What do we Know about the Second Coming of Christ

What practice we Know most the 2nd Coming of Christ

"The Second Coming" refers to the return of Jesus Christ as described in Revelation, Hebrews, the Gospels, and many other places.

The commencement time Jesus came to globe, He was but a baby. After His ministry building on earth, crucifixion, and resurrection He returned to Heaven "to fix a identify" for His followers (John fourteen:iii). He also promises His return (1 Corinthians xv:23), in which the first resurrection occurs, He brings His followers to heaven with Him, and sin and Satan will be destroyed forever.

The Second Coming is something to promise for. It is a literal event, a personal encounter, a visible experience, and a worldwide occasion. It's the culmination of the plan of conservancy!

And so let's learn more virtually this incomparably wonderful consequence:

  • What the 2nd Coming will be like
  • When volition the Second Coming happen?
  • Biblical prophecies about the Second Coming
  • How the 2d Coming is the ultimate hope of Adventists
  • How the truth about the 2nd Coming helped shape the Adventist denomination
  • How to prepare for the Second Coming

Belief 25: The Second Coming of Christ

The second coming of Christ is the blessed promise of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour'due south coming will exist literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous expressionless will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, just the unrighteous will dice. The near complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present status of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is almost. The time of that effect has not been revealed, and nosotros are therefore exhorted to be fix at all times. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; one Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. four:thirteen-18; 5:ane-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. three:1-5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. one:vii; xiv:xiv-20; xix:eleven-21.)

A person standing on the top of a boulder looking at the cloudy sky with their arms outstretched, waiting for Jesus' return

What Volition the Second Coming Be Similar?

Literal

The 2d Coming is not a hole-and-corner for only the well-nigh educated, or a prize for the rich. It's non metaphorical or symbolic, or but happening on a spiritual plane, every bit once believed by many Christian communities. Information technology is and volition be a literal effect described in Scripture.

  • Jesus volition descend on a cloud.
  • The righteous dead will rise from their graves and up to the cloud with Jesus.
  • The righteous living will rise upwardly to the clouds with Jesus and "always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:thirteen-17 ESV).

Adventists believe this in its straightforward terms. Jesus will return on a cloud, staying in the sky. He volition not set up foot on the ground. The dead in Christ volition rise upwardly with Him, and those living will before long follow, as we're all "caught up together" in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

"When Christ who is your life appears, and so you too volition appear with him in glory" (Colossians 3:4, ESV).

Acts 1:11, when an angel was addressing Jesus' disciples after they witnessed His rise, besides confirms the visible way of His return.  He will "come in the same manner equally you lot saw Him go into heaven" (ESV).

Personal

Jesus' return is near reuniting Himself with u.s.. In John 14 He informed His disciples He was ascending back to sky, only He would exist preparing a place for united states of america. "And if I go and prepare a identify for y'all, I will come up once more and will have y'all to myself, that where I am you may exist also" (John 14:iii ESV).

Not only will we be called up to the clouds with Jesus, just nosotros'll exist with Him forever. Philippians iii:xx tells united states that "our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we look a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV).

Fifty-fifty if someone hasn't yet made the decision to follow Jesus, He is ever ready for us to come to Him then He can bring as many of His children with Him to sky as possible..

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my vox and opens the door, I will come up in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).

Close-up of a man's eyes as the Scripture says that every eye will see Him coming on clouds of heaven

Visible

Revelation i:7 says "every eye shall see Him" (ESV). Nosotros will not have to guess or wonder if this is really Jesus or not. No matter where nosotros are, we'll exist able to "run into the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and neat glory" (Matthew 24:thirty, ESV).

Earlier His crucifixion, Jesus told the high priest, "from now on you will run into the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of sky" (Matthew 26:64 ESV).

Jesus will be visible to all—those who hurt Him, those who choose to believe in Him, and those who don't. The Second Coming will not exist something anyone tin can miss!

Worldwide

Through the Bible nosotros can see the Second Coming is not only a literal event, but a global consequence. Just as referenced in the department above, "every eye will see Him"—no affair the time zone, continent, etc.

It's hard to imagine something similar this, merely with God zippo is impossible. We're told, "For as the lightning flashes and lights upward the heaven from ane side to the other, and so will the Son of Homo be in His twenty-four hour period…" (Luke 17:22, ESV).

Nosotros volition also be able to hear the trumpet calls and victory shouts of the Angels who will accompany Jesus when He returns.

A young woman sitting on a dock reading as we study the Word of God about the signs of Jesus' soon return

No 1 knows "the Day or the Hour" of the 2nd Coming

Though Jesus was clear that He would return, He as well explained that the details for when it would happen are not ours to know.

But concerning that 24-hour interval and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36 ESV).

Non fifty-fifty the angels know the solar day Jesus will return.

This is similar to how Noah knew the rain would come, simply not the exact moment it would begin. God warned Noah that He would send a flood to destroy the corruption on globe (Genesis 6). Noah knew the rain would come up, but did not know when it would begin. Similar the alluvion in Genesis, no creature in beingness will know when Christ will return, simply we know He volition.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for His departure (crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension) likewise as His second coming. To set up them, Jesus used parables for lessons and examples.

So the kingdom of sky volition be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1 ESV).

In the story Jesus tells, there are 5 virgins who are wise and five who are foolish. All ten gather to wait for the bridegroom to make it so they tin can enter the wedding ceremony feast. The wise bring extra oil for their lamps, and the foolish bring none.

Before the benedict arrived, those who brought no oil for their lamps had to go buy more. While they were gone, the benedict came. The wise virgins got to go into the nuptials feast. When the five foolish virgins returned they could not go in (v. i-12 ESV).

Jesus finishes His alarm past telling them "watch therefore, for you lot know neither the day nor the hour" (v. 13 ESV).

Information technology is non for the states to know, considering our task is non to focus on "when" it'due south happening. Our chore is to keep our eyes on Jesus, have the Great Commission to center, and live as a walking testimony—knowing that Jesus will indeed come up to salve the states, and put an stop to sin and evil forever.

And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, proverb, 'I am the Christ,' and they will atomic number 82 many astray (Matthew 24:4, five ESV).

No one knows when the events of the second coming volition occur–no one simply God the Male parent. This means anyone who claims to know is either mistaken or seeking to manipulate.

The Bible open to the book of Revelation on a black table as it mentions of many end time prophecies and of Jesus' return

Bible Prophecies Proclaim Christ's Second Coming

The book of Revelation in the Bible proclaims Jesus' 2nd coming in the first chapter.

The author of Revelation, John, writes of his vision of Christ's return. He says "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the world will wail on business relationship of him" (v. 7 ESV).

In Revelation 14, he recounts other images from his vision

John included in this vision the Lamb continuing on Mountain Zion with 144,000, a number to stand for those believers who stand with Jesus at the end of time on globe (v. 1).

This vision continues until John sees Jesus on a white deject. On a cloud, He descends to earth with a sickle in His hand and He "swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped" (v. 16 ESV).

In vivid word pictures and verse, the Bible tells of the triumphant coming of Christ in Revelation chapter 19.

John says,

"So I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on information technology is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war" (v.11)

The heavens will open like a crowd departing for royalty and Christ will appear on a white horse, as a conquering king. He brings heavenly armies with Him and will keep His promise to redeem and to judge.

"His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself" (five. 12).

Jesus' eyes pierce through to our hearts where nosotros can hibernate cipher from Him. He doesn't wear ane crown, but many, as He is the King of Kings.

"He is clothed in a robe dipped in claret, and the name by which he is called is The Give-and-take of God" (v. 13).

Jesus' victory is displayed on His garment. While some believe the blood on His robe is the claret of His enemies, it is more likely the claret represents His victory at calvary.

"And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were post-obit him on white horses" (v. 14).

When Jesus comes, He will lead an army of heavenly beings, also riding white horses and wearing clean, pure white robes.

From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (v.15).

Jesus' victory over the nations comes from His oral fissure, from the power of His words. With His vox and with a rod of fe, as prophesied in Psalm 2. He will wield the rod as a shepherd uses a staff, just it volition be made of atomic number 26 and then that even the near rebellious will submit.

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords" (v. xvi).

The proper name, King of kings and Lord of Lords is written on Jesus' robe also as His thigh, so it will be easily seen from His identify on the white horse.

The Bible open to Revelation as we study various prophecies mentioned in it and of Jesus' soon return

Symbolism in Revelation

There's a lot going on in Revelation, much of information technology described in symbolism because we accept no frame of reference however for the things that will happen. We know the symbolism and prophecies are modes of telling the most important truth and hope for humanity.

The gospel, that is Jesus' death on the cross and His promised Second Coming, is a beacon of lite in a darkened world. Revelation is viewed by many as mysterious and scary, but it's actually a story of promise and love.

In the commencement poetry of the first affiliate of Revelation nosotros're told: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon have identify."

Revelation is non nearly the stop of the globe, simply rather it is the climax of the entire story of existence. It is the transformation from death to life, from tribulation to peace. And Jesus and His honey for humanity make up the theme for all of it .

A woman reading a book outside as we learn the meanings of the symbols used in prophecies and let Bible interpret itself

The Second Coming is the Promise of Adventists

The 2d coming is so important to Seventh-day Adventists that it'south part of the name—The word Advent means "arrival."

Jesus first came to globe as a infant in a manger over 2000 years ago. This is the outset Advent, and information technology's why Christmas calendars are often chosen "Appearance Calendars." The second advent, the second coming, is not merely the hope of Adventists, but of all Christians. Nosotros accept this hope because Jesus promises His return.

Virtually the finish of Jesus' earthly ministry building, during the last dark with His disciples, He told them

"Let non your hearts exist troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father'due south firm are many rooms. If information technology were not and so, would I accept told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I volition come again and volition have you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:2 ESV).

Christ's 2nd coming is a promise from the Bible. It will be the triumphant return of a king. It is the blessed promise of Adventists that Christ'south futurity return volition be the climax to our story on earth. It is not the end, but the kickoff of how life was meant to exist all along. With Christ's coming, our being will be perfect and consummate.

Bible Group Reading Together Sitting Down Listening To Each Other and studying about the prophecies of Jesus' return

Christ's Return as a Primal Topic in Adventist History

Before the Advent movement became a global church, most churches believed the second coming would exist a spiritual or figurative outcome. It probable wasn't even discussed very often.

Nevertheless, soon after the Second Smashing Awakening in the U.s.a., a Baptist named William Miller decided to study scripture more deeply later on returning domicile from state of war. Through his study of Daniel and Revelation, Miller discovered that Christ's 2d coming must be a literal outcome.

This was a big bargain. Information technology changed the way Christians could wait at the present and the future. So Miller kept studying and sharing what he institute.

However, there was ane upshot with Miller's message. He besides predicted the exact appointment of Christ's return—somehow missing the counsel of Matthew 24:36 that "no i knows the day or the hr" of this upshot, "non fifty-fifty the angels in heaven," only just the Male parent.

Even though it became clear Miller'south prediction was wrong, many people decided to practise further study to detect out where he went wrong. Equally more and more people realized new truths from Scripture about the Second Coming, this began the "Advent Motility" that eventually paved the way toward the organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In a fashion, Miller's mistake led to a revival of personal and small group devotion among believers. Many of the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs were discovered after in-depth studies following this time. And as Christians learned more than about scripture and God'southward truth, they were more than motivated to follow the Word and keep studying it.

A woman praying with her Bible at a table as we pray that God will help us to understand the prophecies in the Bible

How to Prepare for the 2nd Coming

Similar the x virgins in Jesus' parable, we must exist prepared for the bridegroom's coming. We are all sinners and need Him. Information technology's through Jesus Christ alone that we may enter the "wedding ceremony banquet" (heaven).

It's through Jesus that we prepare for His coming, and as long as we take a relationship with Him, we will be ready. We won't lose our spot in heaven if we make a little mistake. Nosotros won't need to fearfulness the end of time. We can balance assured knowing our home is in heaven, despite our sinful nature.

Scripture tells us "all accept sinned and fall brusk of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). That means every one of u.s. has sinned and doesn't deserve heaven.

Because of the fall of flesh in Eden, we are left with a legacy of sin. Through Jesus Christ we are saved from the consequences of sin. That's why Romans 3 continues, telling us we are "justified freely past His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (vs. 24, CSB).

Additionally, Romans six:23 says,

" For the wages of sin is death, merely the gratis gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV).

Jesus took that death upon Himself, dying in our place and being raised again to render to heaven to minister on our behalf.

We have the souvenir of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. To gear up for that life is to ready for His coming. To ready we must believe in Him (John iii:16). We must know Him.

A person holding a Bible outside as we live daily by the Word of God and prepare ourselves to meet Jesus when He returns

To know Jesus and grow our organized religion in Him, we must cultivate a human relationship with Him. Some things to help united states do that could be:

  • Pray daily–throughout the day. Pray for others. Pray as a family. Pray in the name of Jesus who intervenes for you in heaven.
  • Study your Bible. Read the Bible daily so that y'all can meditate on God's Holy Word. Use scriptures and Bible promises in your personal prayer life. Memorize scripture and describe connections with your modern life and experiences.
  • Listen to sermons and teachers. Employ costless online platforms to listen to uplifting messages and Bible lectures. Notice trusted mentors to teach you deep Bible truths.
  • Attend church building. Find a local congregation that is filled with Bible-believers. Develop relationships with agreeing Christians who volition help you in your walk with God.
  • Limit exposure to worldly things. No one knows better than yous how secular activities and experiences touch on you. Maintain circumspection and limit exposure to things that tempt you or hinder your relationship with God.

To grow our faith in Jesus and our relationship with Him, prayer and personal Bible study are extremely important. Bible written report and prayer through the Holy Spirit is our directly connectedness to the Savior we're waiting for. It is the all-time fashion to prepare for His soon coming. Walking this journey with other believers is a crucial role of the experience.

Yeah, this world is in chaos. Political and social unrest is imminent. Sin runs rampant. Physical and mental health is suffering around the world. But with all this working against united states of america, we notwithstanding accept promise.

This world is not what God intended, but Jesus' return volition exist the stop of this world as we know it. His render will be the get-go pace in restoring this earth into the perfect world it was always meant to be.

The Advent movement began considering of hope in Christ'south return. Now the 7th-day Adventist Church building rests its hope in Christ lonely, in His promises, and in His render.