Advents -Arrivals; the physical comings of Christ to earth
The Bible speaks of two advents of Christ. The characteristics of Christ's two physical comings to earth are contrasted in the chart below. The second advent of Christ will excel in glory as His first advent did in humility.
CHRIST'S FIRST AND SECOND ADVENTS CONTRASTED
Characteristic
First Coming
Second Coming
1. Step in the Savior's life plan
Jesus' first step of humiliation -His
humble birth
Christ's final step of exaltation
His coming to judge the world
2. Time of Jesus' arrival
At the close of the Old Testament and the ushering in of the New Testament
At the close of the New Testament and the ushering in of eternity
3. Christ's position
Humble servant
Glorified King of kings and Lord of lords
4. Jesus' power
Helpless, needy babe; placed under the burden of sin
Almighty God; the triumphant Conqueror of sin
5.
Circumstances surrounding His
arrival
a. Place
A manger in a stable (no room for Him in the inn)
Seated on His glorious throne upon
the clouds of heaven
b. Dress
Wrapped in swaddling rags
All glorious, kingly apparel
c. Attendees
A poor, young woman and her husband
The heavenly hosts of angels
d. Witnesses
A few poor shepherds
All mankind and angelic hosts
Who are the only people with a true hope for the future? Why?
The second coming of Christ is a great event which the true church looks forward to with strong desire. It is the blessed hope of the followers of Christ, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ"
(Titus 2:13). When faith is in exercise, the true Church longs for the return of Christ, its King, and the full deliverance He shall bring with Him. Its hope and desire is expressed in the closing verses of Scripture, "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
Scripture describes the glorious second coming of Christ according to the characteristics listed in the chart on the following page.
