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Expectations of the Second Coming in Christian Eschatology

The Christian expectation of the Second Coming of Christ, also known as the second advent, is a central tenet of eschatology, referring to Jesus Christ's return to earth [1, 2]. This event is expressed in the New Testament using several Greek words, including apokalupsis (revelation), parousia (presence or coming), and epiphaneia (appearing or manifestation) [1]. The concept is deeply rooted in biblical prophecy and is a significant aspect of Christian hope [6].

The New Testament frequently speaks of Christ's return. For instance, Acts 1:11 records angels telling the disciples that Jesus, "this same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Hebrews 9:28 states that Christ "will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation" [8]. This eager waiting is a recurring theme, described as "constant expectation" and "joy" [9]. The apostle Peter, in his second epistle, emphasizes the "sure word of prophecy" regarding Christ's return and warns against false prophets who might mislead believers [3].

The timing of the Second Coming is explicitly stated as unknown, with passages like Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 indicating that only God the Father knows the day and hour [4]. Despite this unknown timing, Christians are called to live in constant readiness and expectation [11]. This expectation is not merely passive but involves actively "looking for" and "hastening" the day of God [7, 9]. It is seen as an antidote to worldly lusts and a stimulus for righteous living [9].

Various biblical texts describe the nature and purpose of this return. It is referred to as "the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" and "times of restitution of all things" [4]. The Second Coming will involve the resurrection of the dead, both righteous and unrighteous [5]. It is also associated with the "glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour" (Titus 2:13) [4]. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:7, highlights that the Corinthian believers were "behind in no gift" as they were "waiting for... the coming of... Christ," indicating that this expectation is a hallmark of mature faith, hope, and love [10].

The expectation of Christ's return serves as a powerful motivator for Christian conduct. It encourages believers to "run with patience" and endure [12]. The "hope" of Christ's coming is not just an abstract concept but a concrete object of anticipation that brings blessedness [9]. This hope is so fundamental that it designates the essence of Christianity itself, alongside faith and love [6]. Unbelievers, in contrast, are described as being "without this hope" [6].

Early Christians held a widespread expectation of Christ's speedy return, based on passages such as Matthew 24:29-30, 34 [1]. This anticipation has continued throughout Christian history, shaping theological understanding and practical living. The Second Coming is the "great object of the Christian's expectation," even more so than death itself [13]. It signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom [2].

Sources

  1. 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.)”
  2. 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).”
  3. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Peter, Second Epistle Of — The following is a brief outline of the contents of this epistle: The customary opening salutation is followed by an enumeration of Christian blessings and exhortation to Christian duties. (2 Peter 1:1-13) Referring then to his approaching death, the apostle assigns as grounds of assurance for believers his own personal testimony as eye-witness of the transfiguration and the sure word of prophecy--that is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. vs. (2 Peter 1:14-21) The danger of being misled by false prophets is dwelt upon with great earnestness t”
  4. 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”
  5. Acts “Acts 24:15 (YLT) — having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, <FI>that<Fi> there is about to be a rising again of the dead, both of righteous and unrighteous;”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Hope — One of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24; 1 John 3:2). "Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 10:23). In it the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (Eph. 1:18; 4:4)." Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:13). Christ is the actual object of the believer's hope, because it is in”
  7. II Peter “II Peter 3:12 (Rotherham) — Expecting and hastening the presence of the day of God, by reason of which, heavens, being on fire, will be dissolved, and, elements, becoming intensely hot, are to be melted;”
  8. Hebrews “so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation. -- Hebrews 9:28”
  9. Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 2:13: (Phi 3:20-21). Looking for--with constant expectation (so the Greek) and with joy (Rom 8:19). This will prove the antidote to worldly lusts, and the stimulus to "live in this present world" conformably to this expectation. The Greek is translated, "waiting for," in Luk 2:25. that--Greek, "the." blessed--bringing blessedness (Rom 4:7-8). hope--that is, object of hope (Rom 8:24; Gal 5:5; Col 1:5). the glorious appearing--There is but one Greek article to both "hope" and "appearing," which marks their close connection (the hope being about to be ”
  10. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 1:7: ye come behind--are inferior to other Christians elsewhere [GROTIUS]. in no gift--not that all had all gifts, but different persons among them had different gifts (Co1 12:4, &c.). waiting for . . . coming of . . . Christ--The crowning proof of their "coming behind in no gift." Faith, hope, and love, are all exercised herein (compare Ti2 4:8; Tit 2:13). "Leaving to others their MEMENTO MORI (remember death), do thou earnestly cherish this joyous expectation of the Lord's coming" [BENGEL]. The Greek verb implies, "to expect constantly, not only”
  11. 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).”
  12. 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:5: If "the Lord" be here the Holy Ghost (Co2 3:17), the three Persons of the Trinity will occur in this verse. love of God--love to God. patient waiting for Christ--rather as Greek, "the patience (endurance) of Christ," namely, which Christ showed [ALFORD] (Th2 2:4; Th1 1:3). ESTIUS, however, supports English Version (compare Rev 1:9; Rev 3:10). At all events, this grace, "patience," or persevering endurance, is connected with the "hope" (Th1 1:3, Th1 1:10) of Christ's coming. In ALFORD'S translation we may compare Heb 12:1-2, "Run with patien”
  13. 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 6:14: (Rom 8:11). raised up--rather, "raised," to distinguish it from "will raise up us"; the Greek of the latter being a compound, the former a simple verb. Believers shall be raised up out of the rest of the dead (see on Phi 3:11); the first resurrection (Rev 20:5). us--Here he speaks of the possibility of his being found in the grave when Christ comes; elsewhere, of his being possibly found alive (Th1 4:17). In either event, the Lord's coming rather than death is the great object of the Christian's expectation (Rom 8:19).”
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