The Bible has an ancient familiarity with the concept of coming. The idea of someone or something arriving is found in the oldest parts of the Bible and continues to figure prominently in the later texts. Christians know God as the one who is coming, bringing a new kingdom that will never end. What does the Bible say about coming, and how is it relevant to contemporary believers?
One of the most significant verses regarding coming is found in the Hebrew Bible, in Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.” This verse speaks of both a messenger and the Lord who is to come. Scholars believe this refers to both John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, and Jesus himself. This shows that coming is seen as a central theme in the Bible, and is one of the main ways in which God makes himself known.
Coming is also a sign of hope and renewal. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). This is a message of liberation from sin and suffering, and the promise of a new era of joy, peace and justice. This promise of a new world is fulfilled in the New Testament, which speaks of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). This speaks to the power of coming, as it brings about deep transformation, hope and renewal.
The Bible also speaks of judgment and salvation in terms of coming. Jesus says in the gospel of Matthew, “when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31). This speaks of a time when Jesus will judge the world and bring salvation to those who have accepted him. Likewise, the book of Revelation speaks of Jesus coming in majesty and power to judge the living and the dead. In these passages, coming is seen as a way of both judging and saving the world.
Finally, the Bible speaks of coming as a way of showing God’s favor to his people. In the New Testament, Jesus says, “for he who comes to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). This speaks of the power of coming, and how God is ready to embrace and bless those who come to him. This is a message of hope for all who seek the Lord’s presence and mercy.
God’s Presence in Coming
The Bible emphasizes that God is present in all he does, and this is especially true when it comes to coming. In the book of Isaiah it says, “I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it” (Isaiah 60:22). This speaks of God’s ability to bring about his purposes and promises, even when it seems impossible. This is an assurance to those who are waiting on God’s coming.
God’s presence is also seen in the presence of others who come in his name. In the New Testament, Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). This speaks to the power of communal prayer and corporate worship, and how God promises to be in the midst of his people.
The Bible also speaks of God’s presence in delivering his people from oppressive enemies. For example, in the book of Exodus, it says, “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would let the people go, that God led them not by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt” (Exodus 13:17). This shows God coming to deliver his people from danger and oppression, a theme that repeats throughout Scripture.
God’s presence in coming is also seen in the work of the Holy Spirit. The Pentecostal movement began with a massive outpouring of the Holy Spirit, resulting in the first believers speaking in tongues and praising God in many languages (Acts 2). The coming of the Spirit brought about the beginning of the church, bringing together Jews and Gentiles to worship one God. That same Spirit still calls people to faith in Christ today.
Expectation in Waiting for Coming
The Bible speaks of a great expectation in waiting for coming. Christians are called to make themselves ready for the coming of the Lord, and to await his arrival with joy and faith. The book of Revelation says of the church, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). This speaks to the importance of being prepared and ready to meet the Lord.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of remaining vigilant in the waiting. The gospel of Luke says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Luke 12:40). This shows that Christians are not only to wait for the coming of Christ, but also to watch for signs of his coming. This is an important lesson to remember, as we can never be sure when Jesus will return.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of being filled with hope and joy when waiting for the coming of the Lord. The apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). This is a message of hope and joy in the coming of the Lord and the things that he will bring. We are called to trust in the Lord and to be filled with faith and hope when we look forward to his coming.
Finally, the Bible speaks of the importance of being faithful and obedient in the waiting. The writer to the Hebrews encourages believers to “run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2). This is a call to remain faithful and obedient while we wait for the coming of the Lord, even when it is difficult, so that we will be ready when he comes.
The Moment of Coming
The Bible speaks of the moment of coming as a powerful and significant event that will bring about transformation and redemption for believers. The book of Revelation says, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7). This is a powerful image of Jesus coming in great power and majesty, and all of creation understanding the magnitude of the event.
In the New Testament, Jesus promises, “I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). This speaks to the hope of believers, as Jesus promises to take them to be with him in heaven. This is a promise of new life and of eternal joy with Jesus in his kingdom.
The Bible also speaks of the moment of coming as a moment of judgment. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). This speaks to the seriousness of Jesus’ coming, as he will judge each person according to his or her deeds.
Finally, the Bible speaks of the coming of Christ as a moment of celebration. The book of Revelation says, “The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready” (Revelation 19:6–7). This speaks of the joyous celebration that will occur when Jesus is finally revealed and his kingdom is established.
The Power of Coming
The Bible speaks of the power of coming in several ways. The coming of the Lord is seen as a powerful event that brings about transformation, renewal, judgment and salvation. The power of coming is also seen in the presence of God, who is present when people come in his name, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit, who brings us the joy and peace of Jesus.
The expectation of coming is also a source of power. In the waiting, Christians are reminded to remain vigilant, filled with hope and joy, and to be obedient. This teaches us to always be ready for the coming of the Lord and to make our lives ready for his arrival.
Finally, the moment of coming is a powerful and significant event. This is the moment of judgment and salvation, of rejoicing and wailing, and of transformation. This is a moment of great power and significance, when Jesus will finally come and establish his kingdom forever.
The Meaning of Coming
The Bible speaks of the meaning of coming in many ways. On a theological level, coming is seen as the culmination of God’s redemptive work. It is a sign of his love, justice and mercy, and the fulfillment of his saving promises. On a personal and spiritual level, coming offers a deep sense of hope and renewal, as it looks forward to eternity in heaven with God.
The Bible also speaks of the importance of coming on a practical level. Coming is a way of showing God’s favor, of bringing justice and renewal, and of delivering people from oppression. It is a reminder of the hope that is found in Jesus, and a call to live faithfully and obediently in preparation for his coming.
Finally, the Bible speaks of the power of coming. This power is seen in the presence of God, in the expectation of waiting, and in the moment of coming. This power brings us closer to God and gives us hope and joy in the face of suffering, sin and death. It is a reminder that Jesus is always near, and is coming soon to bring ultimate justice and peace.
