The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ visibly left the earth nearly 2,000 years ago. It also promises that he will visibly return to earth and complete the work which has been given to him by God.
The angels assured Jesus’ disciples, as they watched him ascend to heaven, that he would come back the same way in which he went
“And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he (Jesus) went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10, 11)
Jesus told his disciples during his ministry on earth that he would depart from them, but would one day return
“In my Father’s house are many mansions … I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:2,3).
“Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man … coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64)
Jesus’ apostles consistently preached and wrote that his second coming was expected
“I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (the living) and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom … Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1, 8).
“He (God) shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you; Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:20, 21).
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of … our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
“The Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints” (Jude 14)
The book of Revelation contains many references to the return of Christ
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7)
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly (Greek – suddenly). Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
Jesus’ first appearing was expected to be literal by the Old Testament prophets, who foretold many details of his life on earth
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, confirmed Matthew 1:22, 23).
“But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel …” (Micah 5:2, confirmed Matthew 2:5, 6).
The Old Testament prophets also foretold Jesus’ literal return to earth in power and glory
“The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (Psalm 2:7 – 9)
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him a dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations and languages should serve him …” (Daniel 7:13, 14).
The Gospel (the good news and glad tidings of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ) requires Jesus return to earth to establish a Kingdom promised before he was born
The angel said to Mary:
“Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his Kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31 – 33)
Some people believe that the return of Christ will be only spiritual, or that it occurred at Pentecost, or that it takes place at some crisis in a person’s life
It is clear, however, from the evidence of the Bible above that the return of Christ will be personal and bodily. His presence on the earth will be as real as it was in the past.