We are currently covering "eschatology" in my 9am theology class.  Eschatology is the study of last things: the Resurrection, the Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.  This past Wednesday Dennis Darville presented the case for post-millennialism. Post-millennialists believe that Christ will return at the end of the millennium (hence the prefix "post").  I hold to pre-millennialism (the view that the Lord's return will usher in the millennium), but I thought Dennis did a very good job arguing a losing case. ;-)  All Christians look forward to the second coming of Jesus Christ!  Let me give a couple of thoughts about the timing and nature of His return:

Concerning the timing of the Second Coming

1) The date is unknown.  
No one knows when the Lord Jesus will return.  No one--including Harold Camping.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”  (Mark 13:32-33 NKJ)

2) His return could be at any moment.  
First century Christians were hopeful the Lord would come back in their day.  This lets us know there are no signs or events that have to be fulfilled before He returns.

“… we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:12b-13NKJ)

Concerning the Nature of His Return

1) His return will be visible.  
On that day no one will be wondering if it is the end of the age.  Everyone will all know that the Lord Jesus is back.

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”  (Rev 1:7 NKJ)

2) His return will be bodily.  He ascended bodily, and so he shall come back in the same way.

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? 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 NKJ)

3) His return will be glorious.

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”  (Matt 24:30 NKJ)

Maranatha!