Purging the ‘Second Coming’

Here’s how one author explained it to me — for the reason he continues to use “second coming” language, even though he knows better. “It’s a term I have adopted with some degree of uneasiness in order to connect to a popular audience,” he relayed.

 

But I ask you, isn’t this using error to reinforce error? Is this how we truly hope to bring forth truth?

 

The biblical truth is, the many comings of Deity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) run like a thread throughout both the OT and the NT – and there are many different types of comings for many different purposes.

 

That’s why the Bible never uses “first coming” and “second coming” terminology.

 

Then why should we?

 

So if we are sincere about seeking and spreading truth, shouldn’t we purge this erroneous language from our vocabulary, rather than perpetuating it?

 

Oh, I know Hebrews 9:28 speaks of Christ appearing “a second time . . . to bring salvation.”

 

But that’s as close to “second coming” language as you can get.

 

Apparently, that’s close enough for some, even though this scripture does not limit his many comings but only highlights two special comings for a special purpose.

 

The fact is, the so-called “second coming” is both the most anticipated and divisive event in human history.

 

All other end-time events are tied to its occurrence (past or future).

 

And this field is termed “one of the most divisive elements in recent Christian history . . . . few doctrines unite and separate Christians as much as eschatology.” (Christianity Today, 2/6/87, p. 1-I).

 

Therefore, isn’t it long past time for some new thinking and discussion on this critical and controversial issue, rather than perpetuating non-scriptural terminology and the unscriptural idea of limiting Christ’s many comings to only two times?

 

Seriously, what do you really think about this challenge?

 

For why the Bible also never uses “return” language for Jesus — see my latest book, The Greater Jesus: His glorious unveiling.  (Amazon.com) or on this site click on “Our Teachings” and “Second Coming” and “He Never Left.”