Topical Encyclopedia Introduction The return of Christ, also known as the Second Coming, is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, affirming the future return of Jesus Christ to earth. This event is anticipated as a time of fulfillment of biblical prophecy, judgment, and the establishment of God's kingdom. The New Testament provides numerous references to this event, emphasizing its certainty and significance. Biblical References The New Testament is replete with references to Christ's return. In the Gospels, Jesus Himself speaks of His return. In Matthew 24:30-31 , Jesus 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 addresses the Second Coming 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." The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of Christ's return. Revelation 19:11-16 describes, "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords." Theological Significance The return of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, representing the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is associated with the final judgment, where Christ will judge the living and the dead. As stated in 2 Timothy 4:1 , "I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom." The Second Coming is also linked to the hope of believers. Titus 2:13 refers to it as "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope encourages Christians to live righteously and expectantly, as emphasized in 1 John 3:2-3 : "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. 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." Signs and Timing While the exact timing of Christ's return is unknown, the New Testament provides signs that will precede it. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:36 , "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." However, He also describes signs such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and the spread of the gospel (Matthew 24:6-14). Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared. In Matthew 25:13 , Jesus advises, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 2 Peter 3:10 , stating, "But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare." Conclusion The return of Christ is a foundational doctrine that shapes Christian hope and ethical living. It is a future event that promises the fulfillment of God's promises, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, and the ultimate redemption of creation. Topical Bible Verses 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Topicalbible.org 1 Corinthians 15:52 Revelation 22:12 Revelation 19:11-21 John 14:3 Revelation 20:6 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Greek 1902. ependuomai -- to have on over ... Both occasions of 1902 ("appropriately clothed") refer to the the Lord gives (puts on) each believer at Christ's return (cf. 2 Cor 5:2,4 with 5:10). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1902.htm - 7k 603. apokaradokia -- strained expectancy 1901. epekteino -- to extend, mid. to stretch forward 1345. dikaioma -- an ordinance, a sentence of acquittal or ... 1553. ekdemeo -- to be away from home, absent 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal Library Of Christ's Return to Judgment. Article xvii: of Christ's Return to Judgment. Divisions among the People. --Christ's Return into Galilee. The Twofold Bearing of this Fact. The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the ... What Hast Thou done for Me? PM Return for Christ's Sufferings. The Time of the Redeemer's Return Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ... A Groaning Creation Can be Delivered Only by the Second Advent of ... The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ... Resources Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the various theories on the atonement? | GotQuestions.org How are we to live our lives in light of Christ's return? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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