The second coming of Christ is
a prominent feature in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said,
". . . I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also" (John 14:2,3).
God came to earth 2000 years ago in the
form of a man, Jesus of Nazareth. Of the many things He taught
concerning the kingdom of God, He continually emphasized the second coming
of Christ.
The second coming of Christ was also proclaimed by angelic messengers when
Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven. As the
early apostles continued to look towards heaven after Jesus passed out of
sight, ". . . two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven" (Acts 1:10,11). As His Father raised Him into heaven,
so will His Father send Him back to earth in the second coming of Christ.
The second coming of Christ was also believed by Peter, who was often the
spokesman for those early followers of Jesus. He said, when ask what
was happening on the feast of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus,
"This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and
hear" (Acts 2:32,33). The second coming of Jesus was essential
to the belief of the early disciples of Jesus.
The second coming of Christ is also crucial today for all who would
believe that there is abundant life in Jesus Christ. For
understanding the second coming of Christ gives the believer a clear
knowledge of the ways of life (Acts 2:28). The second coming of
Christ is the way of life.
The second coming of Christ also continually keeps the believer in a good
frame of mind enabling him to experience a joy that is beyond all
understanding. Knowing the second coming of Christ empowers the
believer and he, too, can say, "Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell . . ." (Acts
2:26,27). Regardless what may come in life, the second coming of
Christ can turn pain into gain. It will be joy unspeakable and full
of glory.
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