Topical Encyclopedia The Coming of Christ is a central theme in Christian eschatology, referring to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to earth. This event is often termed the "Second Coming" to distinguish it from His first coming, which was His incarnation and earthly ministry. The Second Coming is a pivotal event in Christian theology, signifying the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the consummation of history.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides numerous references to the Coming of Christ. Jesus Himself spoke of His return in the Gospels. 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 emphasizes 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, attributed to the Apostle John, provides a vivid depiction of Christ's return. Revelation 19:11-16 describes the triumphant return of Jesus: "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." Theological Significance The Coming of Christ is not only a future event but also a present hope that influences Christian life and ethics. Believers are encouraged to live in a state of readiness and anticipation. In Titus 2:13 , Paul exhorts Christians to live "while we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." The Second Coming is associated with several key events in Christian eschatology, including the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It is a time when Christ will fully manifest His authority and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Signs and Timing While the exact timing of the Second Coming is unknown, the New Testament provides signs that will precede it. Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, outlines various signs such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and the spread of the Gospel (Matthew 24:6-14). However, He also warns that the day and hour are unknown, urging vigilance and preparedness (Matthew 24:36). Implications for Believers The anticipation of Christ's return has profound implications for Christian conduct. Believers are called to live holy and godly lives, as Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:11-12 , "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 Coming of Christ serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, especially in times of persecution and suffering. It assures believers of the ultimate victory of good over evil and the establishment of God's justice and peace. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Coming of ChristCOMING OF CHRIST See ADVENT; PAROUSIA. Greek 3952. parousia -- a presence, a coming ... Short Definition: presence, a coming, arrival, advent Definition: (a) presence, (b) a coming, an arrival, advent, especially of the second coming of Christ. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3952.htm - 7k 2583. kanon -- a rule, standard 602. apokalupsis -- an uncovering 3648. holokleros -- complete, entire 2602. katabole -- a laying down 2015. epiphaneia -- appearance 3801. ho on kai ho en kai ho erchomenos -- to come 761. asaleutos -- unmoved 4293. prokataggello -- to announce beforehand 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal Library Coming to Christ The Second Coming of Christ. Coming to Christ. Of the Second Coming of Christ Of the Third Coming of Christ Of the Third Coming of Christ Of the Second Coming of Christ, Or, the Fountain with Three Rills The Coming of Christ was Predicted by the Prophets; and was ... The Coming of Christ in Power. SM *H. Martineau. The Coming of Christ in Power. Resources Is Jesus coming soon? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible prophesy the coming of Muhammad? | GotQuestions.org Is Zechariah 14:4 a prophecy about the second coming of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Coming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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