Fulfillment of the Great Commission Before Jesus' Second Coming
The concept of fulfilling the Great Commission before Jesus' second coming is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a subject of discussion among Christian theologians and traditions. According to Charles Hodge, one theologian, the universal proclamation of the Gospel is a significant event expected to precede Christ's second coming [2].
The biblical basis for this expectation is found in passages such as Matthew 24:14, which states that "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" [1]. This verse is often interpreted as indicating that the Gospel must be preached to all nations before the second advent. Hodge argues that the Old Testament predictions, such as the Messiah being a light to lighten the Gentiles, support this interpretation [2].
Historically, the Church has not always prioritized the universal proclamation of the Gospel. Hodge notes that the command to "go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" was "almost forgotten" due to various challenges and distractions faced by the early Church [3]. However, within the last fifty years preceding Hodge's time, the Church began to recognize its duty to convert the nations.
The fulfillment of the Great Commission is closely tied to other eschatological events. According to Hodge, the second great event preceding Christ's second coming is the national conversion of the Jews [4]. This belief is based on biblical passages and the original call and destination of the Jewish people. The conversion of the Jews is seen as a significant step in the fulfillment of God's promises and covenants.
The early Church Fathers also discussed the two comings of Christ, with the first being humble and the second being glorious [6]. The apostle Paul wrote about a falling away or apostasy that would occur before Christ's second coming (2 Thessalonians 2:3) [5]. This apostasy is understood as a defection from sound doctrine and holy living.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Hodge, emphasizes the importance of the universal diffusion of the Gospel and the conversion of the Jews as events preceding Christ's second coming [7]. This tradition also highlights the significance of Christ's personal, visible, and glorious return, accompanied by the general resurrection and final judgment.
The fulfillment of the Great Commission is thus seen as a crucial aspect of Christian eschatology, with various traditions interpreting its significance and timing in relation to Christ's second coming. The biblical anchor for this concept is firmly rooted in passages such as Matthew 24:14, and its articulation has been shaped by the theological discussions and debates throughout Christian history.
The early Christian understanding of Christ's coming is also reflected in the writings of the Church Fathers, who emphasized the distinction between Christ's first and second comings [6]. This understanding is consistent with the Reformed tradition's emphasis on the glorious return of Christ.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Second Coming of Christ, The — Time of, unknown -- Mt 24:36; Mr 13:32. Called the Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. -- Ac 3:19. Times of restitution of all things. -- Ac 3:21; Ro 8:21. Last time. -- 1Pe 1:5. Appearing of Jesus Christ. -- 1Pe 1:7. Revelation of Jesus Christ. -- 1Pe 1:13. Glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour. -- Tit 2:13. Coming of the day of God. -- 2Pe 3:12. Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1Co 1:8. Foretold by Prophets. -- Da 7:13; Jude 1:14. Himself. -- Mt 25:31; Joh 14:3. Apostles. -- Ac 3:20; 1Ti 6:14. Angels. -- A”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 87: § 4. The Calling of the Gentiles. The first great event which is to precede the second coming of Christ, is the universal proclamation of the Gospel. 1. The first argument in proof of the position that the Gospel must be preached to all nations before the second advent, is founded on the predictions of the Old Testament. It is there distinctly foretold that when the Messiah appeared the Spirit should be poured out on all flesh, and that all men should see the salvation of God. The Messiah was to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, as well”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 87: power of the Romish Church, and in most cases all the power of the State. They had to defend their doctrines against the prejudices and learning of the age; to organize their Churches, and alas! they were distracted among themselves. Under these circumstances it is not to be wondered at that the command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” was almost forgotten. It is only within the last fifty years that the Church has been brought to feel that its great duty is the conversion of the nations. More, probabl”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 88: § 5. Conversion of the Jews. The second great event, which, according to the common faith of the Church, is to precede the second advent of Christ, is the national conversion of the Jews. First, that there is to be such a national conversion may be argued, — 1. From the original call and destination of that people. God called Abraham and promised that through him, and in his seed, all the nations of the earth should be blessed. He entered into a solemn covenant with him engaging to be his God and the God of his posterity to the latest gen”
- 2 Thessalonians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Thessalonians 2:3: In these words the apostle confutes the error against which he had cautioned them, and gives the reasons why they should not expect the coming of Christ as just at hand. There were several events previous to the second coming of Christ; in particular, he tells them there would be, I. A general apostasy, there would come a falling away first, Th2 2:3. By this apostasy we are not to understand a defection in the state, or from civil government, but in spiritual or religious matters, from sound doctrine, instituted worship and church government, and a holy li”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 8: Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts, Epistles, Apocrypha, Decretals — CHAP. XLIX. -- TWO COMINGS OF CHRIST.: "His coming, therefore, was predicted by Moses, who delivered the law of God to men; but by another also before him, as I have already informed you. He therefore intimated that He should come, humble indeed in His first coming, but glorious in His second. And the first, indeed, has been already accomplished; since He has come and taught, and He, the Judge of all, has been judged and slain. But at His second coming He shall come to judge, and shall indeed condemn the wicked, but shall”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 85: § 2. The Common Church Doctrine. The common Church doctrine is, first, that there is to be a second personal, visible, and glorious advent of the Son of God. Secondly, that the events which are to precede that advent, are 1. The universal diffusion of the Gospel; or, as our Lord expresses it, the ingathering of the elect; this is the vocation of the Christian Church. 2. The conversion of the Jews, which is to be national. As their casting away was national, although a remnant was saved; so their conversion may be national, although some m”