KCU/03/Jesa

Topic 22: Second Coming conscious? Question: Based on what you know from the Bible & other sources (including the Theology Matters reading), how do you think we should live in light of the Second Coming? (Be sure to do more research into the issue. If the group cannot come to a consensus, feel free to have different group members each express their own opinions.)

Asheem Dahal contribution

      Jesus Christ is coming one, but we regard his coming as progressive and not to be confined to any single event. In one sense, the coming of Christ refers to "his presence in the Church and in the hearts of believers". He has come again and again at great crises and turning points in the history of the world. These coming have been not only to judgement but also for the justice and righteousnes. The coming will be nothing less than the personal, visible, and glorious return of the same Jesus who ascended into heaven. Some scholars hold that Christ will come in two stages: first secretly, later, openly to be seen by all. Having returned to earth, Jesus Christ will be the judge of the nations and of every person who has ever lived. At his coming, the old universe will be marveously regenerated in order to be born as "new heaven and earth". Those who are alive at second coming of Jesus experience the transformation of their earthly, perishable bodies. 

Works cited from Coming Day by Oscar L. Joseph, New int'l dict of Bible.

Jake Lewis's contribution (mistakenly pasted in Sakai wiki instead of here): Different Views on the Second Coming

1. Jesus has already come down to Earth once, and the next time he comes down will be when he takes all of his followers up to heaven with him, and the unfaithful will be left here on Earth to face the consequences of Satan's rule, and live eternally in Hell. (Majority Christians)

2. Jesus, the Messiah, has yet to come down to Earth. Instead, Jesus, is viewed as a prophet and the real Messiah has yet to show himself. (Jews)

3. Same as first, except after the second coming, there will be a second chance to accept Jesus, while the anti-Christ is ruling/ coming to power here on Earth. (Left Behind Theories)

How should we live our lives in the light of the second coming?

1. Live our lives fully everyday, worshiping His name, and spreading the word of the Gospel, because he could come back at any moment, and we have to be ready for it. (Majority Christians)

2. Follow the old Law, because the Messiah has yet to reveal himself, and build his Earthly kingdom. (Jews)

3. Same as first, except if what you "give" is good enough at the second coming, then there is still yet another chance to "give" after the Rapture. (Left Behind Theories)