“The expectation of Jesus’ return changes the way you live.”
Last week, we began speaking about the return of Jesus through the message “BEFORE THE DOOR SHUTS — Part 1”. And we looked at the parable of the ten virgins. Jesus showed that they all appeared prepared on the outside, they all had lamps, they were all waiting for the Bridegroom, but only five were truly ready when the door was shut.
We saw that there is a difference between attending a Christian environment and living prepared to meet Jesus, and He is coming back for His bride!
We also read in 1 John 3:2–3:
2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” I John 3:2-3 NKJV
In other words: The hope of Christ’s return does not produce complacency , it produces purification. It does not produce distraction , it produces watchfulness.
It does not produce fear , it produces preparation.
The only reason we are not ready for the return of Jesus is because we are too in love with this world.
The more you long for the return of Jesus, the more you desire to stay connected to the Body of Christ (the Church) and to live in a holy way that is pleasing to God.
But today I want to go further. Many Christians know that Jesus came the first time, but very few truly understand HOW He will return the second time.
We celebrate the birth of Christ, we speak about the cross, we speak about the Lamb, we speak about grace.
But the Bible also speaks about the King who is coming back.
The Judge who will come in glory. The Bridegroom who will appear. The Lord who will reign forever.
And the question is not simply: “Do you believe Jesus is coming back?”
The real question is: “Do you understand what His return means and how that truth should change your life today?”
Because when a person understands who Jesus will be at His second coming, they never live the same way again.
Today I want to share some powerful truths about the return of Jesus and show the difference between how He came the first time and how He will return the second time.
The Old Testament contains more than 300 prophecies about the first coming of Jesus, and researchers mention approximately 1,845 references to the coming of the Messiah in the Old Testament — and He fulfilled every single one of them perfectly.
The prophets spoke about His birth, His death, His suffering, His betrayal, His resurrection and His mission — and Jesus came and faithfully fulfilled every one of those prophecies.
This is important because The same Bible that prophesied His first coming also prophesies His second coming. And just as He came the first time exactly as it was foretold, He will come again.
The first coming of Jesus was not a theory. It was a historical event. And the second coming will not be symbolic either — it will be real, visible and glorious.
The first coming of Jesus was in humility to save; but His second coming will be in glory to judge and reign.
Over the next few moments, I want to show you the difference between how He came the first time and how He will return the second time.
1- The first time, He came as a Lamb. But He will return as a Lion.
2- The first time, He was born in a manger. But when He returns, He will sit upon His throne.
3- The first time, He came riding on a donkey. But when He returns, He will come on a white horse as the conquering King.
4- The first time, He came as a humble servant. But He will return as the sovereign King.
5- The first time, He came to suffer and die. But when He returns, He will come in glory to reign forever.
6- The first time, He was seen by only a few. But when He returns, the Bible says that “every eye will see Him.”
7- The first time, He came to save. But He will return to judge and fulfil every word.
8- The first time, He wore a crown of thorns. But when He returns, He will come crowned in glory and majesty.
9- The first time, He stood silent before His accusers. But He will return to the sound of trumpets.
10- The first time, Jerusalem rejected the Messiah. But when He returns, He will reign in Jerusalem.
11- The first time, He came in weakness. But when He returns, He will come in power.
12- The first time, He offered mercy. But when He returns, He will execute judgement.
13- The first time, He carried a cross. But when He returns, He will carry a sword.
14- The first time, He prayed: “Father, forgive them.” But when He returns, He will execute judgement upon them.
15- The first time…. His glory was hidden in human flesh…. But when He returns…. the heavens will reveal all His majesty !
The King of kings, The Lord of lords, The Alpha and Omega, THE lion of Judah ….
The King is coming back and we must prepare ourselves. We must live expecting His return. We must long for the return of Jesus.
Illustration:
When an important person is going to visit a city, everything is prepared. The streets are cleaned, security is increased, people organise themselves, details are carefully arranged. The more important the person, the greater the preparation.
But the Bible says that the King of kings is coming back.
Not a president. Not an earthly king. Not a celebrity.
The Lord of lords. The King of glory. Jesus Christ.
And the question is: Are we living prepared to receive the King?
Because the signs we see in the world were not given to create fear — they were given to awaken and prepare the Church.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE LAST DAYS?
Because Jesus did not only promise that He would return — He also warned us about the signs that would precede His coming.
The Bible makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour. But Jesus also said that when we begin to see certain signs taking place, we should lift up our eyes because His coming is drawing near.
The signs of the end times were not given to produce panic in the Church — they were given to produce preparation.
They are like signs on the road saying: “The King is coming back.”, “The door is about to shut.”, “The Bridegroom is coming.”
And the more we see these signs intensifying, the more we must examine our hearts, strengthen our faith and remain watchful, because soon we will be with Him.
So what are some of the signs the Bible says we will see in the last days?
1- The rise of false christs, false prophets and false religions
(Matthew 24:4–5,11,23–24; Mark 13:6,22; Luke 21:8; 1 John 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1)
Jesus warned that many would deceive multitudes.
We are living in a generation where people want spirituality without repentance… religion without holiness, a gospel without the cross. Never before have there been so many voices trying to replace the truth of God.
2- Wars and conflicts among nations will increase
(Matthew 24:6–7; Mark 13:7–8; Luke 21:9–10; Revelation 6:3–4)
Jesus said: “Nation will rise against nation.”
The world lives in constant tension. Conflicts, violence, threats and instability continue to increase.
3-There will be famine and scarcity in various parts of the world
(Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Revelation 6:5–6)
Even with all technological advancement, millions still suffer from lack of food and severe economic crises. Creation itself is groaning.
4- Great earthquakes will happen in various places
(Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Revelation 6:12; 11:13; 16:18)
The Bible speaks about shakings upon the earth. And not only physical shakings, but moral, social and spiritual ones as well.
Everything that once seemed stable is beginning to shake.
5- Diseases, plagues and pandemics will spread across the earth
(Luke 21:11; Revelation 6:8; Ezekiel 14:21)
We recently saw how a single pandemic brought the entire planet to a standstill. Jesus warned that these events would be part of the scenario of the last days.
6- Christians will be persecuted because of the name of Jesus
(Matthew 24:9–10; Mark 13:9–13; Luke 21:12–17; John 16:2; Revelation 6:9–11; 13:7)
Being a true disciple of Christ will cost more and more. In many parts of the world, Christians are already being imprisoned, killed and silenced because of their faith. And this persecution will increase.
7- Wickedness and rebellion against God will increase drastically
(Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–12; Isaiah 5:20)
What was once considered sin is now celebrated. Right has become wrong.
And wrong has become right. Humanity is trying to live without God, rejecting His truth and His authority.
8- The love of many will grow cold
(Matthew 24:12–13)
This may be one of the most dangerous signs, because it happens inside the Church.
People begin passionately in love with Jesus… but gradually become cold, distracted and spiritually asleep. That is exactly what happened with the foolish virgins: they were near the door….but without oil.
9- The gospel will be preached throughout the whole world
(Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10; Revelation 14:6–7; Matthew 28:19–20)
Even in the midst of chaos, there is glorious news: The gospel continues to advance.
Jesus declared that the message of the Kingdom would be preached to all nations — and then the end would come.
While hell tries to spread darkness…. God continues saving people around the world.
10- Israel will be restored and gathered again to its land
(Ezekiel 36:24; 37:21–22; Isaiah 11:11–12; Jeremiah 30:3; Amos 9:14–15; Luke 21:24; Romans 11:25–27)
For centuries, Israel was scattered. But God promised He would gather His people again. And in 1948, Israel once again became a nation — something prophesied in the Scriptures. This did not happen by accident. It is another sign that the prophetic clock is advancing.
Church, the signs are before us. The question is not whether Jesus will return. The question is:
Are we prepared to meet Him? Because the expectation of His return should change the way we live today.
The signs are before our eyes. The Bible is being fulfilled before our generation. The world is changing, nations are changing, morality is changing, but one thing has not changed:
Jesus is coming back. And perhaps the most important question in this message is not: “Do you know the signs?”
But: “Are you prepared to meet the King?”
Because on that day:
there will be no time to prepare;
there will be no time to ask for forgiveness;
there will be no time to turn back.
The five wise virgins entered and then… the door was shut.
Today the door is still open. Grace is still available.The Holy Spirit is still calling.
But the Bible makes it clear: the King is coming back.
So do not live distracted.
Do not live spiritually asleep.
Do not play with sin.
Do not treat the presence of God as something common.
Live in such a way that Christ could return at any moment and you would not be ashamed to meet Him.
Live prepared. Because the expectation of Jesus’ return should change the way we live today. And perhaps Jesus is closer to returning than we imagine.
So Church, Lift up your head. Purify your heart. Trim your lamp.
Because the Bridegroom is coming. And before the door shuts, there is still time to prepare!