Parousia Second Coming of Jesus Christ: Biblical Signs and Prophecy of Christ’s Soon Return
Count on the Bible!
The Scriptures not only reveal the manner and object of Christ’s coming, they also describe the signs that tell of the nearness of this climactic event. The first signs announcing the Second Advent took place more than 1700 years after Christ’s ascension, and others have followed, contributing to the evidence that His return is very near.
Signs in the Natural World. Christ predicted that there would “‘be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars'” (Luke 21:25), specifying that “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory'” (Mark 13:24-26). In addition, John saw that a great earthquake would precede the signs in the heavens (Rev. 6:12). All of these signs would mark the end of the 1260 years of persecution.
- The witness of the earth.In fulfillment of this prophecy “the largest known earthquake,” occurred on November 1, 1755. Known as the Lisbon earthquake, its effects were observed in Europe, Africa, and America, covering an area of about 4 million square miles. Its destruction centered on Lisbon, Portugal, where in a matter of minutes it leveled public and residential buildings, causing scores of thousands of deaths.
While the earthquake’s physical effects were large, its impact on the thought of the time was just as significant. Many living then recognized it as a prophetic sign of the end and began to give serious consideration to the judgment of God and the last days. The Lisbon earthquake gave an impetus to the study of prophecy.
- The witness of the sun and moon.Twenty-five years later the next sign mentioned in prophecy took place—the darkening of the sun and moon. Christ had pointed out the time of the fulfillment of this sign, noting that it was to follow the great tribulation, the 1260 years of papal persecution spoken of elsewhere in Scripture (Matt. 24:29; see chapter 12 of this book). But Christ said that the tribulation that was to precede these signs would be shortened (Matt. 24:21, 22). Through the influence of the Reformation and the movements that grew out of it, the papal persecution was indeed shortened, so that by the middle of the eighteenth century it had almost wholly ceased.
In fulfillment of this prophecy, on May 19, 1780, an extraordinary darkness descended upon the northeastern part of the North American continent.
Recalling this event, Timothy Dwight, president of Yale University, said, “The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable day. Candles were lighted in many houses; the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. . . . A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand.”
Samuel Williams of Harvard reported that the darkness “approached with the clouds from the southwest ‘between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 A.M., and continued until the middle of the next night,’ varying in degree and duration in different localities. In some places ‘persons could not see to read common print in the open air.'”In Samuel Tenny’s opinion “the darkness of the following evening was probably as gross as ever has been observed since the Almighty fiat gave birth to light. . . . If every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable shades, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete.”
At 9:00 that night a full moon rose, but the darkness persisted until after midnight. When the moon became visible, it had the appearance of blood.
John the revelator had prophesied the extraordinary events of that day. After the earthquake, he wrote, the sun would become “black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon . . . like blood” (Rev. 6:12).
- The witness of the stars.Both Christ and John had also spoken about a falling of the stars that would indicate that Christ’s coming was near (Rev. 6:13; cf. Matt. 24:29). The great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833—the most extensive display of falling stars on record—fulfilled this prophecy. It was estimated that a single observer could see an average of 60, 000 meteors per hour. It was seen from Canada to Mexico and from the mid-Atlantic to the Pacific, many Christians recognizing in it the fulfillment of the Bible prophecy.
An eyewitness said that “there was scarcely a space in the firmament which was not filled at every instant with these falling stars, nor on it, could you in general perceive any particular difference, in appearance; still at times they would shower down in groups—calling to mind the ‘fig tree, casting her untimely figs when shaken by a mighty wind.'”
Christ gave these signs to alert Christians to the nearness of His coming so that they might rejoice in their expectation and be fully prepared for it. “‘Now when these things begin to happen, ‘” He said, “‘look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.'” He added, “‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near'” (Luke 21:28-31).
This unique witness of earth, sun, moon, and stars, which came in the precise sequence and at the time Christ had predicted, directed the attention of many toward the prophecies of the Second Advent.
Signs in the Religious World
Scripture predicts that a number of significant signs in the religious world will mark the time just preceding Christ’s return.
- A great religious awakening.The book of Revelation reveals the rise of a great, worldwide religious movement before the Second Advent. In John’s vision, an angel heralding Christ’s return symbolized this movement: “I saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth and to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water'” (Rev. 14:6, 7).
The message itself indicates when it is to be proclaimed. The everlasting gospel has been preached throughout all ages. But this message, emphasizing the judgment aspect of the gospel, could only be proclaimed in the time of the end, for it warns that the “hour of His judgment has come.” The book of Daniel informs us that in the time of the end its prophecies would be unsealed (Dan. 12:4). At that time people would understand its mysteries. The unsealing took place as the 1260-year period of papal dominance came to its end with the captivity of the pope in 1798. The combination of the exile of the pope and the signs in the natural world led many Christians to study the prophecies about the events leading to the Second Advent, which resulted in a new depth of understanding of these prophecies.
This focus on the Second Advent also brought about a worldwide revival of the Advent hope. As the Reformation sprang up independently in various countries throughout the Christian world, so did the Advent movement. The worldwide nature of this movement is one of the clearest signs that Christ’s return is drawing near. As John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ’s first advent, so the Advent movement is preparing the way for His second advent—proclaiming the message of Revelation 14;6-12, God’s final call to get ready for the glorious return of the Savior
- Preaching of the Gospel.God “‘has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness'” (Acts 17:31). In warning us of that day, Christ did not say that it would come when all the world is converted, but that the “‘gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come'” (Matt. 24:14). Thus Peter encourages believers to be “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:12).
Statistics on the translation and distribution of the Bible in this century reveal the growth of the gospel witness. In 1900, the Bible was available in 537 languages. By 1980, it had been translated, in full or in part, into 1, 811 languages, representing nearly 96 percent of the world population. Similarly, the annual distribution of the Scriptures has risen from 5.4 million Bibles in 1900 to 36.8 million Bibles and nearly half a billion Bible portions by 1980.
In addition, Christianity now has at its disposal an unprecedented variety of resources for use in its mission: service agencies, educational and medical institutions, national and foreign workers, radio and television broadcasting, and impressive financial means. Today, powerful shortwave radio stations can beam the gospel to practically every country around the globe. Used under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these unparalleled resources make realistic the goal of evangelizing the world in our time.
- Religious Decline.The widespread proclamation of the gospel does not necessarily mean a massive growth in genuine Christianity. Instead, the Scriptures predict a decline of true spirituality toward the end of time. Paul said that “in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
So today, love of self, material things, and the world has supplanted the Spirit of Christ in many hearts. People no longer allow God’s principles and His laws to direct their lives; lawlessness has taken over. “‘And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold'” (Matt. 24:12).
- A Resurgence of the Papacy.According to Biblical prophecy, at the end of the 1260 years the papacy would receive “a deadly wound” but it would not die (see chapter 12 of this book). Scripture reveals that this deadly wound would heal. The papacy would experience a great renewal of influence and respect—”all the world marveled and followed the beast” (Rev. 13:3). Already today many view the pope as the moral leader of the world.
To a large extent, the papacy’s rising influence has come as Christians have substituted traditions, human standards, and science for the authority of the Bible. In doing so, they have become vulnerable to “the lawless one,” who works “with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9).
Satan and his instruments will bring about a confederation of evil, symbolized by the unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, that will deceive the world (Rev. 16:13, 14; cf. 13:13, 14). Only those whose guide is the Bible and who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12) can successfully resist the overwhelming deception this confederation brings.
- Decline of Religious Freedom.The revival of the papacy will affect Christianity dramatically. The religious liberty obtained at great cost, guaranteed by the separation between church and state, will erode and finally be abolished. With the support of powerful civil governments, this apostate power will attempt to force its form of worship on all people. Everyone will have to choose between loyalty to God and His commandments and loyalty to the beast and his image (Rev. 14:6-12).
The pressure to conform will include economic coercion: “No one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Rev. 13:17). Eventually those who refuse to go along will face a death penalty (Rev. 13:15). During this final time of trouble God will intervene for His people and deliver everyone whose name is written in the book of life (Dan. 12:1; cf. Rev. 3:5; 20:15).
Increase of Wickedness. The spiritual decline within Christianity and the revival of the man of lawlessness have led to a growing neglect of God’s law in the church and in the lives of believers. Many have come to believe that Christ has abolished the law and that Christians are no longer obliged to observe it. This disregard of God’s law has led to an increase in crime and immoral behavior.
- Surge in World Crime.The disrespect for God’s law current within much of Christianity has contributed to modern society’s contempt for law and order. Throughout the world, crime is skyrocketing out of control. A report filed by correspondents from several world capitals stated: “Just as in the United States, crime is on the rise in almost every country around the world.” “From London to Moscow to Johannesburg, crime is fast becoming a major menace that is changing the way in which many people live.”
- Sexual Revolution.Disregard for God’s law has also broken down the restraints of modesty and purity, resulting in a surge of immorality. Today sex is idolized and marketed through films, television, video, songs, magazines, and advertisements.
The sexual revolution has resulted in the shocking rise of the rate of divorce, aberrations like “open marriage” or mate swapping, the sexual abuse of children, an appalling number of abortions, widespread homosexuality and lesbianism, an epidemic of venereal diseases, and the recently surfaced AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
Wars and Calamities. Before His return, Jesus said, “‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven'” (Luke 21:10, 11; cf. Mark 13:7, 8; Matt. 24:7). As the end draws near and the conflict between the satanic and divine forces intensifies, these calamities will also intensify in severity and frequency, and find an unprecedented fulfillment in our time.
- Wars.Although wars have plagued humanity throughout history, never before have they been so global and so destructive. World War I and II caused more casualties and suffering than all previous wars combined.
Many see the prospect of another worldwide conflict. World War II did not eradicate war. Since it ended, there have been some “140 conflicts fought with conventional weapons, in which up to ten million people have died.” The threat of an all-out thermonuclear war hangs over our world like the sword of Damocles.
- Natural disasters.Disasters appear to have increased significantly in recent years. Recent cataclysms of earth and weather, coming one on top of another, have caused some to wonder whether nature has gone berserk—and if the world is experiencing profound changes in climate and structure that will intensify in the future.
- Famines.Famines have occurred many times in the past, but they have not occurred on the scale with which they have in this century. Never before has the world had millions of people suffering from either starvation or malnutrition. The prospects for the future are hardly brighter. The unprecedented extent of starvation clearly signals that Christ’s return is imminent.
Be Ready at All Times
The Bible repeatedly assures us that Jesus will return. But will He come a year from now? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? No one knows for sure. Jesus Himself declared, “‘Of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only'” (Matt. 24:36).
At the end of His earthly ministry Christ told the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the experience of the church of the last days. The two classes of virgins represent the two kinds of believers who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. Their lamps represent the Word of God, the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Superficially, these two groups appear alike; both go out to meet the Bridegroom, both have oil in their lamps, and their behavior doesn’t seem to differ. They have all heard the message of Christ’s soon coming and are looking forward to it. But then comes an apparent delay—their faith is to be tested.
Suddenly, at midnight—in the darkest hour of earth’s history—they hear the cry, “‘”Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!”‘” (Matt. 25:6). Now the difference between the two groups becomes apparent: some are not ready to meet the Bridegroom. These “foolish” virgins are not hypocrites; they respect the truth, the Word of God. But they lack the oil—they have not been sealed by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rev. 7:1-3). They have been content with superficial work and have not fallen on Jesus Christ the Rock. They have a form of godliness but are destitute of God’s power.
When the Bridegroom comes, only those who are ready go in with Him to the marriage celebration, and the door is shut. Eventually the foolish virgins, who had gone to purchase more will, return and call, “’”Lord, Lord, open to us!”‘” But the Bridegroom answers, “’”I do not know you”‘” (Matt. 25:11-12)
How sad that when Christ returns to this earth, He will have to speak these words to some whom He loves. He warned, “‘Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”‘” (Matt. 7:22, 23).
Before the Flood, God sent Noah to alert the antediluvian world to the coming destruction. In a similar way, God is sending a threefold message of warning to prepare the world for Christ’s return (see Rev. 14:6-16).
All who accept God’s message of mercy will rejoice at the prospect of the Second Advent. Theirs is the assurance, “‘”Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”‘” (Rev. 19:9). Indeed, “to those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Heb. 9:28).
The Redeemer’s return brings to a glorious climax the history of God’s people. It is the moment of their deliverance, and with joy and adoration they cry out, “‘Behold this is our God; we have waited for Him. . . we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'” (Isa. 25:9).
