Our Lord Jesus returns as a king to reign in righteousness on earth. At the beginning, the manner of his presence is described as a thief in the night (in other words, secretly – 1 Thessalonians 5:2), and without observation (invisibly) (Luke 17:20). Jesus said to his disciples, “A little while longer and the world will see me no more” John 14:19.
However, as his work progresses with the tearing down of unjust governments and false systems, his work testifies to his presence. Jesus brought to mankind a great “increase of knowledge” Daniel 12:4. Today, knowledge promoting human rights and justice and condemning greed and inequity are filling the hearts of men.
The overall concept of his return relates to his “parousia” in the New Testament Greek. The disciples asked Jesus, “What is the sign of thy presence (parousia) and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible).
The Ending of the Gospel Age. Jesus alerted his disciples that much would first happen during the Gospel Age before he would return including “famines and pestilences and earthquakes in divers places” (Matthew 24:7) and “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (verse14). Presently, the full Bible is now available in over 700 different languages, and the New Testament is available in over 1,500 languages.
Later in Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus gave an observable sign of his return. Jesus highlighted the sign of Israel being restored as a nation. “Now learn this parable from the fig tree (symbolic of Israel): When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it (Christ’s kingdom) is near – at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”
The establishment and preparation of Israel to become the blesser nation of the world will usher in Christ’s kingdom. Isaiah 2:2-4 (NKJV), “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains…and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways and we shall walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem…They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The second presence of Jesus is faint and imperceptible at first. Then it grows to the point of being obviously manifest. Finally, it rises to the full revelation of its power. The stages of his return blend into one another. We understand the first stage of his return has already happened, quietly and imperceptibly, as we see the signs showing us the beginning work he has been doing.
Here are the three stages of his return:
- Parousia – (Matthew 24) as a thief in the night, faint and imperceptible at first.
- Epiphania – (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8) his return is perceptible.
- Apokalupsis – (Luke 17:26,27,30) a full revealment to all.
We strongly recommend the Additional Resources below for more on this important topic.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1185: “What Are the True Reasons for Jesus’ Return to Earth?”
Uncovering the remarkable and inspiring mission of Jesus’ return
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1194: “Could Jesus Return Without You Knowing?”
Revealing the three scripturally progressive phases of Jesus’ return
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
PDF Booklet: Our Lord’s Return
PDF Booklet: I Will Come Again
