Living in Anticipation: The Certainty of Christ's Return
Summary
The final book of the Bible, Revelation, offers a “spoiler alert” for the end of the story—one that brings comfort, clarity, and urgency to our lives. Humanity has a deep fear of the unknown, but God, in His grace, has not left us in the dark about how history will conclude. The second coming of Jesus Christ is not a matter of speculation or argument, but a certain, central truth that shapes the Christian life. While many have tried to predict the timing, Scripture is clear: no one knows the day or hour except the Father. Our role is not to speculate or divide over details, but to live in readiness and anticipation, welcoming Christ’s return.
The return of Jesus is described with vivid imagery: He will come with the clouds, in glory and majesty, visible to every eye—saint and sinner, living and dead, across all of creation. This is not a hidden event, but a cosmic unveiling. The difference between the rapture and the second coming is clarified: the rapture is for believers and occurs before judgment, while the second coming is a public event, bringing both judgment and vindication. The sheer weight of biblical testimony—hundreds of references across both Testaments—underscores the certainty and importance of this hope.
For those who have rejected Christ, His return will bring grief and regret, as the reality of their choice becomes undeniable. The story of Noah is a sobering reminder: the door of salvation will not remain open forever. Yet for those who belong to Jesus, His coming is a source of joy and longing. He is the Alpha and Omega, the omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent Lord. The call is to live each day as if Christ could return at any moment, not in fear, but in faithfulness and hope. The invitation remains open: turn from sin, trust in the Savior, and be ready to welcome the King.
Key Takeaways
- The Certainty of Christ’s Return
The second coming of Jesus is not a theory or a possibility, but a guaranteed event, as sure as the sunrise. Scripture repeatedly affirms this truth, with more prophecies about Christ’s return than any other event. This certainty should shape our priorities and give us confidence, even in uncertain times. Living with this assurance means building our lives around the reality that Jesus will come again. [57:08]
- The Danger of Speculation and Division
God has not called us to predict the timing of Christ’s return or to quarrel over the details. History is filled with failed predictions and unnecessary divisions among believers. Instead, we are called to be on the “welcoming committee,” living in readiness and unity, not on the “programming committee” trying to set dates. The focus must remain on faithfulness, not fruitless speculation. [49:15]
- The Universal Visibility and Impact of His Coming
When Jesus returns, every eye will see Him—no one will be able to ignore or escape this event. This will be a moment of awe and revelation for all creation, transcending time, space, and even death. The return of Christ will be the singular focus of all humanity, a display of His glory that demands a response from every soul. [58:29]
- The Grief of Rejection and the Urgency of Evangelism
For those who have rejected Christ, His return will bring deep mourning and regret, as the opportunity for repentance will have passed. The story of Noah reminds us that God’s patience has a limit, and the door of salvation will one day close. This reality should fuel our compassion and urgency to share the gospel, knowing that people will not flee from wrath until they know it is coming. [01:02:00]
- The Joy and Hope of the Believer
For followers of Jesus, His return is not a threat but a promise of ultimate joy and vindication. He is the Alpha and Omega, the One who holds all things together and will make all things new. Living in light of His return means embracing His omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, and longing for the day when faith becomes sight. The question is not whether He will return, but whether we are ready to welcome Him with open arms. [01:05:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:15] - Spoiler Alerts and the Fear of the Unknown
[46:36] - Jesus’ Spoiler Alert: The Second Coming
[49:15] - Warnings Against Speculation and Division
[50:06] - The Attitude of Expectancy
[52:03] - Accepting the Fact of His Coming
[54:00] - Rapture vs. Second Coming Explained
[57:08] - The Biblical Emphasis on Christ’s Return
[58:29] - The Glory and Visibility of His Coming
[01:00:07] - Every Eye Will See Him
[01:02:00] - The Grief of Rejection
[01:03:30] - The Urgency of Evangelism
[01:05:17] - The Joy of the Believer
[01:10:38] - Invitation to Respond
[01:12:00] - Next Steps and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Certainty and Urgency of Christ’s Return
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### Bible Reading
Revelation 1:7-8 (ESV)
> Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
> “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 1:7, who will see Jesus when He returns? What is the significance of “every eye” seeing Him?
2. In verse 7, what is the response of “all tribes of the earth” to Jesus’ return, and why do you think that is?
3. What titles does Jesus use for Himself in Revelation 1:8, and what do they tell us about who He is?
4. The sermon described the difference between the rapture and the second coming. What are some of the key differences mentioned? [[54:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon said that the second coming of Jesus is not a theory or a possibility, but a guaranteed event. How does this certainty affect the way Christians should view the future? [[57:08]]
2. Why do you think God chose not to reveal the exact timing of Jesus’ return? How does this impact the way believers are supposed to live? [[49:15]]
3. The sermon mentioned that for those who have rejected Christ, His return will bring grief and regret. What does this teach us about the urgency of sharing the gospel? [[01:02:00]]
4. The passage calls Jesus the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty. How should these truths shape a believer’s trust in Him, especially in uncertain times? [[01:05:17]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warned against trying to predict the timing of Christ’s return or arguing over the details. Have you ever been caught up in debates or speculations about the end times? How did it affect your faith or relationships with other believers? [[49:15]]
2. The pastor said, “God has not put us on the programming committee, He has put us on the welcoming committee.” What does it look like in your daily life to be ready and welcoming for Jesus’ return, rather than distracted by speculation? [[49:15]]
3. Revelation 1:7 says “every eye will see Him.” How does the universal visibility of Christ’s return challenge you to live differently, knowing that nothing will be hidden on that day? [[58:29]]
4. The story of Noah was used as a warning that the door of salvation will not stay open forever. Is there someone in your life you feel a renewed urgency to share the gospel with? What is one step you can take this week to reach out to them? [[01:02:00]]
5. For believers, the return of Jesus is a source of joy and hope. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to feel that hope? What would it look like to remind yourself daily of the promise of His return? [[01:05:17]]
6. The pastor shared that D.L. Moody said he wouldn’t do anything different if he knew Jesus was coming tonight. If you knew Jesus was returning soon, is there anything you would change about your priorities, habits, or relationships? [[57:08]]
7. Jesus is described as omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. Which of these attributes do you need to trust more deeply right now, and how can you remind yourself of this truth in the week ahead? [[01:05:17]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for readiness, hope, and boldness to share the gospel, asking God to help each person live in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Devotional
Day 1: Living in the Certainty of Christ’s Return
The return of Jesus Christ is not a distant hope or uncertain possibility, but a guaranteed event that Scripture affirms repeatedly. This truth should anchor your life, giving you confidence and clarity even amid uncertainty. When you build your priorities around the reality that Jesus will come again, your daily decisions and long-term goals gain eternal significance. This assurance invites you to live with purpose, knowing that the story of history is moving toward a divine and victorious conclusion. Embracing this certainty transforms fear of the unknown into steadfast hope and peace. [57:08]
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7)
Reflection: What is one way you can reorder your daily priorities this week to reflect the certainty of Christ’s return, making your life more focused on eternal values rather than temporary concerns?
Day 2: Guarding Against Speculation and Division
God has not called His people to predict the exact timing of Christ’s return or to become entangled in disputes over prophetic details. History is filled with failed predictions and divisions that weaken the witness of the church. Instead, believers are invited to be on the “welcoming committee,” living in readiness and unity, not on the “programming committee” trying to set dates. This means focusing on faithfulness, love, and community rather than fruitless speculation. When you resist the temptation to argue over timelines, you preserve the unity of the body and keep your heart prepared to receive the King at any moment. [49:15]
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
Reflection: Is there a way you have allowed speculation or disagreement about end times to distract or divide you from others? How can you intentionally shift your focus toward unity and readiness instead?
Day 3: Witnessing the Universal Visibility of His Coming
The return of Jesus will be a cosmic event visible to every eye—saints and sinners alike, living and dead, across all creation. This is not a secret or hidden moment but a public unveiling of God’s glory that transcends time and space. The sheer magnitude of this event demands a response from every soul, as no one will be able to ignore or escape it. Understanding this universal visibility calls you to live with a heightened awareness of God’s sovereignty and the eternal consequences of your response to Him. It is a reminder that the hope of Christ’s return is not just personal but cosmic in scope. [58:29]
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Reflection: How does the reality that every eye will see Christ’s return change the way you live today, especially in how you share your faith and represent Jesus to others?
Day 4: Responding to the Grief of Rejection with Urgency
For those who reject Christ, His return will bring profound grief and regret because the opportunity for repentance will have passed. The story of Noah serves as a sobering reminder that God’s patience is not endless and that the door of salvation will one day close. This truth should stir compassion in your heart and fuel a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those around you. People often do not flee from judgment until they understand it is coming. Your faithful witness can be the means God uses to awaken others to the reality of their need for salvation before it is too late. [01:02:00]
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel with fresh urgency? What specific step can you take this week to share the hope of Christ’s return with them?
Day 5: Embracing the Joy and Hope of the Believer
For those who belong to Jesus, His return is a promise of ultimate joy, vindication, and restoration. He is the Alpha and Omega, the One who holds all things together and will make all things new. Living in light of His coming means embracing His omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, and longing for the day when faith becomes sight. This hope is not a vague wish but a confident expectation that shapes your daily walk, inspiring you to welcome Him with open arms and a joyful heart. The question is not if He will return, but whether you are ready to greet Him with faithfulness and hope. [01:05:17]
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12)
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can cultivate a deeper longing and joyful anticipation for Christ’s return in your daily spiritual practices?
Quotes
He has told us how things are going to end. He has given us a preview of coming attractions to tell us whether or not we are going to live happily ever after, and to tell us how you can do it if you want to. One last spoiler alert he gives us. What we're about to read today is an event that is coming that a lot of people don't like to talk about, a lot of people deny, and that is the second coming of Jesus Christ. Now, we are concluding our sermon series Iconic today. The last four weeks, we've looked at the unparalleled and unequaled life of Jesus Christ. We've studied his virgin birth. We've looked at his virtuous life, his vicarious death, and last week, hallelujah, we looked at his victorious resurrection. Today, we're going to talk about his visible return. Now, the second coming of Jesus is the singular doctrine that makes Christianity so different from history, science, or philosophy, because history says to look back, science says look around, philosophy says look inside, scripture tells us to look up. [00:47:02] (63 seconds)
Church history is littered with false prophets who have said it's going to happen on this day at this time. Friend, if you hear somebody say that, disregard what they're saying because they don't know what they're talking about. Because not even the Son himself knows when it's going to happen. We see God has not put us on the programming committee, he has put us on the welcoming committee. Amen. So it's not a subject of speculation. It's also not to be a subject of argumentation. [00:49:22] (27 seconds)
So it can be a source of discussion. It can be a source of debate but it should never be a source of division. See the second coming is not to be argued. It's a doctrine to be accepted because Jesus is literally coming again. So you know it's one thing to differ on the details of the second coming but we cannot disagree over the dynamic of the second coming because as Christians we need to be looking for, longing for, and living for the second coming of Jesus Christ. [00:49:58] (30 seconds)
For every one prophecy on the first coming, there are eight prophecies on the second coming. The Old Testament looks forward to his first coming. The New Testament looks back at his first coming, but the entire Bible looks upward at his second coming. It was predicted by the prophets, it was promised by the Savior, and it was preached by the apostles. And you would do well to build your life around the very fact that one day Jesus is coming again. A great evangelist D .L. Moody was once asked, Moody, if you knew that Christ would return tonight, how would you spend the rest of your day? [00:57:08] (37 seconds)
My grandmother used to say to me, is what you're doing right now what you want to be doing when the Lord comes back? Think about that. I'll leave you with that one. So John gives us a bold declaration of his coming. He also gives us a beautiful description. He says that Jesus will be coming with the clouds. Now, this refers to the fact that Jesus is going to come in awe of the majesty that heaven can afford. The clouds are the clothing of his glory. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, he led them as a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. [00:57:55] (35 seconds)
When Israel pitched a tent in the tabernacle, in the wilderness, God draped himself with a cloud and sat on the mercy seat. When Jesus ascended into heaven from Jerusalem, he ascended wrapped in the glorious robes of clouds. And when Jesus comes back, he will also be draped in those same clouds of glory. The same Lord who came up from the clouds is going to come back on the clouds. When Jesus comes again, though, all of heaven is going to come with him. The angels will be his attendants, the saints will be his soldiers, and the clouds will be his chariots. See, with the sound of a trumpet, he's going to wake the dead. And with the voice of the archangel, he's going to shake the living, and Jesus will come again. [00:58:29] (44 seconds)
The first time, he came in humiliation. The second time, he will come in exaltation. The hymn writer said, Look, you saints, the sight is glorious. See the man of sorrows now. From the fight, return victorious. Every knee to him shall bow. We must all accept the virtual fact of his coming. Second, we must acknowledge the visual form of his coming. John tells us, Every eye will see him. Every saint in heaven, every sinner in hell, every human on earth is going to lay eyes on Jesus Christ. Astronauts in space, sailors on submarines, the blind will have their eyes open for them, the seas will give up their dead, the cemeteries will be open, and everyone will see the glory of Jesus Christ. The eyes of everyone. Living, dead, sinners, saints, people in heaven, people in hell, angels, and demons. [00:59:13] (54 seconds)
They're all going to see it. And you think about this. Typical day. Half the world is working, half the world is sleeping. All of a sudden, there is a sound of a trumpet. There's a voice of the archangel, and the man who is sleeping wakes up. The man who is sitting stands up. The man who is talking shuts up. And everyone looks up and sees the glory of God. Jesus splitting the sky, coming on that white horse. Air horse one. When he returns to the world. Amen. Copyright Jim Testerman. [01:00:06] (31 seconds)
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