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Second Coming

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For other uses, see Second Coming (disambiguation).

The Second Coming or Last Coming refers to the Christian and Islamic belief in the return of Jesus Christ to fulfill the rest of Messianic prophecy, such as the resurrection of the dead, last judgment and full establishment of the Kingdom of God (also called the "Reign of God") and the Messianic Age. Views about this coming vary among different Christian denominations and other religions, for example Full Preterists believe it has already happened. A range of vocabulary is also used including substituting the word 'Advent' for coming, and using the term 'Parousia', Greek for "appearance and subsequent presence with" (in the ancient world referring to official visits by royalty) to describe this event. The Last Coming is an important component of Christian eschatology, the theology concerning the final events and ultimate purposes of the world.

Names

Christians use a range of names for this concept of Jesus Christ's coming or return, drawing on a range of Biblical images. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia article on General Judgment:

"In the New Testament the second Parusia, or coming of Christ as Judge of the world, is an oft-repeated doctrine. The Saviour Himself not only foretells the event but graphically portrays its circumstances (Matthew 24:27 sqq. [Olivet discourse]; 25:31 sqq. [Judgment of the Nations]). The Apostles give a most prominent place to this doctrine in their preaching (Acts 10:42,17:31) and writings (Romans 2:5–16, 14:10; 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 4:1; 2 Thess 1:5; James 5:7). Besides the name Parusia (parousia), or Advent (1 Cor 15:23; 2 Thess 2:1–9), the second coming is also called Epiphany, epiphaneia, or Appearance (2 Thess 2:8; 1 Tim 6:14; 2 Tim 4:1; Titus 2:13), and Apocalypse (apokalypsis), or Revelation (2 Thess 2:7; 1 Peter 4:13). The time of the second coming is spoken of as "that Day" (2 Tim 4:8), "the day of the Lord" (1 Thess 5:2), "the day of Christ" (Philemon 1:6), "the day of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:30), "the last day" (John 6:39–40)."

The phrase 'second coming' is not used in the Bible but comes from counting the life of Jesus of Nazareth as being the 'first' coming. Some Christians call it the 'last coming'[1] and others do not define it by number, highlighting Christ's coming as an ongoing process. The Parousia is a phrase used in the Bible, see Strong's G3952 for details.

"The Coming of the Son of Man"

Events in the
Life of Jesus
according to the canonical gospels
Life of Jesus
Early life
Ministry
Passion
Resurrection
In rest of the NT
Portals: Christianity Bible

In the Bible, the synoptic Gospels contain several examples of Jesus talking about the climactic role of the Son of Man coming (often in 'glory' or in 'his kingdom'). These include references to Jesus' own impending suffering and execution, and the similar persecution of his followers: Matthew 10:17–42, Matthew 16:24–28, Mark 8:34–9:1, Luke 9:23–27, Luke 17:20–37; the apocalyptic chapters set on the Mount of Olives called the Olivet discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 21) and The Sheep and the Goats or "The Judgement of the Nations" (Matthew 25:31–46); and again when he was on trial before the Jewish high priests (Mark 14:62); and the "Twelve thrones of judgment" (Matthew 19:28–30, Luke 22:28–30). Most scholars interpret Jesus' use of the title Son of Man as self referential - applying to himself a significant messianic image from the apocalyptic sections of the book of Daniel.[2] Daniel 7:13–14 refers to a 'human one' who will come on the clouds in 'glory' and in 'his kingdom' and be given dominion to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth. This is presented as the eschaton and an end of the world.

In John's Gospel Jesus also employs the image of the Son of Man when talking about 'the last day' John 6:39–54. Here it is linked with 'being raised up' - the resurrection of the dead. A theme reinforced in 11:24 where Martha describes Jesus' coming both in terms of resurrection and as an ongoing process, and in 12:48, and in 14:3 where Jesus says 'I will come again' so his followers may live with him in his Father's house.

"This generation will not pass away"

In the gospels Jesus often referred to the Reign of God being right 'at hand'[3] and 'these things' - including the Son of Man's coming in his kingdom - occurring with immediacy to his hearers. "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom" (Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27). Both Matthew and Luke also include the statement, "This generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place" (Matthew 24:34, Luke 21:32)[4].

Some Christian theologians (Preterists) see this 'coming of the Son of Man in glory' primarily fulfilled in Jesus' death on the cross. During his ministry Jesus continually linked the 'Son of Man' sayings with his own forthcoming suffering, death and resurrection. These theologians claim the prophecies layed out in the Olivet discourse are then fulfilled within the narrative of Jesus' passion:

  1. The need for disciples to 'keep alert and pray' and 'stay awake' is demonstrated literally on the same mountain two nights later when Jesus interrupts his disciples sleep to explicitly say "the hour has come".[5]
  2. The time frame of significant hours as spelled out in the apocalypse "you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, at cockcrow or at dawn"Mark 13:35 is mimicked in the passion narrative "when it was evening Jesus came"Mark 14:17, praying in the garden in the middle of the night, "at that moment the cock crowed for the second time"Mark 14:72 and "As soon as it was morning the chief preists ... bound Jesus and led him away."Mark 15:1
  3. The apocalyptic signs are fulfilled including 'the sun will be dark'(compare Mark 13:24 to Mark 15:33), the 'powers ... will be shaken' (compare Mark 13:25 to Mark 14:63 and Mark 15:5), and 'then they will see' (compare Mark 13:26 to Mark 15:31 and Mark 15:39).

They further claim that such an interpretation highlights the subversive Christian claim that the 'glory' and 'dominion' of God is best seen in the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus crucified.[6]

Other theologians point to other Biblical images that better match their idea of "coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory" (Matt 24:30), such as the disciples who saw Jesus transfigured or John of Patmos' heavenly visions described in the book of Revelation. Also, Acts 1:11 clearly states: "...This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." which Acts 1:9 states as: "...he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight."

Some interpret the phrase 'this generation' to mean lifetime or race, and sometimes applying it to a future generation rather than the one Jesus was addressing.[citation needed]

Another resolutions of the statement is suggested by the belief commonly held in Mormonism that John the Apostle had the nature of his body changed and was allowed to "tarry" on the earth until the coming of Christ and thus at least one person of that generation might still be living even at this day.

Still others say they are unable to explain it. C.S. Lewis called this "the most embarrassing verse in the Bible" [7].

See also Wandering Jew and Preterism.

Mainstream Christianity

The vast majority of those self-identified as Christians (an exception is Full Preterism) look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. However, across the many denominations, the details of Christ's second coming are somewhat diverse. Few dare to claim complete and authoritative interpretation of the typically symbolic and prophetic biblical sources. What is commonly accepted is that he is to return to judge the world and to establish the Kingdom of God, in other words to fulfill the rest of Messianic prophecy. A short reference to the Second Coming is contained in the Nicene Creed, the most widespread Christian statement of faith: "He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; of His kingdom there shall be no end" (speaking of "one Lord Jesus Christ"). It is also in the earlier Apostle's Creed: "He will come again to judge the living and the dead." It is also in the earlier Pauline Creed, perhaps the earliest Christian creed: 1 Cor 15:23. The Catholic and Anglican and United Methodist liturgy proclaims the Mystery of Faith to be: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again". Generally, mainstream Christianity does not offer predictions on the date of the Second Coming. Some mainstream Christians may also form their own ideas of how and where it will happen, but recognize that such information is not important and is not essential to receiving "salvation".

Esoteric Christian tradition

In the Esoteric Christian tradition, (considered to be heresy among orthodox Christians [2]), Essenian and later Rosicrucian [8], there is a distinction to be made between Jesus and the Christ [9]. Jesus is considered a high Initiate of the human life wave (which evolves under the cycle of rebirth) and of a singularly pure type of mind, vastly superior to the great majority of the present humanity. He was educated during his youth among the Essenes and thus prepared himself for the greatest honor ever bestowed upon a human being: to deliver his pure, passionless, highly evolved physical body and vital body (already attuned to the high vibrations of the 'life spirit'), in the moment of the Baptism, to the Christ being for His ministry in the physical world. Christ is described as the highest Spiritual Being of the life wave called Archangels, and has completed His union ("the Son") with the second aspect of God.

In this western tradition, there is a clear distinction between the Cosmic Christ, or Christ without, and the Christ Within: the Cosmic Christ, the 'Regent of the Earth' [10], aids each individual in the formation of the Christ Within, the Golden Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:2,11 KJV), also called "Soul body", the correct translation of Paul of Tarsus "soma psuchicon" (Greek "soma" [body] and "psuchicon" [psu(y)che--soul], "It is sown a soul body; it is raised a spiritual body ...": 1 Cor 15:44; distinction of "spirit and soul and body": 1 Thess 5:23).

According to this tradition, the Christ Within is regarded as the true Saviour who needs to be born within each individual (Galatians 4:19) in order to evolve toward the future Sixth Epoch in the Earth's etheric plane, that is, toward the "new heavens and a new earth" (2 Peter 3:13, 2 Peter 3:7): the New Galilee [11]. The Second Coming or Advent of the Christ is not in a physical body (1 Cor 15:50, John 18:36), but in the new soul body of each individual in the etheric region of the planet (2 Cor 5:1-3, Greek "politeuma" [commonwealth], "Our commonwealth is in heaven ...": Phil 3:20-21) where man "shall be caught up IN THE CLOUDS to meet the Lord IN THE AIR" (Matthew 24:30, 1 Thess 4:17, Acts 1:10-11, 1 John 3:2). The "day and hour" when this event shall be, as described in the Bible, is not in the human knowledge domain (Matthew 24:36, 24:23-27). The esoteric Christian tradition teaches that first there will be a preparatory period as the Sun enters Aquarius by precession: the coming Age of Aquarius.

Islam

Main article: Islamic view of Jesus

The mainstream Islamic view of the second coming maintains that Jesus was replaced by a duplicate who looked like Jesus, and that it was the duplicate who was crucified while Jesus was lifted up to Heaven by God, where he is waiting to descend[12] during the “last days” when corruption and perversity are rife on Earth. He will then wage a battle against the false Messiah or Dajjal or Anti-Christ, break the cross, kill swine and call all humanity to Islam.

Predictions of the Second Coming

See also: List of messiah claimants and Olivet discourse § Immediacy
  • Pastor William Miller and the Millerite Movement expected the second coming on October 22, 1844. The fact that this failed to happen the way people were expecting was later referred to as the Great Disappointment. However, on the same night when people were looking into the sky, a man in Persia named Bab claimed that he was the Promised One. Millerites then predicted a date of October 22 1845, which was later moved ahead to 1851. Some of his followers went on to create the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Jehovah's Witnesses.
  • The interpretation of the Second Coming is important in the doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses, as these hold that it occurred in 1914, and instead of an apocalyptic Second Coming it is to be interpreted as an unseen presence, and the visible events of the final times will occur at a later date.
  • An alternate examination of the bible and history supporting the Second Coming as a seen presence which, occurred in 1908. Although written by a non-Witness scholar it hinges on the Jehovah's Witness 1914 doctrine. The article is called Armchair Archeology
  • Emanuel Swedenborg and those in the New Church believe Jesus has already made his second advent through the ideas revealed in Swedenborg's theological works. They believe that the Last Judgement was completed in the spiritual world on June 19, 1770 [13]
  • The followers of Reverend Sun Myung Moon consider Rev. Moon to be the Lord of the Second Advent called by Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday at the age of 15 on a Korean Mountainside.
  • Rudolf Steiner described the physical incarnation of Christ as a unique event, but predicted that Christ would reappear in the etheric, or lowest spiritual, plane beginning in the 1930s. This would manifest in various ways: as a new spiritual approach to community life and between individuals; in more and more individuals discovering fully conscious access to the etheric plane (clairvoyance); and in Christ's appearance to groups of seekers gathered together. See a series of his lectures on the subject.
  • Master Beinsa Douno prediction for the Second Appearance of Christ: "Christ Impulse will gradually penetrate into the human being and will take over guidance during the further development of the humankind. We are still in the beginning of all this now. In the future Christianity – but not the external, official, Christianity, but the mystic, Esoteric Christianity – will become a world religion for the whole humankind. Christ will be placed in the center of the New culture. Remember, that Christ is a manifestation of the Love of God. And He will come as an internal Light in the minds and hearts of the people. This Light will attract everybody around Christ as a great center. The opening of the human minds and hearts and the reception of Christ from within – this will be the Second Appearance of Christ on the Earth. He will preach mainly the great science of Love and the methods how to apply it. He will preach the Path of discipleship, brotherhood and serving. Because this is what the law of evolution requires nowadays." (Master Beinsa Douno, The Master, The Life of the Sixth Race, ISBN 954-744-050-0, [3], 1900-1946, Society Byalo Bratstvo - Bulgaria)
  • Nostradamus predicted that "from the sky will come a great King of Terror" in 1999 [14]. This was interpreted by some as a prophecy about the second coming of Jesus. When this didn't occur, his followers and those of Edgar Cayce claimed that Jesus was conceived in 1998, born in 1999, and is currently living on Earth as a reincarnated person.
  • The Rastafari movement believes Haile Selassie is the second coming (although he himself did not encourage this belief). He both embodied this when he became Emperor of Ethiopia, but is also expected to return a second time to initiate the apocalyptic day of judgement. Haile Selassie, also called Jah Ras Tafari, is often considered to be alive by Rastafarians.
  • Fundamentalist preacher Jerry Falwell predicted in 1999 that the Second Coming would probably be within 10 years.[15]
  • Televangelist Jack Van Impe has, over the years, predicted many specific years and dates for the second coming of Jesus, but has continued to move his prediction later. Many of these dates have already passed, and he recently pointed to 2012 as a possible date for the second coming. Van Impe no longer claims to know the exact date of the Second Coming, but quotes verses which imply that humankind should know when the second coming is near.

Claims of the Second Coming

  • Bahá'u'lláh Claimed to be the Return of Christ. Followers of the Bahá'í Faith believe that the fulfillment of the prophecies of the second coming of Jesus, as well as the prophecies of the 5th Buddha Maitreya and many other religious prophecies of a bringer of universal peace, were begun by the Báb in 1844 and then by Bahá'u'lláh. They commonly compare the fulfillment of Christian prophecies to Jesus' fulfillment of Jewish prophecies, where in both cases people were expecting the literal fulfillment of apocalyptic statements. For more analysis of prophecies see Prophecy Fulfilled and Catastrophe, Armageddon and Millennium.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "We have come to know the threefold coming of the Lord. His first coming was in the flesh and in weakness, this intermediary coming is in the spirt and in power, athe last coming will bein glory and majesty." - St Bernard of Clairvaux Sermon 5 on Advent 1
  2. ^ Hurtado, Larry W. Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. (Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2005) 293, see section on Son of Man
  3. ^ "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the good news.’Mark 1:15
  4. ^ Matthew 24:34 & Genea: What The Scholars Say
  5. ^ "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." (compare Mark 13:32–37 to Mark 14:38,41)
  6. ^ "For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."1 Corinthians 1:18)
  7. ^ C.S. Lewis The World’s Last Night and Other Essays
  8. ^ Illustration: Rosencrucian Gallery
  9. ^ Heindel, Max, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception (Part III, Chapter XV: Christ and His Mission), November 1909, ISBN 0-911274-34-0
  10. ^ The Rosicrucian Fellowship, Eastern and Western Spiritual Alternatives
  11. ^ Heindel, Max, How Shall We Know Christ at His Coming?, May 1913 (stenographic report of a lecture, Los Angeles), ISBN 0-911274-64-2
  12. ^ "Islamic View of the Coming/Return of Jesus", by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat, 2003, Islamic Perspectives, [1]
  13. ^ Swedenborg's True Christian Religion passage number 791
  14. ^ The King of Terror - Part 1
  15. ^ Falwell: Antichrist May Be Alive. Sonja Baristic, Associated Press. January 16 1999.

References

  • Explanatory text in The New Jerusalem Bible (1990). Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-14264-1
  • Lewis, C.S. (1960). The World's Last Night and Other Essays. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0-15-698360-5
  • Heindel, Max, How Shall We Know Christ at His Coming?, May 1913 (stenographic report of a lecture, Los Angeles), ISBN 0-911274-64-2 www
  • James Stuart Russell. The Parousia, A Careful Look at the New Testament Doctrine of the Lord's Second Coming
  • Martin Gardner. The Second Coming of Jesus. Skeptical Inquirer, Volume 24, Number 1.
  • Frederic J. Baumgartner. Longing for the End: A History of Millennialism in Western Civilization. St. Martin's Press, 1999.
  • Robert Surgenor's review of 'The Second Coming' 1999. [4]
  • Pedersen, Kenth. A Strange American: Chatting with God, March 25, 2005. ISBN 0-9776867-2-8 (www.astrangeamerican.com)
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