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The concept of Second coming in Christianity

The Second Coming refers to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ, a pivotal concept in Christian eschatology. This event, prophesied in the New Testament, is seen as a time for divine judgment and the fulfillment of biblical predictions. It will involve the judgment of the living and the dead and may be accompanied by significant signs and events, including natural upheavals. Various Christian denominations emphasize its importance, reminding believers to prepare through faithful living and practicing their faith in anticipation of this momentous return.

Synonyms: Return of christ, Parousia, Apocalypse, Last judgment, Final return, Advent, Return, Resurrection, Revival, Second advent, Arrival

In Malay: Kedatangan kedua; In Swedish: Andra kommer; In Spanish: Segundo advenimiento; In Finnish: Toinen tuleminen; In Dutch: Tweede komst; In German: Zweites Kommen; In French: Seconde venue

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Second coming'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The return of our Lord, and the sequence of the letters to the seven churches present a fore-glimpse of the successive conditions of the Church until the second coming of our Lord.[1] (2) The anticipated return of Jesus, linked to the Resurrection and Ascension, which completes his work, and is a central tenet of Christian belief.[2] (3) The moral and religious uses of the doctrine of our Lord's second coming are the subject of a little dissertation in the text.[3] (4) The anticipated return of Jesus Christ, believed by early Christians to be witnessed within their lifetimes.[4] (5) The anticipated return of our Lord to judgment, emphasizing the themes of majesty and terror.[5]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The text mentions that the world's lack of preparedness for this event will be similar to the situation during Noah's days before the flood, emphasizing the comparison.[6] (2) A central theme in Revelation, and a point of focus for the futurist interpretation, referring to Christ's return.[7] (3) The second coming refers to the return of someone, and the text connects this with Messiah, suggesting that this event will be preceded by a fuller manifestation of Elijah, as mentioned in the provided text.[8] (4) The anticipated return of the Lord, associated with suffering for those unprepared, as referenced in 1 Thessalonians 5:3.[9] (5) The anticipated return of Christ, a pivotal concept discussed in both epistles to assure believers of their hope in eternal life.[10]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The anticipated future return of Jesus, which implies His earlier Ascension.[11] (2) A prophetic event forecasted in the New Testament, during which multiple earthquakes are said to occur.[12] (3) The anticipated return of Christ to establish His Kingdom at the end of 'this age'.[13] (4) The anticipated return of Christ, during which angels are believed to play a significant role.[14] (5) The eventual return of Christ, which is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of prophecies in Matthew 24 and is associated with the end of the world.[15]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This is the event that the apostle alluded to in his former epistle, and it was misunderstood by the Thessalonians, leading to the writing of the second epistle to clarify the situation and provide guidance.[16]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The text refers to the second coming of our Saviour, which the Apostle, as in the parallel above, had desired, but had not seen, and the text explains the significance.[17] (2) This is the future return of Christ, which will be marked by power and judgment, when he comes from heaven for the punishment of the devil and to the judgment of the human race.[18] (3) The text mentions the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, indicating a focus on eschatological events and the return of a divine figure.[19] (4) This is an event that is described as the occasion to proceed in opposition to Christ, which implies a specific sequence of events and a return.[20] (5) The second coming is the second and diviner coming of Christ, and John's testimony precedes this coming, and John or Elias will come to bear witness about life a little before Christ.[21]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The future return of Christ to judge the world, used in comparison to his first coming, highlighting the differing ways each should be revealed, with the second needing to be manifest.[22] (2) The anticipated return of Christ, associated with power and majesty, as per biblical prophecies.[23] (3) The future coming of Christ, during which He will execute the Father's justice and reveal His glory.[24] (4) The anticipated return of Christ, which will occur when God comes to judgment.[25] (5) The future arrival of Christ, expected to be accompanied by significant signs as a contrasting event to the first.[26]

From: The city of God

(1) This phrase refers to a future event of a return, often within a religious or eschatological context, as stated by the information provided.[27]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) The anticipated return of Christ to fulfill the final prophecies and deliver ultimate justice as foretold in various chapters.[28] (2) The anticipated return of Christ to judge the living and the dead, as foretold by the prophets.[29] (3) The anticipated return of Christ, which will be met with judgment of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.[30]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The future return of Christ, which is the culmination of Christian eschatological beliefs and marks the end of the current age.[31]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Second coming'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) This is the descent of the Christ-spirit upon the candidate at his initiation, where they shall inherit eternal life.[32] (2) The second coming refers to the anticipated arrival of the Messiah, which the Ebionites believed would be when he would appear as the Messiah.[33]