Our Lord’s Return
The Object, Manner, and Timing of Jesus’ Second Advent
Goal of this study: WHY did Jesus have to leave the earth and ascend to heaven?
WHAT is the purpose of Jesus’ return to earth? HOW and in WHAT way will Jesus return to earth? WHEN did Jesus return to earth? WHY is this important to us?
Additional references: Studies in the Scriptures Vol. 1, Chap. 6; and Vol. 2, Chap. 5
WHY did Jesus have to leave the earth and ascend to heaven?
It is important to understand the purpose of Jesus’s first and second ‘advent’. We use the word advent to describe the time periods Jesus is on earth. Oxford Dictionary definition: the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.
The First Advent: This period starts with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and includes his baptism and ministry, his death on the cross, and his resurrection. The first advent ends with his ascension to the Father in heaven.
The purpose of the first advent was to provide the ransom for all mankind.- 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (KJV) “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
- This scripture clearly states Jesus died as “a ransom for all.” This was his mission while on earth as a man. This scripture also says this ransom would be “testified in due time,” that the effect of paying the ransom price (the blessing of all the families of the earth) would not come immediately, but at a later fixed time.
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prepared his followers for his death.
- John 14:19 “After a little while the world will no longer see me…”
But he left his followers with a promise that he would return.
- John 14:3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
He then told them why he had to leave.
- John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the helper [the “comforter” in kjv] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him [it] to you.”
Helper/comforter = the Holy Spirit (God’s power and influence) that has been working throughout the Gospel Age to call the Church or ‘little flock.’ Jesus had to leave so that through the influence of God’s Holy Spirit, a ‘bride’ could be selected for Jesus, who will share in the blessing of all families of the earth in the Kingdom!
Of course, Jesus assured his followers he would always be with them by his spirit and through the word of God to guide, comfort, and cheer them during their afflictions.
- Matthew 28:20 “…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We are told to watch for a personal presence, because Jesus promised “I will come again.” The Apostle John confirms this hope and ends the final book of the Bible with this statement:
- Revelation 22:20 “He [Jesus] who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
WHAT is the purpose of Jesus’ return to earth?
The Second Advent: This period begins with Jesus’ return as an invisible spirit being to earth to set up his Kingdom and reign as king. This period includes the time of trouble, the resurrection of the dead, and eventually, the restitution of mankind to perfection.
The purpose of the second advent is to restore mankind.
- Acts 3:20–21 (KJV) “And He [God] shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken
by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”
This scripture clearly states “heaven must receive” or retain Jesus until “the times of restitution of all things.” This time was spoken of by “all His holy prophets.” In the writings of the prophets, so many foretold of a wonderful time yet future—the Kingdom! Here are just a few: Isaiah 11:4–9, Isaiah 35, Jeremiah 31:34,
Habakkuk 2:14, Micah 4:3. Can you think of more?
The Lord’s return is the dawn of hope for the world! Once the selection of the little flock is finished, then the work of giving mankind the great blessings secured by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross will be due to start, and THE Christ (Jesus and his Church) will come forth to bless ALL the families of the earth!
HOW and in WHAT way will Jesus return to earth?
It is very important to understand the way or manner in which Jesus returns to earth. We know Jesus came to earth as a man, he died, and was then resurrected as a spirit being. Therefore, Jesus will return as a spirit being.
- 1 Peter 3:18 “…having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.”
We are given a hint of how Jesus will return from when he ascended to heaven at the end of his first advent.
- Acts 1:9–11 “And after he had said these things, he was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while he was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched him go into heaven.”
At his first advent, Jesus ascended to heaven without great show and with only his closest followers observing his departure. At his second advent, in the same way, only his closest followers who are keenly watching will perceive his return!
Jesus returns to earth as an invisible spirit being at a time unknown by the world at large.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:2 “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”
- Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming like a thief...”
How does a thief act? Quietly, stealthily and without attracting attention—otherwise a thief’s plans would be foiled! Just so with Jesus’ return!
Jesus foretold that his return would go largely unnoticed, just like the flood in the time of Noah.
- Matthew 24:37–39 “For the coming [Greek word parousia meaning “presence”] of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
In the same way, the world today goes about its business as usual, giving no heed to the seasons and signs until the time of trouble comes and the Kingdom of God is fully established.
Why is his return a secret?
- Matthew 24:43 “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.”
The master of this present evil world in Satan. Jesus surprised him just like a thief in order to set up the Kingdom.
Other scriptures seem to indicate Jesus will literally be seen, but a closer understanding of the Greek words shows this ‘sight’ is actually a mental understanding. For example, someone might ask, “Can you see what I’m saying?” This means, “Do you understand my point?”
- Revelation 1:7 (KJV) “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see [discern] him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
At this time the world can only understand “see” the clouds of trouble which hail Jesus’ presence. There will come a time when blindness will be removed and everyone will understand that Jesus reigns.
- Matthew 24:27 “For just as the lightning [Greek word astrapē meaning “bright shining”] comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming [Greek word parousia meaning “presence”] of the Son of Man be.”
How beautiful the figure of a sunrise illustrates the gradual dawning of truth and blessing in the time of his presence.
- Matthew 13:43 “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father…”
- Malachi 4:2 “…the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…”
The dawning is gradual, but finally the full, clear brightness shall banish the darkness of evil, ignorance, superstition and sin.
WHEN does Jesus return to earth?
At Jesus’ first advent, there was no sudden and surprising event that marked his arrival and his presence. This is not God’s method in revealing His plans. Jesus’ first advent was manifested and proven to his followers by a gradual fulfillment of prophecy, showing thoughtful observers that the events which were expected were being fulfilled on time. The same method should be expected for his second advent.
Jesus returned invisibly to set up the Kingdom in 1874.
- Three proofs point to 1874 as the exact year of Jesus’ return:
- Bible Chronology
- Jubilee Cycles
- Days of Daniel
For more details see: Studies in the Scriptures Vol. 2, Chap. 2 & 7; Vol. 3, Chap. 3.
Here’s a brief explanation of all three!
Bible Chronology: By adding up the time periods in the Bible, we find that 6,000 years from Adam’s creation ended in 1872ad. The Bible contains many examples of six periods of labor followed by a seventh sabbath period of rest and freedom. Jesus declared himself to be “Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8, Luke 6:5) and that he would reign for 1,000 years. Revelation 20:6 Earth’s great antitypical 1,000-year Sabbath began 6,000 years from Adam’s fall, which was exactly in the year in 1874ad.
The Jubilee Cycles: The Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10–15) foreshadowed the great restitution and recovery of mankind from the fall, the “restitution of all things.” Acts 3:21 (KJV) The observation of the typical Jubilee ended when Israel was taken captive to Babylon, and the last cycle ended in 626bc. At that time, a great antitypical Jubilee cycle (50 years x 50 cycles or 2,500 years) began to count towards the restitution of all things. That Grand Jubilee cycle ended exactly in the year 1874ad.
The Days of Daniel: In the book of Daniel, we are told Michael (Jesus) will stand up (assume control) at the Time of the End. Daniel 12 gives three time periods of prophetic days (literal years) to mark important events around that time: 1,260 days, 1,290 days and 1,335 days, the last of which is to especially looked forward to.
- Daniel 12:12 “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!”
These periods all start at the same point, when the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31, 12:11–12) was set up. This occurred in 539ad when Papacy was set up in temporal power. Adding 1,335 years to 539ad brings us exactly to the year of our Lord’s return in 1874ad.
If Jesus did return to bless all mankind, then WHY is there still so much trouble in the world?
While the faithful followers have been waiting eagerly for the Kingdom, the Scriptures indicate that at the time of our Lord’s return, the world would be a very tumultuous place.
Jesus must first dismantle this present evil order before the peaceable Kingdom can begin.
- Daniel 12:1 (KJV) “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time…”
The reign of Christ will last 1,000 years. Revelation 20:4 The first part of this reign in which God’s Kingdom is being gradually set up is the same time in which the kingdoms of this world are passing away and Satan’s power and influence over men are being bound. This transition period is described by the Apostle John.
- Revelation 11:15, 18 “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever. And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Christ, with royal title and power, is present on earth as God’s representative, taking charge of all the affairs during this time of trouble so that he may order and establish the Kingdom.
Once Jesus has subdued all things, then as the Prince of Peace, He and the Church will bring blessings for all mankind.
- Revelation 21:1, 4–5 (KJV) “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
Why is understanding the object, manner and timing of Jesus’s second advent important to us?
Understanding the object, manner and timing of Jesus’ return should give us hope in the time of trouble and inspiration that the Kingdom so long waited for is right at the door!
- The Lord promised we would not be ignorant of his return and of events to come.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:4 “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief.”
- Special blessings of present truth are promised at the time of our Lord’s return to those who are waiting.
- Luke 12:37 (KJV) “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.”
- It gives us comfort in the perilous times.
- Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
- Jesus’ return marks the start of the Kingdom and an end to sickness, sorrow, sin and death…forever!
- 1 Corinthians 15:26–27 “The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For He has put all things in subjection under his feet. But when He says, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to him.”
