The Event of His Coming, often referred to as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, is a central eschatological event in Christian theology. It signifies the anticipated return of Jesus to Earth, fulfilling the promises made in Scripture regarding the culmination of history and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This event is characterized by its suddenness, visibility, and transformative impact on both the living and the dead.

Biblical Foundation

The Second Coming is rooted in numerous biblical prophecies and teachings. Jesus Himself spoke of His return in the Gospels. In Matthew 24:30-31 , 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. 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 emphasizes 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."

Characteristics of His Coming

1. Visibility and Glory: The Second Coming will be a visible event, witnessed by all humanity. Revelation 1:7 states, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him—even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen."

2. Suddenness: The timing of Christ's return is unknown and will occur unexpectedly. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:44 , "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."

3. Judgment and Reward: The Second Coming will usher in a time of judgment and reward. In Matthew 25:31-32 , Jesus describes, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

4. Restoration and Renewal: The return of Christ will bring about the restoration of creation and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1-4 envisions this renewal: "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."

Theological Significance

The Event of His Coming holds profound theological significance. It affirms the sovereignty of Christ, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, and the ultimate victory over sin and death. It serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers, urging them to live in readiness and anticipation. The Second Coming underscores the transient nature of the present world and the eternal reality of God's kingdom.

Practical Implications for Believers

Believers are called to live in a state of preparedness, holiness, and active service, reflecting the imminent return of Christ. In 2 Peter 3:11-12 , the Apostle Peter exhorts, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God."

The Event of His Coming remains a cornerstone of Christian hope, inspiring faithfulness and perseverance as believers await the glorious return of their Savior.