The Imminence of Christ's Return in Eschatology
The imminence of Christ's return refers to the belief that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ could happen at any moment, without any further prophetic events necessarily preceding it. This expectation is rooted in various New Testament passages that speak of Christ's return as a future, yet potentially near, event [1, 6].
The New Testament uses several Greek words to describe Christ's return, including apokalupsis (revelation), parousia (coming or appearing), and epiphaneia (appearance) [1, 5, 8]. While parousia can refer to a general coming or appearing, in eschatological contexts, it specifically denotes Christ's second advent [1, 8]. The concept of "coming" can also refer to Christ's first advent, the introduction of the gospel, the establishment of his kingdom, or his judgment on the wicked [2]. However, the imminence doctrine focuses on his second coming, which will bring history to a close with decisive judgment [8].
Early Christians held a widespread expectation of Christ's speedy return, based on passages such as Matthew 24:29-30, 34 [1]. The apostle Peter, for instance, exhorted believers to be ready because "the end of the world is coming soon" [6]. Similarly, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that "the day of the Lord’s return" would come "like a thief in the night," emphasizing its unexpected nature [9]. The timing of this event is explicitly stated as unknown to humans, with passages like Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 indicating that only God the Father knows the exact day and hour [3].
The idea of imminence suggests that no specific signs or prophecies must be fulfilled before Christ's return, though other passages do speak of signs preceding the "end of the age" [8]. The church is understood to be positioned between Christ's past saving "epiphany" (his first coming) and his future "epiphany" that will achieve final salvation [5]. This perspective encourages Christians to live in constant readiness and watchfulness, as the "next event in salvation history is the second coming of Christ" [6]. While Old Testament prophecies, such as those in Ezekiel and Jeremiah, often had a primary fulfillment in events like the return from Babylonian captivity, they also contained a deeper, future fulfillment related to Christ's ultimate work [7, 10, 11]. The New Testament writers often draw upon these prophetic traditions to underscore the certainty and potential nearness of Christ's final return [4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation of Christ — The second advent of Christ. Three different Greek words are used by the apostles to express this, (1) apokalupsis (1 Cor. 1;7; 2 Thess. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7, 13); (2) parousia (Matt. 24:3, 27; 1 Thess. 2:19; James 5:7, 8); (3) epiphaneia (1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 1:10; 4:1-8; Titus 2:13). There existed among Christians a wide expectation, founded on Matt. 24:29, 30, 34, of the speedy return of Christ. (See [533]MILLENNIUM.)”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Coming of Christ — (1) with reference to his first advent "in the fulness of the time" (1 John 5:20; 2 John 1:7), or (2) with reference to his coming again the second time at the last day (Acts 1:11; 3:20, 21; 1 Thess. 4:15; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 9:28). The expression is used metaphorically of the introduction of the gospel into any place (John 15:22; Eph. 2:17), the visible establishment of his kingdom in the world (Matt. 16:28), the conferring on his people of the peculiar tokens of his love (John 14:18, 23, 28), and his executing judgment on the wicked (2 Thess. 2:8).”
- 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”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 10:34: For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,.... That the person spoken of is the Lord Jesus Christ, is evident from the prophecy in Hab 2:3 here referred to, and from the character of him that is to come, Mat 11:3 and from parallel places, Jam 5:7 and this is to be understood, not of his coming in the flesh, for he was come in the flesh already; though Habakkuk indeed refers to his first coming, yet not to that only, but including his second coming also; but of his coming in his kingdom and power to destroy Jerusalem, and take vengeance on the Jews, fo”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:14: 6:14 until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again (literally until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ): Christ’s comings, both past (2 Tim 1:10; Titus 2:11) and future (2 Tim 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13), are described in the letters to Timothy and Titus as “epiphanies” or “appearances.” An epiphany is a divine intervention in a particular historical moment. The church is positioned between these past and future appearances of Christ. Christ’s first, saving epiphany made possible a new life; his future epiphany will achieve final salvation. Though the present is evil (t”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:7: 4:7-11 With this paragraph of miscellaneous exhortations, Peter concludes the third major section of the letter (3:13–4:11). 4:7 The end of the world is coming soon: At Christ’s coming, the “last days” predicted by the Old Testament prophets had begun (see 1:10-12). The next event in salvation history is the second coming of Christ, which will bring the end of the world as we know it. The end could come at any time; therefore, Christians must always be ready for it (see also Phil 4:5; Jas 5:8; Rev 1:3; 22:10).”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 36:8: they are at hand to come--that is the Israelites are soon about to return to their land. This proves that the primary reference of the prophecy is to the return from Babylon, which was "at hand," or comparatively near. But this only in part fulfilled the prediction, the full and final blessing in future, and the restoration from Babylon was an earnest of it.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 24:3: 24:3 The Greek term translated return is parousia, which can mean coming or appearing. • end of the world (or end of the age): This expression refers to the climax and end of an epoch in salvation history (see 13:39-40, 49; also Heb 9:26). Jesus’ second coming will bring normal history to a close with decisive judgment. The disciples assumed that the destruction of the Temple and the end of history were closely connected.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 5:2: 5:2 For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4). • The day of the Lord’s return is the time when God will come to judge humanity (Isa 13:6, 9; Ezek 30:3) and save his people (Joel 2:21-32; 3:18; Zech 14). • like a thief in the night: Cp. Matt 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15.”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 32:42: (Jer 31:28). The restoration from Babylon was only a slight foretaste of the grace to be expected by Israel at last through Christ.”
- Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 37 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 37 This chapter contains a prophecy of the Jews' return from captivity to their own land; of the union of the each tribes with one another; and of the glorious kingdom of Christ among them. Their restoration is represented by a vision of dry bones made alive; the place in which they were; the condition they were in; and the manner in which they were made to live, are described, Eze 37:1, the explication and application of this vision to the Jews, Eze 37:11, their union is signified by a sign or emblem of two sticks, which became”