Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: The concept of Christ's Coming, often referred to as the Second Coming, is a central tenet in Christian eschatology. It refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, as promised in the New Testament. This event is anticipated as a time of fulfillment of God's promises, judgment, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Biblical Foundation: The New Testament provides numerous references to Christ's Coming. Jesus Himself spoke of His return in the Gospels. In
Matthew 24:30-31 , Jesus describes His coming with power and great glory: "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."
The Apostle Paul also addresses this event in his epistles. In
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , he writes, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord."
Theological Significance: Christ's Coming is seen as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is a time when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, as stated in
2 Timothy 4:1 : "I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom."
The Second Coming is also associated with the final defeat of evil and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
Revelation 21:1-4 describes this vision: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"
Eschatological Views: Various interpretations exist regarding the nature and timing of Christ's Coming. Premillennialism posits that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth. Postmillennialism suggests that Christ will return after a golden age of Christian dominance. Amillennialism interprets the millennium symbolically, viewing Christ's reign as spiritual and ongoing.
Preparation and Watchfulness: Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness for Christ's return. Jesus emphasizes the importance of watchfulness in
Matthew 24:42 : "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." Similarly, Paul exhorts the faithful in
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 : "For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober."
Conclusion: The anticipation of Christ's Coming serves as a source of hope and motivation for Christians to live righteously and to spread the Gospel. It is a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.