SECOND COMING
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Second Coming”
In Christianity, the Second Coming (Parousia — “arrival,” “presence”) refers to the future return of Jesus Christ to earth in glory and power.
It is a central doctrine of Christian eschatology, marking the completion of God’s redemptive plan, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
A. Promised Return of Christ
“This Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen Him go.” — Acts 1:11
Christ returns in glory to gather His elect — Matthew 24:30–31
“Behold, He is coming with the clouds…” — Revelation 1:7
The Second Coming is visible, glorious, and certain
Jesus’ return is not symbolic or hidden — it is a public, triumphant event.
This truth shows that God keeps His promises and will bring history to its intended fulfillment.
You can live with confidence knowing Christ will return in glory.
B. Judgment and Reward
Christ brings relief to believers and judgment to unbelief — 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10
The Son of Man judges the nations — Matthew 25:31–46
The Second Coming brings divine justice, reward, and separation of good and evil
The return of Christ reveals God’s perfect justice.
This truth shows that righteousness will be vindicated and evil will not prevail.
You can trust God to set all things right.
THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
A. Fulfillment of God’s Kingdom
Christ’s return inaugurates the fullness of God’s reign
Brings peace, justice, and restoration
New creation fully realized
This truth shows that the Second Coming completes God’s redemptive story.
You can look forward to a world renewed by God’s justice and love.
B. Hope and Encouragement
Christ’s return strengthens perseverance
Gives courage in trials and suffering
Anchors believers in future glory
This truth reveals that hope is rooted in Christ’s promised return.
You can endure hardship knowing glory is coming.
C. Call to Readiness
Believers must live alert and prepared
Holiness and vigilance are essential
Christ may return at any moment
This truth shows that readiness is a lifestyle, not a moment.
You can live each day with purpose and expectation.
HISTORICAL & CHURCH CONTEXT
A. Early Church
Expected Christ’s imminent return
Encouraged moral living and perseverance
Strengthened persecuted believers
This truth reveals that hope in Christ’s return shaped early Christian identity.
You can share their anticipation and urgency.
B. Medieval Church
Symbolic and moral interpretations
Emphasis on divine judgment
Used to address societal and spiritual challenges
This truth shows that the Second Coming has long shaped Christian imagination.
You can appreciate its depth across history.
C. Reformation & Modern Theology
Reformers emphasized Scripture’s teaching on Christ’s return
Modern views include literal, symbolic, and inaugurated eschatology
Focus on both present transformation and future consummation
This truth reveals the richness of Christian eschatological thought.
You can engage these perspectives with humility and hope.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR BELIEVERS
Spiritual vigilance and readiness
Holiness and obedience
Hope in suffering
Mission and witness
Comfort in trials
This truth shows that the Second Coming shapes daily discipleship.
You can live faithfully with eternity in view.
SECTION FIVE — SUMMARY
Second Coming is:
The future, visible return of Jesus Christ
The fulfillment of God’s kingdom and redemptive plan
A moment of judgment, reward, and restoration
Central to Christian hope and perseverance
A call to vigilance, holiness, and mission
Simple Definition
The Second Coming is the promised return of Jesus Christ to complete God’s plan, judge evil, reward believers, and establish His eternal kingdom — inspiring hope, readiness, and faithful living.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors
Dawn breaking over the earth
King entering His city
Clouds carrying Him from heaven
In Daily Faith
Live in readiness, holiness, and faithfulness to God’s commands.
IN DAILY LIFE: HOW THE SECOND COMING SHAPES CHRISTIAN LIVING
1. Live Every Day in Spiritual Readiness
Daily Application
Stay alert and prepared “Be ready… the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” — Matthew 24:44 “Prepare your minds for action…” — 1 Peter 1:13
Cultivate habits that keep your heart awake
Why This Matters
Readiness shapes your priorities and decisions.
Encouragement
Christ’s return gives meaning to every moment.
2. Pursue Holiness and Godly Living
Daily Application
Purify your life in light of Christ’s return “Everyone who has this hope… purifies himself.” — 1 John 3:2–3 “Live holy and godly lives.” — 2 Peter 3:11
Replace sinful habits with spiritual disciplines
Why This Matters
Holiness reflects the character of the coming King.
Encouragement
God empowers you to live a life worthy of His return.
3. Walk in Hope, Not Fear
Daily Application
Hold onto promises of resurrection and restoration “I will come again and take you to Myself.” — John 14:1–3 “The glory… will be revealed.” — Romans 8:18
Let hope steady your heart in suffering
Why This Matters
Hope transforms how you endure hardship.
Encouragement
Your story ends in glory, not despair.
4. Serve and Love Others Faithfully
Daily Application
Show Christlike love and compassion “Whatever you did for the least of these…” — Matthew 25:40 “Do not grow weary of doing good.” — Galatians 6:9
Bless others intentionally each day
Why This Matters
Service is readiness in action.
Encouragement
Every act of love honors the returning King.
5. Stay Faithful in Trials and Pressures
Daily Application
Endure hardship with patience “Be patient… the Lord’s coming is near.” — James 5:7–8 “Be faithful unto death…” — Revelation 2:10
Remember Christ’s justice is coming
Why This Matters
Perseverance is strengthened by eternal perspective.
Encouragement
God sees your endurance and will reward it.
6. Share the Gospel with Urgency and Compassion
Daily Application
Live as Christ’s ambassador “Go and make disciples…” — Matthew 28:19–20 “We are ambassadors for Christ…” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
Pray for opportunities to share Christ’s love
Why This Matters
The Second Coming fuels mission, not passivity.
Encouragement
Your witness has eternal significance.
7. Live with Eternal Priorities
Daily Application
Set your mind on things above “Set your minds on things above…” — Colossians 3:1–2 “Store up treasures in heaven…” — Matthew 6:20
Evaluate choices through the lens of eternity
Why This Matters
Eternal perspective clarifies what truly matters.
Encouragement
Living for eternity brings freedom and purpose.
8. Cultivate Joyful Worship and Expectation
Daily Application
Worship with anticipation “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” — Revelation 22:20 “He comes… to judge the earth.” — Psalm 96:13
Let worship shape your attitude and hope
Why This Matters
Worship aligns your heart with God’s coming kingdom.
Encouragement
Praise lifts your eyes from fear to glory.
Daily Life Summary
The Second Coming calls believers to:
Readiness
Holiness
Hope
Service
Perseverance
Mission
Eternal focus
Joyful worship
Living with Christ’s return in view transforms everyday life — helping believers grow deeply, live purposefully, and walk faithfully as they await their King.
Scripture References
Matthew 24:30
Acts 1:11
Revelation 1:7