The booklet Our Lord’s Return explores the nature, purpose, and recognition of Jesus Christ’s second coming, offering a biblical explanation that reconciles various interpretations and clarifies misunderstood prophecies.

1. The World’s Condition and the Need for Christ’s Return

The booklet begins by acknowledging the fear and uncertainty in the modern world, characterized by threats such as nuclear destruction and environmental collapse. It asserts that these problems stem from human sin and selfishness and that the only solution lies in the return of Jesus Christ, who will establish God’s long-promised kingdom of righteousness and peace.

2. Misunderstandings About Christ’s Return

Two extreme interpretations are outlined:

• One holds that Christ’s return is purely spiritual—beginning at Pentecost and continuing through individual conversions.

• The other insists on a literal, physical return of Jesus as a man with visible wounds.

The author suggests that the truth lies between these views. Christ’s return is personal, but not in human form. Jesus was raised as a divine being, invisible to human eyes, and thus his presence must be recognized through signs rather than sight.

3. The Nature of Jesus’ Resurrection and Appearance

The booklet explains that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples in various forms—not in the same human body—which proved his new, divine nature. He was raised a spirit being (1 Peter 3:18), capable of appearing and disappearing, like the wind. These appearances confirmed the resurrection but were not meant to define how Christ would return again.

4. How Christ’s Presence Is Recognized

Since Christ is now invisible, his second presence on earth must be discerned through events that fulfill Bible prophecy. Just as the invisible God is known through His works, Christ’s presence is shown by changes and upheavals in the world. These include societal shifts, increased knowledge (Daniel 12:4), and widespread distress (Matthew 24:21–30).

5. Satan’s Reign vs. Christ’s Kingdom

The booklet contrasts the invisible rulership of Satan, the “god of this world,” with the coming invisible rule of Christ. Satan, though unseen, has caused immense suffering. Christ, likewise unseen, will work through righteous agencies to bring about healing and restoration.

6. The Meaning of “Parousia” and Mistranslation

The Greek word parousia, often mistranslated as “coming” in English Bibles, actually means “presence.” This has led many to mistakenly look forward to a moment of arrival instead of recognizing signs that Christ is already present. His presence spans a period of time, just as his first presence lasted over 33 years.

7. The Bright Shining (Lightning) of Christ’s Presence

Jesus compared his return to lightning shining from east to west—symbolizing enlightenment and global impact. The increase in knowledge, prophesied in Daniel, reflects the dawning of the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which brings healing and understanding to the earth.

8. The “Clouds” of His Coming

Revelation 1:7 speaks of Christ coming “with clouds,” which the booklet interprets symbolically. These clouds represent worldwide trouble and revolution, not literal clouds. Events like wars, confusion, and fear are described as signs that Christ is already present and working to dismantle the current evil world system.

9. Israel’s Restoration as a Sign

The regathering of the Jewish people to their homeland, especially since 1914, is presented as further evidence of Christ’s presence. Prophecies in Joel and Ezekiel suggest that God will defend Israel during a final conflict, and this divine intervention will reveal to the world the true King—Christ—who is already reigning invisibly.

10. The Establishment of Christ’s Kingdom

The ultimate goal of Christ’s return is to establish a global kingdom marked by peace, health, and eternal life. Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 9:6–7) describes this government under Christ, the Prince of Peace. This kingdom will have:

• A heavenly phase: Christ and his glorified church ruling invisibly.

• An earthly phase: Resurrected “Ancient Worthies” (like Abraham and the prophets) ruling visibly as human representatives.

11. Resurrection and Human Restoration

The booklet strongly affirms the bodily resurrection of the faithful from past ages. It explains that Jesus and his followers will rule spiritually, while resurrected righteous men will serve as earthly “princes” (Psalm 45:16). This two-part government will bring knowledge of God to all, and gradually restore humanity to perfection.

12. Symbolism of New Heavens and Earth

Prophecies in Isaiah and Revelation describe a “new heavens and a new earth”—symbolic of Christ’s heavenly and earthly governments. These replace the symbolic “heavens and earth” of Satan’s old world order. The new order will abolish pain, sorrow, and death.

13. The River of Life and Future Blessings

Revelation 22:1–3 describes a river of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb—symbolizing the life-giving blessings that will flow from the new government. Trees of life lining the river offer healing to the nations, representing complete restoration of humanity through Christ’s kingdom.

Conclusion

Our Lord’s Return presents a thorough and spiritually insightful explanation of Christ’s second coming as an invisible presence rather than a visible return. Drawing deeply from Scripture, the booklet shows that Jesus is already at work, fulfilling prophecy and preparing the world for a new kingdom where righteousness, peace, and life will flourish eternally. It challenges readers to recognize the signs of the times and to place their hope in God's promised plan of redemption and restoration.