Topical Bible: The Second Coming of Christ: should be Always Considered As at Hand

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The Second Coming of Christ is a central tenet of Christian eschatology, emphasizing the return of Jesus Christ to earth in fulfillment of biblical prophecy. This event is anticipated with great expectation and urgency, as it signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The belief that the Second Coming should always be considered as at hand is rooted in various scriptural exhortations and teachings.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament is replete with references to the imminent return of Christ. Jesus Himself, in the Olivet Discourse, instructed His disciples to remain vigilant: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42). This call to watchfulness underscores the unpredictability of the timing of His return, urging believers to live in a state of readiness.

The Apostle Paul also emphasized the nearness of Christ's return. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11). Paul’s exhortation highlights the progressive unfolding of salvation history and the urgency of living in anticipation of Christ's return.

Theological Implications

The doctrine that the Second Coming should be considered as at hand has profound theological implications for Christian life and practice. It fosters a sense of urgency and purpose, motivating believers to pursue holiness and godliness. The Apostle Peter exhorted the early Christians, saying, "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" (2 Peter 3:11-12).

This anticipation also serves as a catalyst for evangelism and mission. The knowledge that Christ could return at any moment compels believers to share the gospel with urgency, as the opportunity for repentance and faith is limited by the unknown timing of His return.

Historical Context

Throughout church history, the belief in the imminent return of Christ has been a source of hope and encouragement, especially during times of persecution and trial. Early Christians, facing intense opposition, found solace in the promise of Christ's return, as reflected in the Aramaic expression "Maranatha," meaning "Our Lord, come!" (1 Corinthians 16:22).

The expectation of Christ's return has also been a driving force behind various revival movements and missionary endeavors. The sense of living in the "last days" has often spurred the church to greater zeal and commitment to the Great Commission.

Practical Application

Living with the expectation that the Second Coming is at hand influences daily conduct and decision-making. Believers are called to live as "children of light," exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit and avoiding the deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11). This mindset encourages a focus on eternal values rather than temporal concerns, aligning one's life with the priorities of God's kingdom.

Moreover, the anticipation of Christ's return provides comfort and hope in the face of suffering and injustice. The promise of His coming assures believers that God will ultimately vindicate His people and establish His righteous rule.

Conclusion

The Second Coming of Christ, always considered as at hand, remains a vital and dynamic aspect of Christian faith. It shapes the believer's worldview, instills a sense of urgency, and inspires a life of holiness and mission. As the church awaits the fulfillment of this glorious promise, it continues to echo the prayer of the early Christians: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 4:5
Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and watch to prayer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingdom of God.
... We should leave his presence with that impression, in fear and anxiety ... or that we
are not to look for that second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ which, as ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon ix the kingdom of.htm

Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Work Miracles in the ...
... which occurred at the time of Christ's passion, was ... says this was caused by clouds
coming between (the ... not the time of conjunction.""-The second miracle is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was fitting that 9.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... This would be the second line, as it were, in the ... of it [from' it, k]. Nor yet did
Christ ask with ... while He had been with them, [5812] only coming now directly ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ.
... the right hand of the Father, nor with the Lord's second coming. ... bodies temples of
the Holy Ghost, why should we take ... If Christ dwelt in our flesh, ie, in our ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiii the holy spirit in.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to ...
... I answer, (and this is the second particular,) some or ... the great recompense of reward
that is coming, and the ... 6. Let Christ, and all that is his, be precious ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxiii how to make.htm

The End of Christ's Coming
... Second Series Sermon 62 The End of Christ's Coming. ... garden?" " and soon after persuaded
her to disbelieve God, to suppose his threatening should not be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 62 the end of.htm

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
... promised salvation is not attained without coming to Christ ... intended that a living
image of Christ should be seen ... The same thing is repeated a second and third ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 redemption for man.htm

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
... or the first,' and that further propagated, the second' degree. ... whom John had sent
to lay before Christ his doubts ... Luke 4:43 shows, that the coming forth' (St. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv second journey through.htm

Christ.
... Son of God, to his ascension and second coming from heaven ... A second thing that
demonstrates that Christ died the cursed ... If Jesus Christ had been to die for his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vii christ.htm

Acts III
... ears, and understand with their hearts, and should convert, and I should heal them ...
spoken of are those which will take place at the second coming of Christ. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm