The “day of Christ”, also known as the “day of the Lord”, refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. It will be a future time when Christ returns to earth in power and glory to judge the world and establish his eternal kingdom. Though the exact timing is unknown, several key aspects of the day of Christ are revealed in Scripture:
It Follows a Time of Apostasy and Lawlessness
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that the day of Christ will not come until the “rebellion comes first” and the “man of lawlessness is revealed” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). This indicates a future time of great apostasy, deception, and persecution of believers preceding Christ’s return. Jesus also spoke of this, saying the love of many will grow cold and false prophets will arise (Matthew 24:10-12).
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Jesus stated that no one knows the day or hour of his coming – not even himself or the angels, only the Father (Matthew 24:36). He exhorted his disciples to be ready at all times, keeping watch and staying faithful (Matthew 24:42-44). Paul echoed this, saying the day of Christ will come “like a thief in the night” when people are complacent and unprepared (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
Christ Will Appear Suddenly to Judge and Make War
The day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like “birth pains” on a pregnant woman (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Jesus will appear in blazing fire to judge evil and wage war against the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The book of Revelation depicts Christ returning as a warrior-king to strike down the nations and tread the winepress of God’s wrath (Revelation 19:11-16).
The Earth and Heavens Will be Destroyed and Renewed
On the day of the Lord, “the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10). The present heavens and earth will pass away to make way for new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Cosmic signs and disturbances will precede this cataclysmic transition (Matthew 24:29-30).
The Dead Will be Raised for Judgment
At Christ’s coming, the dead will be resurrected – believers to eternal life and unbelievers to condemnation (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). Their deeds will be judged to determine their eternal destiny, whether reward or punishment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Paul spoke of Christians receiving imperishable, immortal bodies at the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).
Faithful Believers Will be Gathered and Rewarded
When Christ returns, the angels will gather his elect from the whole earth (Mark 13:27). Faithful followers will be rewarded based on their service and stewardship (Luke 19:11-27; 1 Corinthians 3:8,13-15). They will celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb and dwell with God forever (Revelation 19:9, 21:3).
Unbelievers Will Face Eternal Separation from God
Those who rejected Christ will be condemned and permanently cut off from God’s presence and kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:11-15). Jesus warned of outer darkness and weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). The day of Christ will bring terror, destruction, and punishment for the disobedient, with no second chances (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).
God’s Reign Shall Prevail Over All Evil and Rebellion
On the day of Christ, all God’s enemies will be utterly defeated (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). Satan and his dark forces will be bound and rendered powerless (Revelation 20:1-3,10). Sin, death, pain and sorrow will be no more (Revelation 21:4). Righteousness, justice and peace will reign supreme under Christ’s perfect sovereignty. The glory of God will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).
Christ’s Reign Will be Eternal
Once Christ establishes his kingdom on the day of the Lord, his reign will never end. His dominion will be everlasting, continuing forever without defeat (Daniel 4:3; 7:14). The book of Revelation depicts the saints ruling and reigning with Christ for eternity (Revelation 22:5). The day of Christ will usher in the undisturbed and unchallenged reign of the King of Kings for all time.
The Day is Unknown, so Believers Must Live Expectantly
Because the timing of Christ’s return is unrevealed, believers must live each day ready and watchful, actively pursuing holiness and godliness (2 Peter 3:11-14). Paul said to encourage one another with the expectation of Christ’s coming (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Jesus exhorted his followers to be alert, faithful, obedient and productive until he comes back (Matthew 24:45-25:30). Vigilance, sobriety and evangelism should mark those awaiting their Master’s return.
It Will be Unexpected for Many
Jesus indicated that the day of Christ will catch most people off guard, including false believers and nominal Christians (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:1-13). They will be unprepared to face him as Judge and King. Paul warned that unbelievers will be stunned and overwhelmed at Christ’s coming, imagining they were at peace and secure before sudden destruction falls (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Only continual readiness can avoid being caught unawares.
The Heavens and Earth Will be Disclosed and Laid Bare
On the day of Christ, the secrets of men’s hearts will be uncovered, and their private motives and deeds exposed (1 Corinthians 4:5). All disguise and facade will be stripped away. There will be no way to hide from the all-seeing eyes of the divine Judge. As Hebrews says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13).
Christ Will Come in Power and Glory as King
At his first coming, Jesus arrived humbly as a servant. But at his second coming, he will arrive with all power and glory as conquering King (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 1:7). Every eye will behold him in his splendor, majesty and authority to render final judgment on mankind. He will not come degraded as a criminal, but exalted in radiant supremacy as Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).
The Day Will Bring Salvation and Reward for God’s People
For those who belong to Christ, the day of the Lord will be a day of redemption, salvation and vindication (Luke 21:28, Romans 8:23). It will bring honor, blessing and inheritance for the faithful (Matthew 25:34, 1 Peter 1:4-5). Their perseverance will be rewarded as they receive the fullness of eternal life in God’s presence and kingdom.
There Will be No Chance for Repentance or Mercy After It Begins
Once the day of Christ commences, the age of grace and opportunity to be saved will have passed. Scripture warns that the Lord’s coming will be too late for those who previously rejected him (Proverbs 1:20-33). Their time will be up as judgment begins. This is why Paul urged unbelievers not to delay in responding to the gospel while there is still time (2 Corinthians 6:2).
The Exact Timing Remains Uncertain
Despite many predictions, no one knows the precise timing of Christ’s return. Believers should avoid dogmatism about when it will occur. Jesus rebuked those obsessed with date-setting, saying the Father alone knows the time (Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7). Each generation is called to live prepared and expectant, ready to meet Christ whatever their day (Luke 12:35-40).
It Will be Visible and Audible to All People Everywhere
Jesus described his return as sudden, universally visible and audible: “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:27). Revelation says “every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7). He will come with loud command, mighty voice and trumpet call (1 Thessalonians 4:16). No one on earth will miss his dramatic appearance.
Old Testament Prophecies Provide Background Details
Many of the prophets foretold the coming day of the Lord, providing vivid poetic descriptions of its cosmic upheavals, judgment on sinners, and salvation for God’s people (Isaiah 13:9-11, Joel 1:15, Malachi 4:1-6). Jesus and the apostles amplified these prophecies with further revelation. Together they offer a rich composite of what believers can expect when Christ returns.
All Creation Awaits the Liberation and Restoration it Will Bring
According to Paul, the creation itself groans in eager expectation for the day of Christ, when it will be set free from bondage and restored to the glory for which God intended it (Romans 8:18-22). On that day, there will be new heavens and a new earth where righteousness reigns (2 Peter 3:13). All creation longs to see this wondrous culmination of history.
It Will Inaugurate the Wedding Feast of the Lamb
The marriage supper of the Lamb will take place on the day of Christ (Revelation 19:9). This celebrates the long-awaited union of Christ, the Bridegroom, with his bride, the church. It marks the commencement of an eternal, intimate, face-to-face relationship between Jesus and his people in the glories of heaven. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
We Should Live with Readiness, Watchfulness, and Hope
Considering what Scripture teaches about the climactic day of Christ, believers should continually live prepared and eager for his coming, keeping our eyes fixed on eternity. We must avoid worldliness and diligently serve him as we wait, living each day as though he could return at any moment. This will enable us to greet our beloved King with joy when he appears.
