Look around at the world today and you’ll likely agree: It’s a mess! War, poverty, disease, disaster, discord, environmental damage—all these are increasing. And there’s no sign of improvement.
But something is on the horizon that will change EVERYTHING. It’s “the great and dreadful day of the Lord,” and it’s coming soon (Malachi 4:5). It’s not some supermarket tabloid fantasy. The evidence is in plain sight, and the Bible reveals that all the pieces are falling into place right now!
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord is coming” (Joel 2:1). The alarm is sounding, but what exactly is the Day of the Lord, and when will it happen?
For those who know and trust Jesus, this really is THE. BEST. NEWS. EVER. It means we’re going to see a world of peace and perpetual joy! Want to know more?
Here are six Bible-based facts about the Day of the Lord!
The Day of the Lord Is the Return of Jesus!
Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His friends, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. … I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:1–3). Jesus promised to return!
And because we know that He came once to this world and conquered death, we can have confidence that He will come again: “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
The Signs Reveal That It’s Near!
God wants you to know what’s ahead! “Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). Jesus predicted “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6), which are now rampant—just look at the global headlines! More than 10,000 terrorist incidents and nearly 30 global conflicts resulting in tens of thousands of deaths have occurred in recent years.
Famines and epidemic diseases are more widespread than ever—even measles and typhoid are making a comeback—as well as natural disasters. Jesus foretold that all these things would intensify just before His return, and that’s what is happening right before our eyes!
Rampant Deception!
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4, 5). False Christs, false gospels, and false predictions about when Christ will return are everywhere. But the Bible is clear: There are specific times and events that must be fulfilled before Jesus returns. Don’t be deceived by false teachers!
The “Rapture” Is Not a Secret!
Many say a “secret rapture” will take believers out of the world before the tribulation—the time of trouble—before Jesus’ return. But Scripture is clear: Believers alive at the end of time will go through this time of trouble (Matthew 24:21, 22). Don’t be afraid! God will protect His people.
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10). Jesus said this about the timing of His return, not the manner. How can you know? Because the Bible also says on that day “the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt” (2 Peter 3:10, emphasis added). And Revelation 1:7 states, “He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him” (emphasis added). Jesus’ return will not be secret!
The Dead in Christ Will Rise!
When Jesus returns, “the dead in Christ will rise” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). It will be a grand reunion for those who have loved ones who have died. And believers who are living will be instantly given new healthy bodies “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52).
But the living who haven’t been saved will be desperate to escape Jesus’ wrath: “The kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’” (Revelation 6:15–17).
Those who know Jesus as Lord will be thrilled at His return. Those who don’t will cover in fear. In which group do you want to be?
The Earth Will Be Laid Waste!
The earth will be desolate after the return of Jesus (Jeremiah 25:33). Here’s what will happen: “There was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found” (Revelation 16:18, 20).
An earthquake powerful enough to flatten mountains would also set off every volcano on the planet and launch tremendous global tsunamis. Can you imagine? Entire mountain ranges disappear, and islands vanish! This planet is going to change violently when Jesus returns, but that’s not the end of the story. A new heavens and new earth will follow, but only for those who put their faith in Jesus!
You Can Prepare for the Day of the Lord Now
Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping” (Mark 13:35, 36).
It’s a fact! We know that the Savior will return, so take time to get to know Him so that God will not say to you, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). It’s important to be right with God right now.
You can do this by repenting and accepting Jesus as your Savior. Stay close to God through regular prayer and Bible study. Visit AmazingFactsIndia.org for free online lessons to help you grow in Christ.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Our study guide Ultimate Deliverance - The Return of Jesus Christ is a great place to start! Get your free digital copy at Return08.AFTV.in.