The last thing the Apostles’ Creed tells us about Jesus is that “He will come again to judge the living and the dead.”

The parousia (or second coming) of Christ has been the subject of much fascination over the last two millennia; and it’s spawned a seemingly endless amount of speculation of just when Jesus will return, and in what form.

Scripture gives us three reasons for Christ’s return: He is coming to judge the world and put an end to evil (Matt 12:36-42, 13:40-43, 25:31-46; 2 Thess 2:1-10; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev 8:6-9:21, 11:18, 14:14-20, 18:1-19:16, 20:11-15) ; to raise the dead to new life (1 Cor 15:50-57; 1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 20:1-6); and to establish His eternal reign on this earth (Matt 24:9-13; 1 Cor 15:20-28; Philip 2:9-11; Rev 21:1-7). These three things are closely connected.

I have written about the day of judgment in other posts, expressing my belief that everyone will face a judgment (or clarification) at or immediately after bodily death, and that there will be an opportunity for repentance at this point.

The final judgment, however, will occur not just in the spiritual realm, but also here on this earth. Following this judgment, Christ’s eternal reign on this earth will begin, and evil will be no more.

The Bible tells us that in the days leading up to this, there will be great suffering on this earth – including a massive persecution of God’s people (Matt 24:9-14, Mark 13:9-23; Rev 16-18).

While it’s tempting to see any suffering or persecution as a sign of the end, we should be careful not to make hasty conclusions here. The world has gone through many rough periods before; and it’s important to remember that “about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matt 24:36).

Scripture tells us that we need to be prepared, since the day of Christ’s return will come suddenly and without warning, like a “thief in the night” (Matt 24:36-44, 25:1-13; 1 Thess 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).

What does being prepared for the parousia mean? Jesus tells us that it means caring for the poor and marginalized in our midst (Matt 25:31-46), and using the gifts God has given us wisely (Matt 25:1-13). Saint Paul says that it means remaining steadfast in our faith and love for others (1 Thess 5:8). Saint Peter says that it means “living lives of holiness and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11).

We must be careful, then, not live carelessly – thinking only of our immediate gratification and ignoring the needs of others around us. All too many people live this way, and it will catch up to them sooner or later. Those who think they can live only for themselves, and die in peace, are sorely mistaken.

The Bible tells us that Christ’s return will be evident to all (Matt 24:15-28, Luke 17:22-24, Philip 2:9-11, Rev 1:7). When Jesus comes back, He will be seen by all, and be unmistakable.

We don’t need to be afraid, then, that there will be some sort of rapture that we might “miss.” Scripture only speaks of one parousia, and it’s universal. Everyone will see it, including those who have been dead for ages.

While this may be a fearful thing for those who have built their lives on worldly wealth and power (Rev 18), the ultimate result will be a joyous one – not just for human beings, but for all creation (Isaiah 65:17-25, Rom 8:18-25, Rev 21:1-7).

When we think of Christ’s return, then, we should not see it as something to fear. The ultimate purpose of Jesus’ work is the reconciliation of all things (Col 1:20); and even the final judgment is ordered to this end.

As God said to St. Julian of Norwich, “all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.” Just how this will be worked out is unclear, but I am confident that it will happen.

In the meantime, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus – both the historical Jesus and the cosmic Christ that lives within each of us. By staying focused on Him, we can have hope in all things.

(Coming Next: The Apostles’ Creed, Part Seven: “I Believe in the Holy Spirit”)