The Return of Jesus Christ: A Call to Watchfulness and Hope — Part 2

The promise of the return of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest hopes given to believers in Scripture. From the prophets of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible repeatedly reminds us to remain watchful, faithful, and spiritually prepared. This second devotional discussion explores additional Scriptures concerning Christ’s return using references from the original Hebrew and Greek languages alongside NKJV passages to encourage believers to live with urgency, holiness, and expectation.

JESUS RETURN

Jennifer

5/24/20262 min read

The Promise of Christ’s Return

Jesus Christ clearly promised that He would return again.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself...” — John 14:3 (NKJV)

In the Greek New Testament, the phrase:

ἔρχομαι πάλιν
(erchomai palin

means:

“I am coming again.”

The Greek word ἔρχομαι (erchomai) means to come, appear, or arrive. Christ’s return is not symbolic alone; it is a promised future event.

The Old Testament Foretold His Coming

The prophets spoke of the coming Day of the Lord — a time of judgment, redemption, and the reign of God.

“For behold, the day is coming,
Burning like an oven...” — Malachi 4:1 (NKJV)

In Hebrew, the phrase:

הִנֵּה הַיּוֹם בָּא
(Hinneh hayyom ba)

means:

“Behold, the day is coming.”

The prophets warned people to repent and prepare their hearts before the Lord.

Jesus Warned Believers to Watch

Jesus repeatedly taught His followers to remain spiritually alert.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:42 (NKJV)

The Greek word for “watch” is:

γρηγορεῖτε (grēgoreite)

meaning:

“Stay awake, remain alert, be watchful.”

Christ warned against spiritual laziness, worldly distractions, and living carelessly in the last days.

The Return of Christ Will Be Glorious

The second coming of Jesus will not be hidden.

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him...” — Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)

The Greek phrase:

ἰδοὺ ἔρχεται μετὰ τῶν νεφελῶν
(Idou erchetai meta tōn nephelōn)

means:

“Behold, He comes with the clouds.”

Unlike His first coming in humility, Christ will return in glory, power, and righteousness.

Believers Are Called to Live Holy Lives

The expectation of Christ’s return should change the way believers live daily.

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” — Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)

The Bible teaches Christians to live with:

  • Faithfulness

  • Repentance

  • Holiness

  • Love for others

  • Readiness for Christ’s appearing

Spiritual Self-Examination Questions

  1. Am I living each day as though Jesus could return at any moment?

  2. Have worldly distractions weakened my relationship with God?

  3. Is there unconfessed sin I need to bring before the Lord?

  4. Am I faithfully sharing the gospel and encouraging others spiritually?

  5. Do my actions reflect hope in Christ’s return or attachment to the world?

Closing Reflection

The return of Jesus Christ is both a warning and a comfort. For believers, it is the blessed hope of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Scripture urges Christians to remain watchful, faithful, and spiritually prepared.

May we live with hearts ready for His appearing, walking in truth, holiness, and expectation until the glorious return of our Savior.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” — Revelation 22:20 (NKJV)