What is second coming ? Biblical perspective

 

The Second Coming: A Biblical Perspective

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of Christian eschatology, represents the anticipated return of Jesus to Earth. This event is expected to fulfill the rest of the messianic prophecy outlined in the Bible. It is a subject of considerable theological significance, discussion, and debate within Christianity. This article will explore the concept of the Second Coming through various biblical references and interpretations, providing a comprehensive understanding of its meaning and implications.

 

Biblical Foundations

Old Testament Prophecies

The foundation for the Second Coming is laid in the Old Testament, where several prophecies hint at a future messianic figure who will establish God's kingdom. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a coming Messiah who will reign with justice and righteousness:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever." (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)

These verses are often interpreted by Christians as referring to both the first coming of Jesus (his birth) and his future reign, which is associated with his Second Coming.

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament provides more explicit references to the Second Coming, with Jesus himself and his apostles addressing the topic. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks about his return on multiple occasions. One of the most detailed accounts is found in the Gospel of Matthew:

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30, NIV)

This verse, along with the surrounding passages, forms part of what is known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus describes the signs and events leading up to his return.

 

Theological Significance

The Second Coming is significant for several reasons:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: It represents the fulfillment of numerous biblical prophecies about the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Judgment and Salvation: It is a time of final judgment for humanity and the ultimate salvation for believers. According to the apostle Paul:

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, NIV)

Restoration of Creation: The Second Coming also heralds the restoration of all creation, aligning with God's original purpose for the world. The Book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of this new reality:

"Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea." (Revelation 21:1, NIV)

Interpretations and Views

Over the centuries, Christians have developed various interpretations of the Second Coming. These views often revolve around the timing and nature of the event.

Pre-Millennialism

Pre-millennialism is the belief that Jesus will return before a literal thousand-year reign (the Millennium) on Earth. This view is often divided into dispensational pre-millennialism and historic pre-millennialism. Dispensational pre-millennialism, popularized in the 19th and 20th centuries, includes the concept of a rapture, where believers are taken up to meet Christ before a period of tribulation:

"After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:17, NIV)

Historic pre-millennialism, on the other hand, expects Christ to return after a period of tribulation but before the Millennium.

Post-Millennialism

Post-millennialism posits that Jesus will return after a figurative or literal thousand-year period of peace and righteousness on Earth. Proponents believe that the world will gradually improve through the spread of the Gospel and the influence of the church, culminating in Christ's return.

Amillennialism

Amillennialism interprets the Millennium symbolically rather than literally. According to this view, the Millennium represents the current church age, and the Second Coming will occur at the end of this period. This view emphasizes the already-but-not-yet aspect of God's kingdom, where Christ's reign is present but not fully realized.

 

Signs of the Second Coming

The Bible outlines various signs that will precede the Second Coming. These signs are often categorized into natural, societal, and spiritual phenomena.

Natural Signs

Jesus mentioned natural disasters as a precursor to his return:

"There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11, NIV)

These events are seen as part of the "birth pains" leading up to the end times.

Societal Signs

Societal signs include moral decay, conflicts, and persecutions:

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." (Matthew 24:6-7, NIV)

Spiritual Signs

Spiritual signs involve the spread of the Gospel and the emergence of false prophets:

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14, NIV)

"For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24, NIV)

Living in Expectation

The New Testament encourages believers to live in a state of readiness and expectation for the Second Coming. This readiness involves moral vigilance and spiritual alertness. Jesus admonishes his followers:

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:42-44, NIV)

The apostle Peter similarly 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 everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming." (2 Peter 3:10-12, NIV)

 

Historical Perspectives

The belief in the Second Coming has significantly influenced Christian history and thought:

Early Church:

The early Christians lived with an imminent expectation of Christ’s return. This hope provided comfort and encouragement amidst persecution and suffering.

Medieval Period:

During the Middle Ages, apocalyptic fervor occasionally surged, often in response to societal crises. The Crusades, for instance, were partly fueled by eschatological expectations.

Reformation:

The Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, focused more on the theological implications of Christ’s return rather than setting specific dates. However, they affirmed the doctrine of the Second Coming as central to Christian hope.

Modern Era:

In recent times, the rise of dispensational premillennialism, particularly through the influence of the Scofield Reference Bible and popular media like the "Left Behind" series, has kept the topic of the Second Coming in the public eye. Additionally, global events and crises often renew interest in eschatological themes.

 

Significance and Implications

The doctrine of the Second Coming carries profound significance for believers:

Hope and Comfort:

The promise of Christ’s return provides hope and comfort, especially in times of suffering and persecution. It assures believers that evil will ultimately be defeated, and God’s justice will prevail.

Moral and Ethical Living:

The anticipation of the Second Coming encourages Christians to live moral and ethical lives. The New Testament frequently exhorts believers to be vigilant, holy, and prepared for Christ’s return (e.g., Matthew 24:42-44, 2 Peter 3:11-12).

Mission and Evangelism:

The belief in the Second Coming motivates mission and evangelism. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is seen as a mandate to prepare the world for Christ’s return by spreading the gospel to all nations.

Eschatological Perspective:

The Second Coming provides an eschatological perspective that frames the Christian worldview. It reminds believers that history is moving towards a divinely ordained conclusion, where God’s purposes will be fully realized.

 

Challenges and Controversies

The doctrine of the Second Coming is not without its challenges and controversies:

Timing and Speculation:

Throughout history, numerous individuals and groups have attempted to predict the exact timing of Christ’s return, often leading to disappointment and disillusionment. Jesus himself warned against such speculation (Matthew 24:36).

Diverse Interpretations:

The various theological interpretations of the Second Coming can lead to division within the Christian community. Disagreements over eschatological details should not overshadow the core belief in Christ’s return.

Apocalyptic Movements:

Some apocalyptic movements, inspired by a fervent belief in the imminent return of Christ, have led to extreme behaviors and even tragic outcomes, such as the cases of Jonestownand the Branch Davidians. It is crucial to balance eschatological hope with sound theology and pastoral care.

 

The Role of the Church

The church plays a critical role in preparing for the Second Coming. This preparation involves:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Sharing the message of salvation with the world.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)

Living in Unity and Love: Demonstrating Christ's love through actions and relationships.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35, NIV)

Encouraging One Another: Supporting fellow believers in faith and perseverance.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)

 

Conclusion

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a profound and multifaceted doctrine that encapsulates the hopes and expectations of Christians worldwide. Rooted in biblical prophecy and affirmed by Jesus and his apostles, it promises the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As believers live in anticipation of this momentous event, they are called to remain vigilant, spread the Gospel, and exemplify Christ's love and righteousness. Whether interpreted through the lenses of pre-millennialism, post-millennialism, or amillennialism, the Second Coming remains a cornerstone of Christian faith and eschatology, signifying the consummation of history and the dawn of God's eternal kingdom.