Using Analogies and Examples to Illustrate the Second Coming
The Second Coming of Christ, also known as the parousia, apokalupsis, or epiphaneia in Greek, refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to Earth [3]. This event is distinct from his first advent and is prophesied in various biblical texts, including Acts 1:11, 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 2 Timothy 4:1, and Hebrews 9:28 [1]. The timing of this return is explicitly stated as unknown (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) [2].
Biblical writers and theologians have used various analogies and examples to illustrate aspects of the Second Coming, often emphasizing its suddenness, the need for vigilance, and its transformative impact.
One prominent analogy compares the Second Coming to the flood in Noah's day. Jesus himself states that "as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man" (Matthew 24:37). This comparison highlights that the event will come upon people unawares, and the only adequate preparation is a life of consistent vigilance and obedience [5]. The focus of this analogy is not on the magnitude of sins, but on the lack of discernment regarding God's actions [5].
Another significant illustration is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). This parable depicts ten virgins who take their lamps and go out to meet the bridegroom. The parable's object is to illustrate the vigilant and expectant attitude of faith that believers should maintain in anticipation of Christ's return [6]. The "kingdom of heaven" in this parable can refer to the Gospel church state, either shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem or, more commonly, before Christ's second coming to judgment [7].
The apostle Paul also uses the figure of Adam as a "type" or "figure of him who was to come," referring to Christ as the "second Adam" (Romans 5:14-19) [4]. While this analogy primarily addresses Christ's redemptive work in contrast to Adam's sin, it implicitly points to a future culmination where Christ's work fully rectifies the consequences of Adam's fall.
The Second Coming is also described as "the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord" and "times of restitution of all things" (Acts 3:19, 21), indicating a period of renewal and restoration [2]. It is further referred to as the "appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7), the "revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13), and the "glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour" (Titus 2:13) [2]. These descriptions, along with the various analogies, underscore the expectation of a definitive and transformative future event in Christian theology.
Sources
- 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”
- 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: Adam, a type — The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as "the figure of him who was to come." On this account our Lord is sometimes called the second Adam. This typical relation is described in Rom. 5:14-19.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 24:37: 24:37–25:46 Jesus now applied his predictions (24:1-36) to his followers so they will be faithful and prepared for his second coming. 24:37-41 Jesus’ second coming, like the flood (Gen 7), will come upon people unawares. The only adequate preparation is a life of consistent vigilance and obedience (cp. Luke 17:26-27, 34-35). 24:37 When the Son of Man returns: Jesus’ second coming (see 24:3; cp. Luke 17:26). • in Noah’s day (see Gen 6:9-22; 2 Pet 2:5; 3:5-6): The comparison here does not concern the magnitude of sins, but a lack of discernment about what God is d”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 24 (introduction): PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS. (Mat 25:1-13) Then--at the time referred to at the close of the preceding chapter, the time of the Lord's Second Coming to reward His faithful servants and take vengeance on the faithless. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom--This supplies a key to the parable, whose object is, in the main, the same as that of the last parable--to illustrate the vigilant and expectant attitude of faith, in respect of which believers are d”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 25 (introduction): Then shall the kingdom of heaven,.... The Gospel church state; See Gill on Mat 13:24 either as it would be a little before the coming of the son of man to take vengeance on the Jews; or as it will be a little before his second coming to judgment: for the parable is manifestly connected with, and refers to the preceding chapter, which chiefly treats of Jerusalem's destruction: but though the Jews were in great security before their utter ruin, yet it does not appear that the Christian church was then in such a lukewarm, drowsy, and sleepy condition, as th”