Since the beginnings of the Christian faith, the expectation of the second coming of Jesus has always been a central theme. Many wonder: “Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus comes to get the church?” To understand this fundamental question, we will explore pertinent biblical passages and discuss the meaning and personal application of this long-awaited event.
The Promise of Jesus’ Coming
The promise of Jesus’ second coming is found in several parts of the New Testament. One of the most emblematic verses on this subject is in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV) , which says: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a loud shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, and the Those who died in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain 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.”
This verse reveals the promise of Jesus’ coming to seek His church. The expression “caught up” is fundamental, as it implies a sudden and surprising event, where believers will be taken from Earth to meet the Lord in heaven. This will occur with a great cry, trumpets and heavenly joy.
Related Verses
In addition to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, there are other verses that address Jesus’ coming to seek the church:
- Matthew 24:31 (NIV) – “He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
- Revelation 22:20 (NIV) – “He who bears witness to these things says, ‘Surely I come quickly.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
- Luke 21:36 (NIV) – “Watch therefore always, praying, that you may be able to escape all these things that are about to happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
These verses complement the understanding of Jesus’ second coming and reinforce the importance of being prepared and vigilant.
Personal Application
The expectation of Jesus coming to seek the church is not only a future event, but also has practical implications for our lives. As believers, we must live vigilantly, seeking holiness and sharing the love of Christ with others. The promise of his coming motivates us to be faithful and persevering in our journey of faith, knowing that one day we will be with Him forever.
In short, the Bible clearly speaks about the coming of Jesus to seek the church, and this promise fills us with hope and expectation. As we look forward to this great event, we are called to live according to the principles of the Kingdom of God and to share the gospel message with the world. May we be prepared and eager to meet the Lord in the air when He comes to seek us.