The Differences Between the First and Second Coming of Christ

The Differences Between the First and Second Coming of Christ

The concept of Christ’s coming is central to Christian theology and eschatology. Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return in two distinct events: His First Coming, which occurred over two millennia ago, and His Second Coming, which remains a future event that will mark the fulfillment of God’s plan for creation. Understanding the differences between these two comings is crucial for grasping the essence of the Christian faith and the hope believers place in the return of Christ.

In this essay, we will explore the theological, scriptural, and practical differences between the First and Second Comings of Christ. These differences can be viewed through various lenses: His purpose in coming, the manner of His arrival, the scope of His mission, and the response He will invoke in the world. By considering these distinctions, we can gain a clearer understanding of the significance of both His First and Second Coming in the Christian narrative.

1. The First Coming of Christ: Humble Beginnings and the Mission of Redemption

The First Coming of Christ refers to His incarnation—when the eternal Son of God took on human form and entered the world through the virgin birth of Mary in Bethlehem. This event, celebrated as Christmas, marks the moment when Jesus, the Savior of humanity, was born into a fallen world.

A. The Purpose of the First Coming

The primary purpose of Jesus’ First Coming was to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and to bring salvation to humanity. This is clearly stated in several places in Scripture:

• To Seek and Save the Lost: In Luke 19:10, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The First Coming was not to judge the world but to offer redemption to those who were lost in sin.
• To Be the Sacrifice for Sin: The First Coming also had a sacrificial purpose. Jesus came to die on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity. This was part of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind (Matthew 20:28, John 3:16).
• To Reveal the Kingdom of God: Jesus came to announce the arrival of God’s Kingdom, not in a political sense, but in the spiritual and eternal sense. He taught that the Kingdom of God was among them (Luke 17:21), and He modeled its values through His life and teachings.

B. The Manner of the First Coming

The manner of Jesus’ arrival was marked by humility, obscurity, and suffering. His birth in a manger, to a young woman and a carpenter, is a profound contrast to the expectations many had for the Messiah.

• Humility and Poverty: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a stable, to a poor family. This is in stark contrast to the powerful and regal expectations that many Jews had for their Messiah. Rather than coming as a conquering king, Jesus arrived as a humble servant, embodying the nature of God’s love and grace (Philippians 2:6-8).
• Obscurity: For much of His early life, Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah. He lived in relative obscurity in Nazareth, and His public ministry did not begin until He was around 30 years old. While He performed miracles and taught the people, He was often rejected and misunderstood by many, even by His own people (John 1:11).
• Suffering and Rejection: Jesus’ First Coming was also characterized by rejection, suffering, and ultimately, His crucifixion. He came to His own people, but they did not accept Him (John 1:11). The suffering that culminated in His death on the cross was an integral part of His mission to redeem humanity from sin.

C. The Response to the First Coming

While Jesus’ First Coming was a time of great promise and hope for many, it was also a time of great division. Some accepted Jesus as the Messiah, while others rejected Him, and even plotted to kill Him. Those who accepted Him received the gift of eternal life through faith in His name (John 1:12), while those who rejected Him remained in their sin.

• Faith and Discipleship: Those who followed Jesus during His First Coming were called to a life of discipleship. They were to follow His teachings, serve others, and ultimately carry His message of salvation to the world.
• Opposition and Rejection: Many religious leaders, especially the Pharisees, rejected Jesus because He did not fit their expectations of a political or military Messiah. His challenge to the religious status quo, His miracles, and His radical teachings led to significant opposition.

D. The Outcome of the First Coming

The First Coming of Christ culminated in His death on the cross, followed by His resurrection. These events are foundational to the Christian faith and mark the beginning of the new covenant between God and humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the means of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

• The Cross and Resurrection: Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him (Romans 6:9-10).
• The Great Commission: Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every nation (Matthew 28:18-20). The First Coming laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

2. The Second Coming of Christ: Glory, Judgment, and the Restoration of All Things

The Second Coming of Christ is the future event when Jesus will return to earth in glory to complete the work He began during His First Coming. This event will be dramatically different from His First Coming, both in its nature and its outcomes.

A. The Purpose of the Second Coming

While the First Coming was centered on redemption and offering salvation to humanity, the Second Coming will be characterized by judgment, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the restoration of God’s Kingdom.

• To Judge the Living and the Dead: One of the central purposes of the Second Coming is the judgment of all people, both the living and the dead. Jesus will return as the righteous Judge, and every person will give an account of their life. Those who have trusted in Christ will be rewarded with eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Timothy 4:1).
• To Establish God’s Kingdom: The Second Coming will bring about the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus will reign as King, and His rule will bring peace, justice, and righteousness. The earthly Kingdom of God will be fully realized when Christ returns to establish a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).
• To Restore All Things: The Second Coming will bring the ultimate restoration of creation. All things will be made new, and the effects of sin and the fall will be eradicated. Suffering, pain, and death will be no more, as God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:4).

B. The Manner of the Second Coming

The Second Coming will be vastly different from the First Coming in terms of its nature and its public visibility. While Jesus’ First Coming was humble and largely unnoticed by the world, His Second Coming will be a glorious and unmistakable event.

• In Glory and Majesty: Jesus will return in great power and glory. He will come not as a humble servant, but as the victorious King, surrounded by heavenly hosts. His arrival will be visible to all people, and every eye will see Him (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 1:7).
• With Authority: Unlike His First Coming, when Jesus was often rejected, the Second Coming will be a time of absolute authority. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). His authority will be undeniable, and His reign will be just and righteous.
• Sudden and Unexpected: The exact time of Christ’s return is unknown, and it will come unexpectedly. Jesus warns His followers to be ready and watchful, as His return will happen like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2).

C. The Response to the Second Coming

The response to the Second Coming will be universal, but it will differ depending on one’s relationship with Christ.

• Joy and Anticipation for Believers: For Christians, the Second Coming will be a time of great joy and anticipation. It will be the fulfillment of their hope and the realization of their salvation. They will experience the full restoration of their relationship with God and enter into eternal life with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Titus 2:13).
• Fear and Despair for Unbelievers: For those who have rejected Christ, the Second Coming will be a time of fear and despair. The judgment they face will be eternal separation from God, and they will experience the consequences of their rejection of the Gospel (Matthew 25:41-46, Revelation 20:11-15).

D. The Outcome of the Second Coming

The Second Coming will result in the final judgment and the establishment of the eternal Kingdom of God. This will bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people and the ultimate defeat of evil.

• The Final Judgment: At the Second Coming, Jesus will judge every person according to their deeds and their faith in Him. Those who have trusted in Christ will inherit eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15).
• The New Heaven and New Earth: The Second Coming will also mark the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people. There will be no more suffering, pain, or death, and God’s perfect justice and peace will reign forever (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 65:17-25).

3. Conclusion: The Hope and Urgency of Christ’s Return

The differences between the First and Second Coming of Christ are significant and profound. The First Coming was marked by humility, sacrifice, and the offer of redemption, while the Second Coming will be characterized by glory, judgment, and the restoration of all things. These two events are inextricably linked, as the Second Coming fulfills the promises made during the First Coming and brings to completion God’s plan of salvation.

For Christians, the Second Coming is a source of great hope and anticipation. It is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the culmination of history. However, it is also a call to live faithfully, as the timing of Christ’s return is unknown. Christians are called to live in readiness, proclaiming the Gospel, and persevering in faith as they wait for the glorious return of their Savior.

As we reflect on the First and Second Comings of Christ, we are reminded of the central truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and that His return will usher in the fullness of God’s Kingdom.