What are the signs of the second coming?

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is one of the most anticipated events in Christian theology. Christians believe that just as Jesus came the first time to die for the sins of the world, He will return a second time, not to suffer again, but to judge the world and gather His faithful followers. The Bible, especially the New Testament, gives many signs that point to the nearness of this event. These signs serve as warnings and encouragements to be ready. Jesus Himself, in His teachings, outlined various indicators of His return. This article will explore those biblical signs using the Scriptural references and examine what they mean for believers today.

The Importance of Watching for the Signs

Before listing the signs, it is important to understand why Jesus and the apostles spoke about them. Jesus did not reveal the day or hour of His return. In Matthew 24:36, He said:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

However, He did give signs to show that His coming was near. These signs are meant to prepare His followers, not to satisfy curiosity. In Matthew 24:42, Jesus warned:

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

The signs of the Second Coming are like road signs—meant to alert, guide, and help travelers know how close they are to their destination.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Signs

One of the clearest categories of signs Jesus gave involves natural disasters and upheavals in the environment.

Earthquakes, Famines, and Pestilences

In Matthew 24:7, Jesus said:

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”

These disasters have always existed, but Jesus indicated that they would increase in intensity and frequency, like labor pains before childbirth (see Matthew 24:8). Today, we see more frequent and devastating earthquakes, global food shortages, and widespread diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, shook the world and is a reminder of how fragile life can be.

Signs in the Heavens

Jesus also mentioned signs in the sky. In Luke 21:25-26, He said:

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.”

These refer to unusual celestial events, increased fear due to environmental disasters, or even climatic disturbances.

Moral Decay and Lawlessness

Another major category of signs is the moral condition of society in the last days.

As It Was in the Days of Noah

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:37-39:

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

In the time of Noah, people were indifferent to God’s warnings. They were busy with daily life and had no interest in spiritual matters. Genesis 6:5 describes that generation:

“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Likewise, before Christ’s return, people will live carelessly, ignoring God, and moral corruption will increase.

The Last Days Character of People

The apostle Paul gave a detailed description of the moral character of people in the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

This passage shows that selfishness, greed, disobedience, and spiritual hypocrisy will dominate society. Though people may appear religious, their lives will show they have no real relationship with God.

Global Conflict and Political Unrest

Jesus also mentioned that wars and rumors of wars would signal the end times.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Matthew 24:6-7 says:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

Throughout history, wars have plagued humanity, but Jesus spoke of an increase in global conflict and political instability. Modern times have seen two world wars, countless regional conflicts, and ongoing tensions between nations, often involving nuclear weapons. These events remind us that peace is fragile and temporary in a fallen world.

Distress Among Nations

Luke 21:25 describes a world in turmoil:

“…on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring.”

Economic collapse, refugee crises, terrorism, and climate issues have all caused distress and confusion among nations. These things are signs that the world is not heading toward peace but toward a final conflict.

Religious Confusion and False Christs

Another important category involves deception in the religious world.

False Christs and False Prophets

Matthew 24:4-5 warns:

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

And again in verse 24:

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Religious deception is one of the greatest dangers in the last days. Many will claim to be Jesus or a prophet of God. Some may even perform miracles, but they will not be sent by God. Christians are urged to test all teachings by the Word of God (Isaiah 8:20).

Doctrinal Deceptions

1 Timothy 4:1 says:

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

Many false teachings will arise in the end times, including twisted interpretations of Scripture, prosperity gospel, universal salvation, and tolerance for sin under the disguise of grace. These false doctrines lead people away from the truth and prepare them for greater deception.

The Gospel to All the World

Amid all the trouble and deception, there is also a positive sign—the spreading of the gospel to the entire world.

Matthew 24:14 says:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Despite opposition and persecution, the message of salvation will go to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. Technology, missions, and Bible translations are helping fulfill this prophecy. Revelation 14:6 describes an angel flying in the midst of heaven:

“…having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.”

The global preaching of the gospel is a major sign that the end is near and that Jesus’ return is soon.

Persecution of Believers

Jesus also predicted that His followers would suffer before His return.

Matthew 24:9 says:

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

The Bible predicts increasing persecution of true Christians who stand for the truth. Revelation 13 describes a time when those who do not worship the beast or receive its mark will not be able to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17). Many will be imprisoned, beaten, or even killed for their faith.

2 Timothy 3:12 warns:

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

As time moves closer to the end, the world will become increasingly hostile to biblical Christianity.

A Time of Peace and Safety

Interestingly, before sudden destruction comes, people will think things are finally peaceful.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 says:

“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

This false sense of security will deceive many into thinking that the world is improving. But instead, it will be a setup for destruction and the final crisis.

The Rise of the Antichrist and Global Control

Paul describes a falling away and the rise of the man of sin before Christ returns.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 says:

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped.”

This figure, often called the Antichrist, will lead a religious and political system that demands worship and persecutes the faithful. Revelation 13 gives more details about this system, which will unite church and state and enforce false worship. https://bibleask.org/who-is-the-beast-of-revelation-13/

The Final Signs in Nature Before Jesus Appears

Just before Jesus returns, several cosmic signs will occur.

Revelation 6:12-14 says:

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.  Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place..”

These supernatural events will announce the arrival of Jesus in glory. These signs serve as final warnings to those still undecided.

The Sign of the Son of Man

The ultimate sign of Jesus’ return is His visible appearance in the sky.

Matthew 24:30 says:

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

This is not a secret event. Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). The Second Coming will be loud, glorious, and unmistakable. The righteous dead will rise, and the living believers will be caught up to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Conclusion

The signs of the Second Coming are many, and they are being fulfilled all around us. Natural disasters, moral decay, religious deception, global unrest, persecution, and the spread of the gospel all point to the nearness of Christ’s return. Yet, the purpose of these signs is not to cause fear, but to awaken people to prepare spiritually.

Jesus said in Luke 21:28:

“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

The Second Coming is not just the end of the world; it is the beginning of eternal life with Christ for those who are ready. The signs urge us to examine our lives, deepen our relationship with Jesus, and share the gospel with others.

In closing, Revelation 22:12 reminds us of the urgency:

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Let us be ready, watching, and faithful until that glorious day.