BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
We read this staggering verse in the opening verses of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John. It is simple, pure, unmistakable, and mind-boggling.
We have just celebrated the miraculous first-coming of Christ. The fact that Jesus left heaven to inhabit a virgin’s womb is amazing. And He did this so He might live, die, and rise again on our behalf. John praises this One who “loves us and released us from our sins by His blood and has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5).
On the heels of this life-changing, kingdom-building statement, John adds another: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds.”
As Jesus ascended in the clouds at the close of His earthly ministry, the angels prophesied that He would return in the same manner.
They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
We are now 2,000 years closer to the fulfillment of this prophecy. John reminded us that “the time is near,” and it is closer now than ever.
The remainder of the faithfully recorded revelation shown to John describes the final events leading up to this incredible event. Many have studied precisely how this all will happen. But make no mistake: He is coming, and the time is near.
What is the purpose of this coming? It is to bring final judgment upon this world and usher in a new heaven and earth. But most importantly, it is to fulfill what Jesus said right at the time of His death.
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
He is coming to take us home. To restore those who have believed in Him to the Garden experience with God, but even better. His second coming carries the same intent as the first: that we might be with Him, experiencing His manifest Presence without interruption.
He is coming soon. Are you ready?
