The Coming in Glory refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ, a central tenet in Christian eschatology. This event is characterized by the visible and triumphant return of Christ to earth, fulfilling numerous biblical prophecies and bringing to completion the divine plan of redemption and judgment.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Coming in Glory is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, prophetic books such as Daniel and Isaiah allude to a future time when God's anointed will establish His kingdom. Daniel 7:13-14 describes a vision of "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven, receiving dominion and glory, and establishing an everlasting kingdom.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself speaks of His return. In Matthew 24:30 , He declares, "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." This passage emphasizes the visible and powerful nature of His return.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the Coming in Glory 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 rise first. 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." This passage highlights the resurrection of believers and their gathering to Christ.

Theological Significance

The Coming in Glory is significant for several reasons. It marks the culmination of God's redemptive history, the final defeat of evil, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It is a time of judgment for the wicked and vindication for the righteous. Revelation 19:11-16 portrays Christ as a conquering King, riding a white horse, executing judgment, and ruling with a rod of iron.

The event is also a source of hope and encouragement for believers. Titus 2:13 refers to it as "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope motivates Christians to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return.

Eschatological Views

Various eschatological views interpret the timing and nature of the Coming in Glory differently. Premillennialism posits that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on earth. Amillennialism interprets the millennium symbolically, viewing the current church age as the reign of Christ, with His return bringing the final judgment and new creation. Postmillennialism anticipates a golden age of Christian influence preceding Christ's return.

Practical Implications

The Coming in Glory calls believers to vigilance and readiness. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:42 , "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This exhortation encourages a life of faithfulness, holiness, and active service in anticipation of His return.

In summary, the Coming in Glory is a pivotal event in Christian theology, encapsulating the hope of redemption, the reality of judgment, and the promise of eternal fellowship with God. It is a doctrine that shapes Christian belief, practice, and expectation.