Reformed theology affirms the personal, bodily, and glorious return of Jesus Christ as a central article of faith. The Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 52) confesses Christ as judge of the living and the dead, whose return will be a day of terror for the wicked but of great joy for believers. The Belgic Confession (Article 37) describes the general resurrection and final judgment at Christ's return in vivid detail. The Nicene Creed's confession that Christ 'will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead' is central to Reformed worship.

The timing of Christ's return is unknown and Reformed theology is wary of speculative date-setting or detailed prophetic schemas. The church awaits Christ's return as an imminent event — not necessarily soon in calendar terms but without any necessary preconditions that must first occur (in the amillennial reading). The return of Christ will bring history to its climax: the general resurrection, the final judgment, and the consummation of God's kingdom.