears into pruning hooks and nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast Episode #1194: “Could Jesus Return Without You Knowing?”
Revealing the three scripturally-progressive phases of Jesus’ return
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes