Study Guide: The Return of Christ
(Use this study guide for deeper study of sermon preached on June 8, 2025)
The word “doctrine” refers to the body of teachings or beliefs that are considered authoritative and foundational to the Christian faith. These teachings are based on the Bible and help guide the beliefs and practices of Christ followers. Doctrines are essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith and they help to ensure unity among believers because they reflect the core truths of Christianity.
The doctrine of the return of Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope, encouragement, and a future promise for all believers. Jesus Himself assured us of His return in John 14:3, saying, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” The second coming of Christ reminds us that history is moving toward a glorious conclusion, where God’s Kingdom will be fully established, and all things will be made new. It is a promise that transcends our current trials and suffering, assuring us that God has a perfect plan in place for the ultimate redemption of the world.
The return of Christ is significant because it will bring justice and the end of all evil. In Acts 1:11, the angels declare to the disciples after Jesus ascends, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Christ's return will mark the day when He will judge the world with righteousness and bring an end to sin, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:4). For believers, this is a day to look forward to, as it means the fulfillment of God’s promises and the final defeat of Satan and all evil forces. The return of Christ will bring ultimate peace and justice to the world, where God’s perfect reign will be established.
For Christians, the return of Christ calls us to live with a sense of urgency and readiness. Jesus cautioned His followers in Matthew 24:42, saying, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” His return is not something to fear but to anticipate with hope, as it will bring the completion of our salvation and eternal fellowship with God. The return of Christ encourages us to live holy lives, to be faithful in our mission, and to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). As we await His return, we are called to share the good news of salvation and live in a way that honors the promise of His coming.
Study Outline
Take some time to look up and read these verses in your Bible, highlight, or spend time reflecting as you read.
I. The Promise of Christ’s Return
1. Jesus Himself Promised to Return
John 14:3 – “And 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.”
Matthew 24:30 – “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
2. The Angels Confirmed His Return
Acts 1:10-11 – “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
3. The Apostles Taught His Return
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
Titus 2:13 – “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
II. Signs Preceding Christ’s Return
1. Increase in Wickedness and Apostasy
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – Describes perilous times in the last days with people being “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud…”
Matthew 24:12 – “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.”
2. Wars, Natural Disasters, and Global Unrest
Matthew 24:6-7 – “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”
3. The Preaching of the Gospel to All Nations
Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
III. The Manner of Christ’s Return
1. It Will Be Visible and Glorious
Revelation 1:7 – “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.”
Matthew 24:27 – “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
2. He Will Return in Power and Judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 – “When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God.”
Revelation 19:11-16 – Jesus returns as the conquering King, riding on a white horse with the armies of heaven following Him.
3. It Will Be Sudden and Unexpected
Matthew 24:36 – “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2 – “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.”
IV. The Resurrection and Judgment
1. The Resurrection of Believers
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “The dead in Christ will rise first.”
2. The Judgment of the World
Revelation 20:11-15 – The Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The separation of the sheep (righteous) and the goats (wicked).
V. How We Should Live in Light of Christ’s Return
1. Be Watchful and Ready
Matthew 25:13 – “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
Luke 12:40 – “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
2. Live Holy and Godly Lives
2 Peter 3:11-12 – “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.”
1 John 3:2-3 – “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
3. Encourage and Strengthen One Another
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The following questions can be used for personal reflection, small group discussion, Bible study, or for journaling.
Why is it important that Jesus Himself promised to return? How does this impact our faith?
How does the promise of Christ’s return bring hope to believers?
What are some signs of Christ’s return mentioned in Matthew 24? Do you see any of these signs today?
In what healthy ways should Christians respond when they see an increase in wickedness, as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5?
If no one knows the exact time of Christ’s return, why is it important for believers to always be ready?
How does the idea of judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) impact the way we live today?
How can we “be watchful and ready” (Matthew 25:13) for Christ’s return in our daily lives?
2 Peter 3:11-12 talks about living holy lives in light of the end times. What are some practical ways we can do this?
How can we encourage one another as we wait for Christ’s return? What are some ways we can build up fellow believers?
What emotions do you feel when thinking about Christ’s return—hope, urgency, fear, excitement? Why?
If Jesus were to return today, what would He say about your personal faith?
What is one change you can make in your life to better prepare for Christ’s return?