Topical Encyclopedia The imagery of the "Sun" in relation to Christ's coming is a powerful and evocative symbol found throughout the Scriptures. This metaphor is used to convey the brilliance, righteousness, and transformative power of Jesus Christ at His return. The concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the anticipation of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises.Old Testament Foundations The prophetic literature of the Old Testament often uses the imagery of the sun to describe the coming of the Messiah. Malachi 4:2 states, "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall." Here, the "sun of righteousness" is a metaphor for the Messiah, who brings healing and restoration. This passage highlights the transformative and life-giving power of Christ's coming, offering hope and renewal to those who revere God. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the imagery of light and the sun is frequently associated with Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is described as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Matthew 4:16). This passage underscores the revelation and illumination brought by Christ, akin to the rising sun dispelling darkness. The Apostle Peter also alludes to this imagery in 2 Peter 1:19 , where he writes, "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." The "morning star" is another reference to Christ, symbolizing His return and the ultimate fulfillment of prophetic promises. The Second Coming The Book of Revelation further develops the theme of Christ as the sun in the context of His second coming. Revelation 1:16 describes the glorified Christ: "In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest." This depiction emphasizes the overwhelming glory and authority of Christ at His return, a radiant presence that commands reverence and awe. Revelation 21:23 also speaks of the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb." Here, the Lamb, representing Christ, is the ultimate source of light, surpassing even the sun in brilliance and significance. Theological Implications The use of the sun as a metaphor for Christ's coming carries profound theological implications. It signifies the dispelling of spiritual darkness, the establishment of divine justice, and the ushering in of a new era of peace and righteousness. The sun's rising is a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and the certainty of Christ's return, offering believers hope and encouragement as they await the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In summary, the "Sun of Christ's Coming" is a rich biblical motif that encapsulates the hope, glory, and transformative power of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the light and life He brings to a world in darkness, and the ultimate restoration that will occur at His return. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 4:2But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. . The Dayspring from on High "The Sun of Righteousness" On the Mount of Olives Watching for the King The Scriptures Forbid Our Supposing Either that the Resurrection ... Heralds of the Morning. Heralds of the Morning Partakers of the Divine Nature Words from the Cross Resources What does the Bible say about sun worship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that there is nothing new under the sun? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that the sun stood still? | GotQuestions.org Sun: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sun: Kings of Judah Dedicate Horses To Sun: Miracles Concerning: Darkening of Sun: Shadow of Went Back on the Sun-Dial of Ahaz Tanning: General Scriptures Concerning The Sun of the Glory of Christ The Sun: (Before or in Sight of) of Public Ignominy The Sun: (Darkened) of Severe Calamities The Sun: (Going Down at Noon) of Premature Destruction The Sun: (Its Brightness) of the Future Glory of Saints The Sun: (Its Clearness) of the Purity of the Church The Sun: (Its Power) of the Triumph of Saints The Sun: (No More Going Down) of Perpetual Blessedness The Sun: Called the Greater Light The Sun: Clearness of Its Light Alluded To The Sun: Compared to a Bridegroom Coming Forth from his Chamber The Sun: Compared to a Strong Man Rejoicing to Run a Race The Sun: Diffuses Light and Heat to all the Earth The Sun: God: Appointed to Divide Seasons The Sun: God: Appointed to Rule the Day The Sun: God: Causes to Know Its Time of Setting The Sun: God: Causes, to Rise Both on Evil and Good The Sun: God: Exercises Sovereign Power Over The Sun: God: Placed in the Firmament The Sun: Indicates the Hours of the Day by the Shadow on the Dial The Sun: Made to Praise and Glorify God The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Darkened at the Crucifixion The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Shadow Put Back on the Dial The Sun: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still for a Whole Day in the Valley of Ajalon The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Day With the Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Commenced Their Evening With the Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Consecrated Chariots and Horses, As Symbols of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the East by Rising of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the West by Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Expressed the Whole Earth By, from Rising of, to Setting of The Sun: The Jews: Forbidden to Worship The Sun: The Jews: Made Images of The Sun: The Power and Brilliancy of Its Rising Alluded To The Sun: The Rays of Change the Colour of the Skin The Sun: The Rays of Frequently Destructive to Human Life The Sun: The Rays of Pleasant to Man The Sun: The Rays of Produce and Ripen Fruits The Sun: The Rays of Soften and Melt some Substances The Sun: The Rays of Wither and Burn up the Herbs of the Field The Sun: Worshippers of, Turned Their Faces Towards the East Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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