The concept of the "Imminent Coming" refers to the belief in the near and impending return of Jesus Christ, a central tenet in Christian eschatology. This doctrine emphasizes the expectation that Christ could return at any moment, urging believers to live in a state of readiness and spiritual vigilance.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament contains numerous references to the imminent return of Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus Himself speaks of His return, urging His followers to be watchful. In Matthew 24:42-44 , Jesus states, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the nearness of Christ's return. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 , he writes, "For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief."

Theological Implications

The doctrine of the Imminent Coming has significant theological implications for Christian life and practice. It serves as a call to holiness, encouraging believers to live righteously and in accordance with God's will. The Apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 3:10-12 , exhorts believers, "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. Since everything will be destroyed 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."

Historical Context

Throughout church history, the belief in the imminent return of Christ has been a source of hope and motivation for Christians. Early Christians lived with the expectation that Jesus could return within their lifetime, a belief that fueled their evangelistic zeal and commitment to the faith. This anticipation has persisted through the centuries, influencing various movements and revivals within Christianity.

Practical Application

The belief in the Imminent Coming encourages Christians to prioritize their spiritual lives, focusing on prayer, worship, and service. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal significance of one's relationship with God. In light of this, believers are urged to remain steadfast in their faith, as expressed in Hebrews 10:23-25 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Contemporary Relevance

In contemporary Christianity, the doctrine of the Imminent Coming continues to be a vital aspect of eschatological teaching. It challenges believers to maintain a sense of urgency in their spiritual lives and to engage actively in the mission of the church. The expectation of Christ's return serves as a catalyst for ethical living and a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.Matthew 24:1-51
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.
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Revelation 19:1-21
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, to the Lord our God:
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Matthew 25:1-46
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
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Matthew 24:30
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
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1 John 2:28
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
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Luke 21:28
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.
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John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
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1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
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Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
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Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come on all the world, to try them that dwell on the earth.
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Matthew 24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
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Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
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The World's Consternation at the Sudden and Secret Removal of the ...
... The imminent coming of Christ has been so widely proclaimed both by voice and pen
that there are now comparatively few people who are in complete ignorance ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/1 the worlds consternation at.htm

For There is no Other God, nor ever was Before...
... And we look to his imminent coming again, the judge of the living and
the dead, who will render to each according to his deeds. ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 4 for there is.htm

The Kingdom of God.
... Surely they mean that His words are eternal, perpetual; for ever present, possible,
imminent; for ever coming true. So, indeed, they would not pass away. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon ix the kingdom of.htm

Conclusion
... We might have referred to the writings of the Reformers, and shown how
they one and all looked for the imminent coming of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/conclusion .htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... precursor of summer, so the signs of which he spoke are a certain indication of
his imminent return. "Even so ye also, when ye see these things coming to pass ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm

Whether the Time of the Future Judgment is Unknown?
... were so bitter, and the corruptions of error were so numerous, that some looked
forward to the coming of Antichrist as being near or imminent; as related in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the time of the.htm

The Apostles Referred to the Redeemer's Return in the Language of ...
... The coming "Day" with its glories and blessedness was that which filled the apostle's
vision. ... Return to the heart of the apostle Paul and so imminent did this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the apostles referred to.htm

Why was the Fact of Our Lord's Return Presented in the Language of ...
... The second coming of Christ is presented in the language of imminency because of ...
who lay hold of the promise, "Surely I come quickly." The imminent return of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 why was the fact.htm

The Crowned Christ Reigning
... There were then, and there are now, no great intervening events to be worked out,
and waited for. His coming is imminent. It is a thing to be expected. ...
/.../vii the crowned christ reigning.htm

Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency.
... in view of the uncertainty of the exact hour of His second coming the Lord's ... obstacles
to the first century saints who believed in the Imminent appearing of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/1 our lord himself spoke.htm

What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org

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Imminent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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