Part 2 · The Signs of His Coming

Part 2 of 3 · The Second Coming of Christ

Jesus gave clear signs to help us recognize the approach of His second coming, from world conditions in Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3 to the warnings against deception. In the King James Bible, we find how to be ready for the day that no man knows.

What Are the Signs of Christ’s Return in Matthew 24?

What did Jesus tell His disciples when they asked for the sign of His coming and the end of the world?

Verse: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:4–6, KJV)

Explanation: Jesus began His response by warning of deception—especially false christs. As we studied in the manner of His coming, He noted that wars, famines, and natural disasters are merely “the beginning of sorrows” (v. 8), cautioning us not to be troubled by these things.

How did Paul describe the moral and social landscape of the last days?

Verse: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” (2 Timothy 3:1–2, KJV)

Explanation: Paul paints a picture of a society that has turned away from God’s love to embrace self-centeredness. This decline in moral character is one of the most visible indicators that we are living in the perilous times just before Jesus comes again, as warned of in our recent study on the Sabbath.

What global condition does Daniel mention that confirms we are living in the time of the end?

Verse: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4, KJV)

Explanation: The explosion of travel (“run to and fro”) and the rapid increase in information and technology (“knowledge shall be increased”) are characteristic of the “time of the end.” These advancements allow the gospel to reach every nation, tribe, and tongue in a way unprecedented in human history, fulfilling the Three Angels' Messages.

How Will the World Try to Deceive the Elect?

What specific warning did Jesus give regarding the appearance of false christs?

Verse: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” (Matthew 24:24–26, KJV)

Explanation: Because deception will be so powerful that even the elect might be tested, Jesus warns us to reject claims of a secret or local return. He makes it clear that the truth of His coming is not hidden in secret chambers, but will be unmistakable to all.

How did Jesus describe the unmistakable nature of His second coming?

Verse: “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:27, KJV)

Explanation: The return of Christ will not be a private or secret event. Like lightning that illuminates the entire sky in a single flash, the second coming will be a global, visible, and overwhelmingly real event that every eye shall see.

When will the great physical signs in the heavens occur in relation to the return of Christ?

Verse: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:29–30, KJV; see also Luke 21:25–26)

Explanation: Jesus situates the great celestial signs—the darkening sun and falling stars—as the final prelude to His appearance. These events shake the foundation of the world, leading directly to the climactic moment when He descends with power and great glory.

How should we respond when we see these things begin to take place?

Verse: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28, KJV)

Explanation: Rather than living in fear of the signs of the times, believers are instructed to “look up.” Every event that points to the end is a promise that our final deliverance from sin and sorrow is drawing near.

What should we remember about our ability to predict the specific day of His return?

Verse: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36, KJV)

Explanation: The Bible explicitly warns against setting dates for the second coming. While we are called to know the season by the signs, the exact day and hour remain in the hands of the Father, reminding us that our focus should be on being ready, not on calculating the time.

Conclusion & Personal Appeal

The signs of the times are not given to stir up panic, but to invite us into a life of readiness. When the world is shaken by wars, moral decay, and global upheaval, we are reminded that our home is not of this world. Let us look up, lift up our heads, and keep our lamps trimmed, trusting that the same Christ who left this world as He promised will return just as surely as the lightning flashes.

Continue the course: ← Part 1: How Will Jesus Return? · All parts of The Second Coming of Christ