The Return of the King – Part 1
Understanding the Return of Christ: Essential Truths for Believers
In the final book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Aragorn returns as the rightful king to defeat enemies and bring peace. Similarly, the Bible teaches that God will conclude salvation history with the return of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. This coming event, known as the “day of the Lord,” will bring final salvation for believers and judgment upon those who have rejected Christ.
Every believer should understand and contemplate essential truths about Christ’s return. Let’s explore three key truths from 2 Peter 3:3-9 that help us prepare for this momentous event.
Why Do Some People Mock the Idea of Christ’s Return?
Peter warns that “in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3). These mockers ridicule the notion of Christ’s return by asking, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (v.4).
The character of these mockers is revealing:
- They follow their own sinful desires
- They reject God’s moral standards
- They cast doubt on core Christian truths
- They point to the passage of time as evidence against Christ’s return
Their argument essentially says, “Nothing has changed since creation. If Jesus hasn’t returned by now, He’s not coming back.” This is like college students who leave class if the professor is 15 minutes late, assuming the teacher isn’t coming at all.
Peter warns that this mocking is a spiritual tactic designed to:
- Divide the church
- Deceive believers
- Derail our faith
Jude 17-19 confirms this, describing these mockers as “worldly minded, devoid of the Spirit” who “cause divisions.” Rather than being swayed by their jeers, we should be emboldened by Jesus’ promise in Matthew 26:29 that He will return to establish His kingdom.
How Can We Be Sure Christ Will Return?
While mockers may say what they want, God will have the final word. Peter reminds us that the return of Christ is assured by God’s word, which has demonstrated its power in three significant ways:
1. God’s Word Created the World
“By the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water” (v.5). God spoke the universe into existence, creating time, space, and matter from nothing. The very creation these mockers reference contradicts their claim that God never divinely intervenes.
2. God’s Word Destroyed the World with a Flood
“Through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water” (v.6). When God told Noah He would destroy the world with a flood, it happened exactly as He said. His word proved powerful and true.
3. God’s Word Will Destroy the Present World with Fire
“By His Word, the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men” (v.7). Just as God spoke and creation came into being, just as He spoke and judged the world with a flood, He has declared this world will be judged by fire—and it will happen.
What God says, He will do. Jesus will return. The world will be judged. His people will be saved. Nothing can thwart God’s will or His word.
Why Hasn’t Christ Returned Yet?
Peter addresses a question many believers have: Why the delay? The answer is profound—the return of Christ is delayed by God’s patience.
“Do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (vv.8-9).
Two important insights emerge:
God’s Perspective on Time is Different
God exists outside of time—He created time itself. What seems like a long delay to us is but a moment to Him. The 2,000 years since Christ’s first coming might feel like just two days from God’s eternal perspective.
God’s Purpose in the Delay is Salvation
The delay isn’t because God is unable or unwilling to send Jesus back. Rather, it’s because:
- God is patient toward humanity
- He doesn’t want anyone to perish
- He wants as many as possible to come to repentance
- He would rather forgive than judge
As 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us, God “desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” The delay gives more people the opportunity to hear the gospel and respond to Christ.
Life Application
The truth about Christ’s return has profound implications for how we live today:
- Be ready at all times. When Jesus returns, there won’t be time to scramble and get your life in order. As Jesus taught, we should be found faithful and ready when He comes. Ask yourself: If Jesus returned tonight, would I be ready? What needs to change in my life right now?
- Share the gospel urgently. God is delaying Christ’s return so more people can be saved. Are you participating in this divine mission? Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Ask yourself: Am I actively sharing the good news with others? Who in my life needs to hear about Jesus?
- Stand firm against mockers. Don’t let the jeers of unbelievers shake your faith. Instead, let your confidence in Christ’s return grow stronger. Ask yourself: Am I allowing cultural skepticism to weaken my belief in Christ’s return? How can I strengthen my conviction about this biblical truth?
- Live with eternal perspective. Knowing that this world is temporary and Christ will return to establish His kingdom should transform how we view our priorities, possessions, and problems. Ask yourself: Am I living for temporary things or eternal values? How would my decisions change if I truly lived in light of Christ’s return?
Remember, the garage door of heaven will open one day, and Jesus will return. The question isn’t if He’s coming back—it’s whether you’ll be ready when He does.