Topical Encyclopedia
The return of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Second Coming, is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, anticipated with hope and reverence by believers. This event is prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments, and it signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Biblical Prophecies and DescriptionsThe Second Coming is vividly described in several passages throughout the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself speaks of His return: "Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (
Matthew 24:30). This passage emphasizes the visible and glorious nature of His return, witnessed by all humanity.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the Second Coming in his letters. 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" . This passage highlights the resurrection of believers and their gathering to Christ.
The Book of Revelation provides a dramatic portrayal of Jesus' return, depicting Him as a conquering King: "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" (
Revelation 19:13-14). This imagery underscores the authority and majesty of Christ as He returns to establish His kingdom.
Theological SignificanceThe Second Coming is not only a future event but also a source of hope and motivation for Christians. It is seen as the moment when Christ will fulfill His promises, bringing justice and restoration to the world. Believers are encouraged to live in readiness and anticipation, as Jesus Himself instructed: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" (
Matthew 24:42).
The return of Christ is also associated with the final judgment, where He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. In
Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus describes this event: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" .
Implications for BelieversThe anticipation of Jesus' return has profound implications for Christian living. It calls for a life of holiness, vigilance, and faithful service. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, saying, "But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish" (
2 Peter 3:13-14).
The Second Coming also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the present world and the eternal significance of the kingdom of God. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual matters and to share the gospel, as the time of Christ's return is unknown and imminent.
ConclusionWhile the exact timing of Jesus' return remains a mystery, the certainty of His coming is a foundational belief that shapes the faith and practice of Christians. It is a promise that assures believers of the ultimate victory of good over evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Topical Bible Verses
Revelation 1:7Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Topicalbible.orgRevelation 19:1
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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Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, said the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
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Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
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Library
Quiet Talks about Jesus
... The Plan for Jesus' Coming. The Image of God. Fastening a Tether Inside. The First
Touches on the Canvas. A Full-length Picture in Colors. Back to Eden. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/
Jesus Brings Lazarus Back to Life
... THE NEW TESTAMENT JESUS BRINGS LAZARUS BACK TO LIFE. ... When Martha heard that Jesus
was coming, she went out to meet him, while Mary stayed at home. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus brings lazarus back to.htm
The Divine Law of Leadership.
... Man's coming back must be by his own glad, sweet consent. ... There are two divine
forces that work through the human"Jesus and the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the divine law of leadership.htm
Jesus Encourages his Friends and Helpers
... Philip said to him, "Master, let us see the Father and we will be satisfied." Jesus
said to ... You have heard me tell you that I go away and am coming back to you ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus encourages his friends and.htm
Things Omitted from John's Gospel.
... At the beginning of the chapter we read, "Jesus lifted up His eyes to Heaven ... of Man
always has reference to His return to the earth itself, coming back to His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/i things omitted from johns.htm
That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
... The moment a man takes hold of the truth that Jesus Christ is coming back again
to receive his friends to himself, this world loses its hold upon him; gas ...
/.../moody/that gospel sermon on the blessed hope/that gospel sermon on the.htm
Standing with the People
... Our own Lowell has expressed it in his "Parable" in which he describes Jesus coming
back to earth to see "how the men, my brethren, believe in me.". ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iii standing with the.htm
The Time of the Redeemer's Return
... His Return and to consider the question"When is our Lord coming back again ... One school
of theologians believe and teach that the Lord Jesus will return before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter four the time of.htm
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... two messengers from the neighborhood of Bethany to Bethphage and back again, or
to ... had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm
Making and Breaking Connections.
... means two things to us: First"that the Holy Spirit now filling us is Jesus' pledge
that He has purchased us, and that some day He is coming back to claim His ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on power/making and breaking connections.htm
Resources
Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.orgIs the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.orgJesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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