Soon He will perforate the fabric of the peaceful by and by – Lacey Sturm
The Second Coming of Christ is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, the glorious hope of every believer, and the ultimate triumph of the Lamb who was slain. In the beauty and majesty of this event, the whole narrative of Scripture finds its consummation, and the longing of the church is fulfilled. It is a doctrine that stirs the heart, sharpens the mind, and quickens the soul to anticipate the glory of the returning King. As we explore this theme, we draw upon the rich insights of Puritan theologians and the profound imagery of the book of Revelation, weaving together a tapestry of hope, awe, and worship.
The Certainty of His Coming
The Second Coming is not a speculative hope but a promised reality. The apostle John writes in Revelation 22:20: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” This certainty is the bedrock of Christian hope, rooted in the faithfulness of Christ’s word.
Puritan theologian Thomas Watson captured this assurance when he wrote, “Christ is the center where all the lines of the promise meet. Take away the promise of His coming, and you unpin the whole frame of the Gospel.” The promises of Christ’s return assure us that history is moving toward a divine climax, orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God.
The Glory of His Appearance
The Second Coming of Christ will be an event of unparalleled glory. Revelation 19:11-16 paints the scene with vivid imagery: “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
John Owen, one of the great Puritan theologians, marveled at this reality: “What then shall it be to behold the glory of Christ? To see that glory which is now veiled, which was for a while eclipsed under the cloud of His humiliation, but is now risen above all heavens and shall shine forth to eternity?” Owen’s reflection helps us grasp the radiance of Christ’s return—a glory that will eclipse all earthly splendor and fill the universe with His majesty.
The Judgment and Vindication of the Saints
The Second Coming will be a day of justice when Christ will vindicate His people and judge the wicked. Revelation 20:11-15 describes the great white throne judgment: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them… And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Jonathan Edwards captured the solemnity and beauty of this moment, writing, “The end of God’s creating the world was to prepare a kingdom for His Son, where He might reign in glory and where His saints might reign with Him. At the last day, this design will be accomplished.” For the saints, this judgment is not a terror but a vindication, for their sins have already been judged in Christ.
This theme echoes in Revelation 19:2: “For his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” The justice of God brings both the end of wickedness and the beginning of an eternal reign of righteousness.
The Renewal of Creation
The Second Coming heralds not only judgment but also the renewal of all things. Revelation 21:1-4 proclaims: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more… Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people.”
Richard Baxter, in his classic The Saints’ Everlasting Rest, expressed this longing: “O what a blessed day that will be when we who have known the vanity of this world shall see the glory of the world to come! When we who have lain among thorns shall be taken to the palace of the King!” The renewal of creation is not merely the restoration of Eden but the fulfillment of God’s ultimate purpose: a new creation in which righteousness dwells and the redeemed enjoy perfect communion with their Creator.
The Joy of the Redeemed
For the believer, the Second Coming is the consummation of joy. Revelation 21:4 describes a reality beyond all earthly comprehension: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Thomas Brooks wrote of this joy, “The everlasting vision of God is the very heaven of heaven. The joy of the saints in heaven is without measure, mixture, or end.” This joy is rooted not in the splendor of the new creation itself but in the presence of Christ, the Lamb who is at the center of the throne (Revelation 7:17).
The worship of the Lamb is central to the book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:12-13, the heavenly throng proclaims: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” The joy of the redeemed is a joy that flows from the worship of the One who has redeemed them by His blood.
The Bridegroom and His Bride
The Second Coming is the moment of the marriage supper of the Lamb, the union of Christ with His church. Revelation 19:7-9 declares: “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.”
Samuel Rutherford captured the beauty of this union in his famous letters: “O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without Thee, it would be a hell; and if I could be in hell and have Thee still, it would be a heaven. Thou art all the heaven I want.” The Second Coming is the moment when the Bridegroom claims His bride in eternal love, a love that has been sealed with His blood and secured by His Spirit.
A Call to Readiness
The certainty and beauty of Christ’s return call believers to readiness. Revelation 22:12 reminds us: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” This readiness is not born of fear but of joyful anticipation, a life lived in light of the coming glory.
Richard Sibbes wrote, “The life of a Christian is wondrously ruled in this world by two things: by the promise of life and the expectation of it.” This expectation transforms how we live, compelling us to holiness, worship, and mission. The Second Coming is not merely a doctrine to be affirmed but a reality to be anticipated with eager hearts.
The Ultimate Hope
The beauty of Christ’s Second Coming lies in its ultimate hope: God’s victory over sin, death, and the devil; the vindication of His name; and the eternal communion of the redeemed with their Savior. Revelation 22:5 declares: “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Thomas Manton summarized this hope well: “The whole work of redemption is carried on in the midst of enemies, but at the end, the crown of glory is set upon the head of Christ, and He is admired in His saints.” The Second Coming is the unveiling of this glory, a glory that will leave no corner of creation untouched.
Conclusion
The Second Coming of Christ is a doctrine that fills the heart of the believer with joy, awe, and longing. It is the climactic moment of history when the Lamb who was slain is revealed as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Puritans, with their rich theological insights and devotional fervor, help us to see this event as the great hope of the church and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes.
As we await this glorious day, let us join in the prayer of the saints in Revelation 22:20: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” May our lives reflect the beauty of this hope, and may our hearts be ever fixed on the One who is coming soon.
Reformed Faith Insights 