The Second Coming of Jesus
The question has often been asked, what does the Bible say about the second coming of Jesus? It has been many centuries since the ascension of Jesus into heaven. There have been many people who privately and publicly have had discussions about this question. Remember, it is only after all of the Scriptures have been examined on any subject can true Bible doctrine be established.
First and foremost, we must say that there are no Scriptures in the Bible that teach a “second coming” of Jesus. As a matter of fact, the phrase “second coming” does not even appear anywhere in the Bible.
Today, much is said about the “second coming” of Jesus on TV, on the radio, in books, and in newspapers. The religious public is overwhelmed with the use of the phrase “second coming of Jesus”. Even though this expression is not found anywhere in the Bible, our media floods us every day with the expression the “second coming” of Jesus.
When Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, this marked His first coming. Jesus came to shed His blood and to give His life to redeem those under the curse of sin. John 3:16, Romans 5:12, 6:23
It was at Calvary that Jesus paid the price for redemption. Acts 20:28, 1 John 3:16 Jesus spoke very plainly to His disciples when He told them that He would NOT leave them comfortless, but He would come to them. Jesus told them that He was going away to prepare a place for them that they could abide with Him forever. John 14:1-4
When the disciples heard these words, they were puzzled and asked Jesus, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” John 14:5
This is where Jesus gave one of His most well-known sayings as He answered their question, “I am the way, the truth, and the life….” John 14:6
Then Jesus makes a very bold revelation to His disciples; Jesus tells them that He is the Spirit of truth and that He is the comforter. John 14:16-18
Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that the world will see Him no more; but they shall see Him. John 14:19 Jesus plainly tells His disciples that He is going away, but will come again to them, to His disciples. John 14:28
Remember, Jesus was addressing His disciples, not us today.
This leads us to the Great Commission that Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. The Greek word for the English word “world” is “aeon”. The Greek word “aeon” means Age.
It was true, their “world” was about to end; the Jewish Age was about to come to a close. Here in this verse, Jesus was speaking to the Apostles and telling them that He was to be with them unto the end of the Age. History tells us that the Jewish Age ended in AD 70 with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Soon, it all became very clear to the Apostles exactly what Jesus was talking about. When they saw Him die on the cross and His body lay in a tomb for 3 days, they really thought it was all over.
But on the third day, just as Jesus had told them, the risen Saviour appeared to them and even taught them another 40 days after His resurrection. Acts 1:3 After Jesus opened their understanding of the Scriptures, He gave them very specific instructions to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise. Luke 24:45-49
The Apostles were getting ready to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 This was poured out 7 days later on the Day of Pentecost. Peter then stood up and delivered the very first sermon in response to the question: “Whatever could this mean?” Acts 2:12
Peter boldly proclaims the Truth which he clearly understands now. Acts 2:32-33
Peter was proclaiming that Jesus had shed forth the Holy Spirit on them that day. It had now come to pass what Jesus told the disciples as recorded in the Book of John: “…. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18
This is exactly how Jesus was with the disciples “unto the end of the Age”, or unto the end of the “Jewish world” which occurred in AD 70 of the first century.
It is erroneous to apply Matthew 28:19-20 to our future or to the end of planet Earth. The coming that Jesus was telling His Apostles about in John 14:3 was His coming in AD 70.
We know this because of the clear time statements that Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 24:34, in Mark 13:30, and in Luke 21:32.
Jesus is the one who said that the generation whom He was addressing that day would not pass until they saw all things fulfilled. Jesus is the one that positioned His coming at the same time as the destruction of the temple. Matthew 24:2-3
All this He said in response to the question His disciples asked Him: “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” again the word “world” as rendered in the King James Version comes from the Greek word, “aeon” or age as we can see in the screenshots above. One of the things Jesus said would happen at the time of the destruction of the temple was His coming. Matthew 24:30-31
Most passages in the New Testament concerning the Coming of Jesus refer to His coming in AD 70.
James said that his coming was at hand or near. James 5:8-9 “near” or “at hand” has never meant thousands of years.
Look at all of the comings of Jesus recorded in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 2:5,16, 3:3,11,20 In John 14:18-19, we read about the departure of Jesus and His coming again.
All of these Scriptures speak of an event that took place in the year AD 70 of the first century. This means that the “final coming” of Jesus was NOT in AD 70.
We are now speaking of “comings” of the Lord. We can see this beautifully illustrated by the words of the Apostle John who recorded what Jesus said in Revelation 3:20.
As many people as have opened the door of their hearts to Jesus, He now comes through faith and obedience to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:37-39. This is how He comes into our lives today.
Conclusion
Now we can understand why the Bible neither speaks of the “second coming” nor of His “final coming”. As long as planet Earth is here and people continue to exist on it, there will always be many “comings” of Jesus.
Remember, the term “second coming of Jesus” appears nowhere in the Bible. The only verse in the Bible that even hints at a “second time” is found in Hebrews 9:28.
This verse illustrates how Jesus fulfilled the High priest topology. This occurred in AD 70 at His coming. (We have a whole separate Bible study that explains this concept of “High Priest Topology”)
Finally, the whole Bible ends with a verse that quotes Jesus: “Surely, I come quickly”. “Quickly” does not mean thousands of years. The Scripture says in Revelation 22:17, “let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely”.
This is the invitation that is extended to “whomsoever will”. This is the call of God to us today. Will you respond to the call of God today and obey the Gospel message?
Jesus said, “If anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20 If you do open the door of your heart to Him, Jesus will come into your life.
