A Bible Study Guide · Hans Malan
When Jesus Christ returns,
I shall be there.
A Scripture-grounded journey into the believer's eternal hope.
Joy, courage and perseverance in the resurrection, ascension and return of Jesus Christ.
The question at the heart of the study
Where will you be when he returns?
This study begins with a question an elderly believer once asked — not where she would be in the world, but where she would be when Christ returns. It is a question asked gently, and answered from Scripture: a pastoral invitation to consider, calmly and personally, the hope that belongs to those who are in Christ.
What the study explores
Six themes, one settled hope
A reflective journey through Scripture and the Reformed Confessions — exploring the joy, courage and perseverance promised to believers in the resurrection, ascension and return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ's Second Coming
How Scripture portrays the visible, glorious return of the Lord Jesus.
Resurrection of the Body
The believer's confidence that death is not the end of the story.
Eternal Life
The renewed life begun in Christ and completed in his presence.
The Apostles' Creed
A timeless summary of apostolic faith confessed by the Church.
Christian Confession
Why grounding faith in shared confession brings clarity and peace.
Christian Readiness
Living watchfully — joyful expectancy rather than anxious dread.
Chapter 21 · Featured
The Son of Man Comes as King
Christ's Return — A Day of Joy
A powerful and deeply reflective chapter exploring the glorious return of Christ from the Mount of Olives discourse — and the joy promised to all who belong to his eternal Kingdom.
Scripture & the confessions
Scripture searched, faith confessed
The Apostles' Creed has, for centuries, given the Church a simple confession of the gospel — the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the resurrection of the body; the life everlasting.
This study traces how Scripture itself shapes that confession, showing the unity of the Old and New Testament witness, and inviting every reader to test what they believe against the word of God.
Drawn upon
- The Apostles' Creed
- The Heidelberg Catechism
- The Belgic Confession
The confessions do not replace Scripture. They assist Christians in expressing and examining what they believe Scripture teaches.
The shape of the book
27 chapters across 6 sections
From the Apostles' Creed and Christ's ascension to the final judgment and the believer's Day of Joy.
Opening
Casting Off on a Journey
The journey begins before the sections proper — a framing piece that sets the course for the study.
- Section AOur Perseverance
- Section BThe End of All Things
- Section CChrist Shall Return
- Section DEvents During His Return
- Section EChrist's Return Heralds a Day of Joy
- Section FThree Appendices
About the author
Hans Malan
Hans Malan writes from a deep love of Scripture and the Reformed Confessions. His desire is not to win arguments but to help believers ground their faith more firmly in what God himself has revealed.
This study guide is the fruit of that quiet labour: an invitation to read the Bible with fresh attentiveness, to consider the wisdom carried in the Church's ancient confessions, and to receive the comfort Scripture gives concerning the return of Christ.
From the foreword
From the foreword by Dr Leon van Niekerk
“Customarily, when considering Biblical prophecies concerning the end of time, you could expect the question 'Will you be there?' However, the question from which this work proceeds becomes 'Where will you be?'”
“One of the most impressive aspects of Malan's guide is the way it encourages us to delve deeper into the Scriptures. It provides clarity on issues that often lead to confusion and enables readers to build a solid foundation for their faith.”
“In a world often characterised by uncertainty and confusion, this Bible study guide provides a stable rock of confidence in our faith.”
Availability
About the book
This study is offered first as something to read and reflect on. If you would like to know more about the book, you are welcome to continue the conversation with Hans.
Continue the conversation
Reflect deeply. Discuss respectfully.
This study is offered as an invitation — not to debate, but to search the Scriptures together with thoughtful, prayerful hearts. You are warmly invited to bring your questions and reflections into the conversation.