Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #25 — The Second Coming Of Christ

Picture: Counsel #25 — The Second Coming Of Christ CCL 35.1

Advent means “coming.” As part of the name Seventh-day Adventist, it refers to the great hope of Jesus’ second coming to earth to rescue His people from Satan’s clutches. Christ’s second coming will be a real, physical event witnessed by everyone on earth. At that time, those who have faithfully followed God will be resurrected and their bodies made new, joining the living righteous to be taken to heaven.^[48] However, those who haven't accepted God's grace will face the result of their judgment. While the exact timing remains unknown, the Bible's eschatological^[49] prophecies nearing completion, and the present state of the world, suggest Christ's return could be very close. Therefore, Adventists emphasize the importance of relying continually on Jesus to be prepared for this momentous event.^[50] CCL 35.2

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2, 3 NKJV CCL 35.3

“Since we know not the hour of Christ's coming, we must live soberly and godly in this present world, ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ’ [Titus 2:13, 14].” Ellen White in Reflecting Christ, p. 258 CCL 35.4

Reflect: What does relying on Jesus look like to you in the context of His second coming? CCL 35.5