“so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).
Jesus’ final coming will be His second appearance in human history (see yesterday’s post).
His first appearance was local—in the land of Palestine, in the first century, and testified by several trustworthy eyewitnesses. His second appearance will be universal—every eye shall see Him (Revelation 1:7) and every ear will hear a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The purpose of His first appearance was thoroughly sacrificial (Philippians 2:5-8); He came to be “offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28). The purpose of His second appearance will be to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1), separating the wheat from the chaff and then gathering the wheat into the barn while burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:12).
His first appearance was the high point of human history. All of the prophetic Scriptures pointed toward the coming of Immanuel and His kingdom (Romans 16:25-26; 1 Peter 1:10-12). His second appearance will be the terminal point of time, of human history, and of the universe (2 Peter 3:10-11).
His first appearance resulted in the building of His kingdom, the church (Matthew 16:18-19)/the body of the redeemed (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:25-27). His second appearance will culminate in the deliverance of His kingdom to God (1 Corinthians 15:24) and His “happily ever after” marriage to His bride, the church (Revelation 19:6-10).
His first appearance was like a lamb (Revelation 5:6). He came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). His second appearance will be like a lion (Revelation 5:5). He will come as King of kings and Lord of lords, the only Potentate (1 Timothy 6:15) in all His glory, and all nations will be gathered before Him (Matthew 25:31-32).
Jesus’ second appearance is either the most comforting or terrifying fact you can ponder.
