The Second Coming

The Second Coming — also called the Parousia, from the Greek for "presence" or "arrival" — is the glorious return of Jesus Christ at the end of time to judge the living and the dead and bring all of history to its fulfillment in God's Kingdom (CCC 668, 1001).

What Will Happen

Before the Second Coming, the Catechism teaches there will be a final trial of the Church — a great apostasy and the appearance of the Antichrist who will deceive many. Then Christ will return in power and glory, the dead will be raised, and the Last Judgment will take place (CCC 675–677).

No One Knows the Hour

"About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). The Church teaches watchful readiness — not anxious calculation of dates and signs (CCC 673).

The Fulfillment of All Things

The Second Coming is the fulfillment — not the end — of history. Christ returns to complete it: gathering all the redeemed into the Kingdom and establishing the definitive reign of God in which "God will be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28; CCC 1042–1050).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Second Coming imminent? The Church has always lived in expectation of Christ's return but consistently warns against setting dates. Christians are called to live always prepared, not to predict timelines (CCC 673).