The phrase "The One to Come" is a significant theological concept in Christian eschatology and Christology, referring primarily to the anticipated arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in both His first and second advents. This term encapsulates the hope and expectation found throughout the Scriptures, from the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment and future promises.

Old Testament Anticipation

The anticipation of "The One to Come" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where numerous prophecies foretell the coming of a Messiah who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. Genesis 3:15 introduces the protoevangelium, the first gospel, where God promises that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent's head, hinting at a future redeemer. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child to be born, a son given, who will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," and whose government and peace will have no end.

In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses speaks of a prophet like himself whom God will raise up: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." This prophecy is understood to point to the coming Messiah, a leader and teacher who would guide God's people.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies. In the Gospels, Jesus is identified as the awaited Messiah, the One who has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, declares in Matthew 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Jesus Himself affirms His identity as the One to Come. In John 4:25-26, during His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, she mentions the coming Messiah, and Jesus responds, "I who speak to you am He." Furthermore, in Matthew 11:3-5, when John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the One to come, Jesus replies by pointing to His works: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

The Second Coming

The concept of "The One to Come" also encompasses the future return of Christ, known as the Second Coming. This event is a cornerstone of Christian eschatological hope, where Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom. In Acts 1:11, after Jesus' ascension, two angels tell the disciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."

Revelation 1:7 proclaims, "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." This future coming is characterized by divine judgment and the consummation of God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

The anticipation and fulfillment of "The One to Come" highlight the continuity and coherence of God's redemptive narrative throughout Scripture. It underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the centrality of Jesus Christ in God's plan for humanity. The expectation of His return serves as a source of hope and motivation for believers to live in readiness and faithfulness, as they await the ultimate realization of God's kingdom on earth.