The phrase "His Appearing and His Kingdom" is a significant theological concept within Christian eschatology, referring to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His divine rule. This concept is rooted in various scriptural passages and holds a central place in the hope and expectation of believers.

Biblical Foundation

The anticipation of Christ's appearing and His kingdom is prominently featured in the New Testament. In 2 Timothy 4:1, the Apostle Paul charges Timothy "in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom." This verse encapsulates the dual focus on both the return of Christ and the establishment of His sovereign rule.

His Appearing

The term "His appearing" (Greek: epiphaneia) refers to the visible and glorious return of Jesus Christ at the end of the age. This event is described as a time when Christ will be revealed in majesty and power, fulfilling the promises of His second coming. In Titus 2:13, believers are encouraged to wait for "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This appearing is characterized by its suddenness and its transformative impact on the world, as Christ comes to judge and to save.

His Kingdom

The kingdom of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing God's sovereign rule over all creation. In the context of "His appearing and His kingdom," it refers to the consummation of God's reign through Christ's return. This kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom during His earthly ministry, as seen in passages like Matthew 4:17, where He proclaimed, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

The future aspect of the kingdom is anticipated in prophecies such as Daniel 7:14, which speaks of a dominion that is everlasting and will not pass away. Revelation 11:15 further describes the culmination of this kingdom: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

Theological Implications

The expectation of His appearing and His kingdom has profound implications for Christian life and doctrine. It serves as a source of hope and motivation for believers, encouraging them to live in a manner worthy of the coming kingdom. The anticipation of Christ's return calls for vigilance, holiness, and perseverance, as seen in 1 John 3:2-3: "We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Furthermore, the reality of Christ's kingdom challenges believers to align their lives with the values and priorities of God's reign. This includes a commitment to justice, mercy, and the proclamation of the gospel, as the kingdom is both a present mission and a future hope.

Conclusion

The concept of "His appearing and His kingdom" encapsulates the Christian hope in the return of Jesus Christ and the full realization of God's sovereign rule. It is a theme that calls believers to live with expectation, faithfulness, and a commitment to the values of the kingdom, as they await the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.