Here are 20 well-known Christian hymns about the return of Christ, His second coming, final judgment, and the believer’s blessed hope. These hymns span centuries and are rich in biblical eschatology, drawing heavily from passages such as Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 1, 19, and 22. Short explanations are included to show how each hymn reflects the theme.

1. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
   This is perhaps the most famous second coming hymn. Based on Revelation 1:7, it proclaims Christ’s visible, glorious return and the final acknowledgment of His lordship by all nations.

2. Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun
   This hymn celebrates the worldwide reign of Christ following His return. It echoes Psalm 72 and looks forward to the universal kingdom established at His coming.

3. The King Is Coming
   A deeply anticipatory hymn that focuses on readiness and expectation. It reflects the church’s longing cry, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” from Revelation 22:20.

4. Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying
   Inspired by the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, this hymn calls believers to spiritual alertness as they await the Bridegroom’s return.

5. Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
   Though often sung at Advent, this hymn also points forward to Christ’s final entrance as King of glory, drawing imagery from Psalm 24.

6. Thine Is the Glory
   While centered on the resurrection, this hymn extends to Christ’s triumphant reign and ultimate victory, which reaches its fullness at His return.

7. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
   This hymn expresses the longing of God’s people for Christ’s kingdom to be fully established. It blends first and second coming themes with strong eschatological hope.

8. Jerusalem the Golden
   A hymn about the heavenly city and eternal rest of the saints, echoing Revelation 21 and the consummation of Christ’s return.

9. When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
   This hymn focuses on the resurrection of believers and the gathering of the redeemed at Christ’s return, reflecting 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.

10. It May Be at Morn
    A watchful hymn emphasizing that Christ could return at any moment. It reflects Jesus’ teaching that no one knows the hour of His coming.

11. Behold, He Comes, the Ruler of the Earth
    This hymn celebrates Christ’s royal return as Judge and King, drawing from Revelation 19 imagery.

12. We Shall See the King Some Day
    A hopeful hymn centered on the believer’s future vision of Christ at His return, rooted in 1 John 3:2.

13. Blessed Assurance
    While primarily about salvation, this hymn includes strong anticipation of Christ’s appearing and the final redemption of the believer.

14. Rejoice, the Lord Is King
    This hymn celebrates Christ’s present reign and anticipates its public and universal manifestation at His return.

15. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
    This hymn affirms bodily resurrection and final vindication, echoing Job 19:25 and pointing forward to Christ’s return.

16. Soon and Very Soon
    A modern hymn with ancient truth, focused on seeing the King and the completion of God’s redemptive plan.

17. Day of Judgment! Day of Wonders!
    This hymn reflects on the final judgment associated with Christ’s return, calling sinners to repentance and believers to hope.

18. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
    While devotional, this hymn anticipates the day when Christ’s name will be fully exalted at His return.

19. Crown Him with Many Crowns
    This hymn celebrates Christ’s exaltation and kingship, culminating in His visible reign at the second coming.

20. When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound
    Based on 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4, this hymn emphasizes resurrection, judgment, and the final gathering of the saints.

Hymns about the return of Christ serve a vital role in shaping Christian hope. They remind believers that history is moving toward a divinely appointed conclusion. These hymns teach watchfulness, perseverance, holiness, and joy rooted in Christ’s promise to return.

They also function as sung eschatology, embedding biblical teaching about Christ’s return into the heart and memory of the church. When believers sing about the second coming, they are not speculating. They are confessing faith in God’s revealed plan.

Hymns about the return of Christ keep the church looking forward rather than inward. They proclaim that suffering will end, justice will be established, and Christ will reign openly and eternally. In every generation, these hymns echo the prayer of the early church and the final words of Scripture.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”