Precursor
The second coming of Christ would not be possible if he did not arrive on earth the first time. The first coming of Jesus, who lived on earth from 5 B.C. to 30 A.D., was for the purpose of living a perfect life then dying as the perfect sacrifice for sin in order that man might live forever.
Right after he ascends to heaven on May 18 in 30 A.D. two angels declare that Jesus will return to earth in the same way that he left. It is this return to earth that is commonly referred to as the Second Coming.
Only a Metaphor?
Some denominations believe Jesus' words about a second coming are only a metaphor. They therefore teach that any statements regarding his return should not be taken literally. Others accept the prediction of his return to earth literally, and many have spent considerable effort in speculating on just when this event would happen.
Researching the Time
Many churches, pastors, Biblical teachers, and students of the Bible have spent countless hours and dollars in a foolish effort to pinpoint exactly when Christ will be coming from heaven to rule the earth.
It should be noted that every prediction regarding the second coming has miserably failed. Jesus himself stated that NO man or angel, but only God the Father, knows the day or the hour of his return.
Therefore, if they say to you, 'Come and see! He is in the wilderness'; do not go forth. 'Come and see! He is in the secret chambers'; do not believe it . . .
Truly I say to you, this generation shall in no wise pass away until all these things have taken place. The heaven and the earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away. But concerning that day, and the hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24:26, 34 - 36, HBFV).
God's word does not offer exact dates for end-time events but rather presents the overall structure of what will occur before His Son's return. Sadly, many ministries have used their "knowledge" of when Jesus returns, coupled with other prophetic speculations, to attract new members to their group and greatly increase their income.
Scriptures state there are several events that must occur before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Some of these, found in the book of Revelation, are the Great Tribulation, the heavenly signs and the Day of the Lord.
The true second coming or return of the Lord is delineated in chapter 19 of Revelation. His arrival on earth will be as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). He will come with the power of God to save mankind from total destruction and to usher in the Kingdom of God on earth.
And I saw heaven open; and behold, a white horse; and He Who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He does judge and make war.
And His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written that no one knows except Him. And He was clothed with a garment dipped in blood; and His name is The Word of God.
And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He might smite the nations; and He shall shepherd them with an iron rod; and He treads the winepress of the fury and the wrath of the Almighty God. And on His garment and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11 - 13, 15 - 16, HBFV).
The second coming of Jesus will also bring the resurrection of all the righteous saints who have died in the faith. They will receive immortality and rule the earth with Jesus for one thousand years (also known as the Millennium, see Revelation 20).