Topical Bible: The Second Coming of Christ is not to Make Atonement

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The Second Coming of Christ is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology, distinct from His first coming, which was primarily for the purpose of atonement. The New Testament provides a clear delineation between these two advents of Christ, emphasizing that His return will not be for the purpose of making atonement for sin, as this was fully accomplished during His first coming.

Atonement Accomplished in the First Coming

The first coming of Christ was marked by His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. Central to this mission was the atonement for sin. Hebrews 9:26 states, "But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself." This passage underscores the completeness and finality of Christ's atoning work. The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross was sufficient to cover the sins of humanity, fulfilling the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system and establishing a new covenant between God and mankind.

Purpose of the Second Coming

In contrast, the Second Coming of Christ is described in Scripture as a time of judgment and the fulfillment of God's kingdom. Hebrews 9:28 clarifies this distinction: "So also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." This verse highlights that the purpose of Christ's return is not to atone for sin again, but to bring the fullness of salvation to believers and to establish His eternal reign.

Judgment and Restoration

The Second Coming is associated with the final judgment and the restoration of all things. Matthew 25:31-32 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." This passage illustrates the role of Christ as Judge, distinguishing between those who have accepted His atoning work and those who have not.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The Second Coming is also the fulfillment of numerous biblical prophecies. Acts 1:11 records the words of the angels at Jesus' ascension: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven." This promise assures believers of Christ's return and the consummation of God's redemptive plan.

Encouragement for Believers

The anticipation of the Second Coming serves as a source of hope and encouragement for Christians. Titus 2:13 exhorts believers to live godly lives "while we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The expectation of Christ's return motivates believers to remain steadfast in faith and to live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of His first coming.

In summary, the Second Coming of Christ is a distinct event from His first coming, with a focus on judgment, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the ultimate realization of salvation for believers. The atonement for sin was completed in Christ's first coming, and His return will bring to fruition the promises of God for His people and the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin to salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 6:9,10
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death has no more dominion over him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... Abel; so that the condition which will constitute the second part of our discourse,
is coming to that ... him." Not so Cain; he cared nothing for Christ; he was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... apartment ended, the ministration in the second apartment began ... was expected, they
still believed His coming to be ... crisis, and that the work of Christ as man's ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... apartment ended, the ministration in the second apartment began. ... was expected, they
still believed His coming to be ... crisis and that the work of Christ as man's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

Coming to Christ
... some will begin to say, "Yes, but the way of salvation is coming to Christ and I
am ... of the child is about; it is about the apple; and the second thought off ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/coming to christ.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away."(837) The coming
of Christ here described ... It is this coming, and not His second advent to ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

Facing Life's Record
... The coming of Christ here described is not His second coming to the earth. ... It is
this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

Christ and Man in the Atonement
... we are only acquainted with them at second hand they ... There is no living Christ here,
no coming of the ... does the spiritual presence and action of Christ, in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 9 christ and man.htm

Christ and Man in the Atonement
... we are only acquainted with them at second hand they ... There is no living Christ here,
no coming of the ... does the spiritual presence and action of Christ, in the ...
/.../denney/the atonement and the modern mind/chapter iii christ and man.htm

On the Atonement.
... Even a heathen philosopher exclaimed"Surely the universe is coming to an end ... "A second
look He ... If this death and love of Christ do not constrain you, nothing ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... been familiar words to all believers in the Lord's soon coming. ... And beyond the second
veil was the holy shekinah ... Says Paul, "Christ is not entered into the holy ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm