THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 24:29-44

Key Verse: “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 24:30 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:1-51; Matthew 25:1-46; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 19:11-16

Description: Jesus clearly taught about His future return, emphasizing readiness, faithfulness, watchfulness, and holy living as believers anticipate His glorious coming.

INTRODUCTION
The Second Coming of Christ is one of the most important doctrines taught in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Jesus delivered what is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse, a detailed prophetic teaching concerning future events, the signs of the end times, and His glorious return. The disciples had asked Him about the destruction of the temple and the sign of His coming, and Jesus responded by unveiling significant truths about the future.

Unlike His first coming, which occurred in humility as a suffering Saviour, His second coming will be in power, glory, and majesty. During His earthly ministry, many rejected Him, but at His return every eye shall recognize His authority and kingship. Matthew's Gospel presents the Second Coming as a certain event that will bring the fulfilment of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of Christ's righteous reign.

The teachings of Jesus concerning His return are not intended to create fear among believers but to inspire readiness, faithfulness, and holy living. Since no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, every believer is called to remain spiritually alert, committed to God's work, and prepared to meet the Lord at any moment.

1. JESUS PROMISED THAT HE WOULD RETURN
The Second Coming is a certainty based on Christ's own words.

a) Christ Personally Announced His Return (Matthew 24:30)
Jesus clearly declared that He would come again in glory.

b) The Promise Is Confirmed by Angels (Acts 1:11)
The angels assured the disciples that Jesus would return in the same manner as He ascended.

c) God's Promises Never Fail (Numbers 23:19)
Whatever God declares will surely come to pass.

d) The Church Awaits His Appearing (Titus 2:13)
Believers live in expectation of Christ's glorious return.

Biblical Example: After Jesus ascended into heaven, angels confirmed His future return to the disciples (Acts 1:9-11).

2. JESUS REVEALED SIGNS OF HIS COMING
Certain events will characterize the period preceding His return.

a) Spiritual Deception Will Increase (Matthew 24:4-5)
False prophets and false christs will seek to deceive many.

b) Global Conflicts Will Intensify (Matthew 24:6-7)
Wars, rumours of wars, and unrest will occur.

c) Natural Disasters Will Occur (Matthew 24:7)
Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes will increase.

d) Wickedness Will Multiply (Matthew 24:12)
The love of many will grow cold because of increasing iniquity.

Biblical Example: The days of Noah reflected widespread wickedness before divine intervention came (Matthew 24:37-39).

3. THE RETURN OF CHRIST WILL BE GLORIOUS AND VISIBLE
The Second Coming will not be secret but universally recognized.

a) Christ Will Come with Great Glory (Matthew 24:30)
His return will reveal His majesty and authority.

b) Every Eye Will Witness His Coming (Revelation 1:7)
His appearance will be visible to the entire world.

c) Heavenly Signs Will Accompany His Return (Matthew 24:29)
Cosmic disturbances will precede His coming.

d) The Angels Will Accompany Him (Matthew 25:31)
Christ will return with the hosts of heaven.

Biblical Example: Jesus' transfiguration provided a glimpse of His future glory and majesty (Matthew 17:1-8).

4. BELIEVERS MUST LIVE IN READINESS
Since no one knows the exact time of Christ's return, preparation is essential.

a) Watchfulness Is Required (Matthew 24:42)
Believers must remain spiritually alert.

b) Faithfulness Is Expected (Matthew 24:45-46)
The Lord rewards servants who remain diligent.

c) Holy Living Is Necessary (2 Peter 3:11-12)
Expectation of Christ's return should inspire godliness.

d) Perseverance Is Essential (Matthew 24:13)
Those who endure faithfully to the end shall be saved.

Biblical Example: The wise virgins remained prepared and entered the wedding feast when the bridegroom arrived (Matthew 25:1-13).

5. THE SECOND COMING WILL BRING JUDGMENT
Christ's return will include a time of divine accountability.

a) Nations Will Be Gathered Before Him (Matthew 25:31-32)
All humanity will stand before Christ.

b) The Righteous and Wicked Will Be Separated (Matthew 25:32-33)
God will distinguish between those who belong to Him and those who do not.

c) Rewards Will Be Given (Matthew 25:21)
Faithful servants will receive commendation and reward.

d) Judgment Will Be Just (Romans 2:6)
Every person will be judged according to God's righteousness.

Biblical Example: The separation of sheep and goats illustrates Christ's final judgment of humanity (Matthew 25:31-46).

6. THE SECOND COMING BRINGS HOPE FOR BELIEVERS
Christ's return is a source of comfort and expectation.

a) Believers Will Be Gathered to Christ (Matthew 24:31)
God's people will be united with their Lord.

b) Suffering Will End (Revelation 21:4)
God will remove sorrow, pain, and death.

c) Christ's Kingdom Will Be Fully Established (Revelation 11:15)
The reign of Christ will be complete and everlasting.

d) Eternal Fellowship with God Will Begin (John 14:3)
Believers will dwell with the Lord forever.

Biblical Example: Job expressed confidence that he would one day see his Redeemer and enjoy eternal fellowship with God (Job 19:25-27).

CONCLUSION
Matthew's Gospel presents the Second Coming of Christ as a certain and glorious future event. Jesus Himself taught extensively about His return, revealing both the signs that would precede it and the responsibilities of believers while waiting. His return will be visible, powerful, and transformative, bringing both judgment and reward according to God's perfect justice.

For believers, the doctrine of Christ's return is not merely a prophetic subject but a call to faithful living. We are challenged to remain watchful, holy, diligent, and committed to God's work. As we anticipate the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, we must live each day in readiness, knowing that He may return at any moment.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to live in readiness for Christ's return in Jesus name.

2. Lord, keep my heart faithful and steadfast in Jesus name.

3. Father, preserve me from deception in these last days in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to remain spiritually watchful in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen me to endure faithfully until the end in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to live a holy and pleasing life in Jesus name.

7. Father, let my life be fruitful for Your Kingdom in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me grace to fulfil my divine assignment in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to lead others to Christ before His return in Jesus name.

10. Lord, may I be found faithful and prepared when You appear in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain steadfast and faithful until the coming of the Lord.

2. Every spirit of deception shall have no place in your life.

3. The Lord shall strengthen your faith in these last days.

4. You shall walk in wisdom, holiness, and spiritual alertness.

5. Your lamp shall remain burning brightly for Christ.

6. You shall fulfil your divine assignment before the Lord's return.

7. The grace of God shall preserve you from falling away.

8. You shall be a faithful witness of Christ in your generation.

9. You shall rejoice at the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ.

10. You shall be counted among the prepared, faithful, and victorious saints who will share in Christ's eternal glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.