Evergreen Faith : The Hope of His Return - What the Bible Says About the Future

A Message from FA Memphis

The return of Jesus Christ, often called the "Blessed Hope," is a foundational promise in Christian theology. According to the Bible and Assemblies of God doctrine, this future event involves the imminent resurrection of believers followed by Christ's visible return to earth to reign. This hope isn’t about escaping the world but living with purpose, urgency, and the assurance that God will eventually make all things right.

The Word of God on the Future

Before we dive into the "how" and "when," let’s look at what the Bible actually says. These verses serve as the map for our journey into understanding the future.

Titus 2:13 "While we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Revelation 22:12 "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

What Exactly is the "Blessed Hope"?

When we talk about the return of Christ at Boundless Online Church, we aren’t talking about a scary, "end-of-the-world" movie scenario. For the believer, the return of Jesus is described as the Blessed Hope. In the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths, this is a core pillar of our faith.

It refers to the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord. This is the imminent and vital hope of the Church. It’s the moment when the struggles of this life, the pain, the sickness, and the separation, are finally eclipsed by the presence of our Savior.

Many people ask, "Is this the same as the Second Coming?" In a broad sense, yes, but biblically we see it in phases. First, there is the "rapture" or the catching away of the Church. Later, there is the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for a thousand years. This Millennial Reign brings scriptural promises of world peace and the restoration of Israel.

But for us today, the focus is on the imminence. Jesus could return at any moment. This shouldn't cause us to panic; it should cause us to look up with expectation.

Why Does the Future Matter Today?

It’s easy to get caught up in the "here and now." We have bills to pay, kids to raise, and jobs to navigate. You might wonder why ancient prophecies about the future matter to your life on a Tuesday afternoon.

The truth is, how you view your destination determines how you drive the car.

If you believe the world is just a random series of accidents ending in nothingness, it’s easy to fall into despair. But if you know that Jesus is coming back to set things right, you can endure the "night shift" of life with a different attitude. We’ve talked about this before in our post Faith at 3 AM: Why God Never Sleeps on the Night Shift. When you know the morning is coming, the darkness doesn't feel quite so heavy.

Living with the "Hope of His Return" changes our priorities:

1. It Purifies Our Character: When we expect a guest at our house, we clean up. When we expect the King, we want our hearts to be ready.

2. It Powers Our Mission: If time is short, the message of the Gospel becomes more urgent. This is why we focus so much on The Digital Great Commission. We want to use every tool, even the phone in your pocket, to tell people about Jesus.

3. It Provides Peace: In a world of global instability, the Bible promises a future King who brings actual justice and lasting peace.

Signs of the Times vs. Setting Dates

One of the most common questions Dr. Layne McDonald receives is, "When is it going to happen?"

Jesus was very clear about this: "But about that day or hour no one knows" (Matthew 24:36). Anyone who claims to have a specific date on the calendar is ignoring the words of Jesus. However, He did tell us to watch the "signs of the times."

We see the world becoming more connected through technology, yet more divided in spirit. We see natural disasters and social unrest. These aren't just headlines; they are "birth pains" (Matthew 24:8). They remind us that the current state of the world is temporary.

For parents and families, this can feel overwhelming. How do we raise kids in a world that feels like it's spinning out of control? We focus on Safe Tech for the Gospel and teaching our children that their security isn't in the economy or the government, but in the King who is coming back for them.

Waiting with Purpose

There is a big difference between waiting for a bus and waiting for a wedding. When you wait for a bus, you’re often bored and passive. When you wait for a wedding, you’re active, joyful, and preparing.

We are called to "occupy" until He comes. This means we don't head for the hills and hide. We engage. We love our neighbors, we serve our communities, and we grow in our faith. If you’ve been feeling a bit stagnant, check out our guide on Waiting with Purpose.

The hope of the return of Christ isn't an "escape hatch" for the lazy; it's high-octane fuel for the faithful. It reminds us that our work for the Lord is never in vain. Every prayer you pray, every person you help, and every time you share your testimony, you are participating in God’s eternal plan. If you need inspiration, reading Real Stories of Life Change can remind you that God is still moving as we wait.

Are You Ready?

The most important question regarding the future isn't when Jesus is coming back, but who you are when He does.

Do you have the assurance that you belong to Him? If you’ve ever felt like you've messed up too much or that you're too far gone, please know that God’s grace is bigger than your past. We have a resource specifically for those asking, How can I be sure I'm truly saved?.

The "Blessed Hope" is for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. It’s a gift, not something we earn. It’s a promise that the story of humanity doesn't end in a graveyard, but in a garden: a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people.

A Prayer for the Journey

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the promise that You are coming back. In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, thank You for being our Blessed Hope. Help us to live today with the urgency of Your return and the peace of Your presence. Purify our hearts, guide our steps, and use us to reach others with Your love before that great day. We look forward to seeing You face to face. Amen.

Next Steps

If this post has stirred up questions about the future or your own faith journey, we want to walk with you. You don't have to figure this out alone.

• Explore More: Dive deeper into our Evergreen Faith Library for more answers to life’s biggest questions.

• Grow with Us: If you’re curious about what it means to live a Spirit-filled life while we wait, read about The Gifts of the Spirit.

• Connect: Join our online community to find support and encouragement as we wait together with purpose.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.