Why Wait for the Second Coming of Jesus?
The anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ is a central belief in many Christian denominations. However, many find it intriguing that some prophecies associated with the Messiah remain unfulfilled. Is it necessary to wait until the second coming to see these prophecies realized? Let us explore the evidence that the Bible's prophecies have already been fulfilled and why it supports its divine origin.
Fulfilled Prophecies as Evidence for the Bible’s Divine Origin
The Bible is replete with prophecies that have been fulfilled throughout history. These prophecies serve as compelling evidence for the Bible’s divine origin and its claim to be the word of God. By examining these prophecies, we can understand why the concept of the Messiah’s ultimate fulfillment and the second coming remains an important aspect of Christian belief.
Primary Fulfillments of Biblical Prophecies
1. Babylon as a Type of Spiritual Enemy: The Book of Jeremiah foretold that Babylon would rise up to conquer Jerusalem, leading to the captivity of the Israelites (Jer. 25:11-12). This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and exiled the Jews. This event foreshadowed the eventual fulfillment of prophecies regarding the ultimate spiritual enemy, which Christians interpret as referring to Satan or Antichrist.
2. Isaiah’s Vision of Exile and Return: The prophet Isaiah prophesied extensively about the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return of the Jews to Canaan (Isa. 44:28-45:13). The return began in 538 B.C. and was completed in 515 B.C., aligning closely with Isaiah’s predictions. This fulfillment demonstrated the divine nature of the prophecies and their accuracy in timing and detail.
3. New Jerusalem Prophecy: The Book of Revelation portrays the New Jerusalem, which Jesus described as the bride of Christ (Rev. 21:2). This description of a future spiritual city aligns with Christian eschatology and the concept of eternal life. While the physical city of Jerusalem was rebuilt after its destruction in 70 A.D., the New Jerusalem represents a hope for a future utopian existence.
Interpretations and Beliefs Regarding Unfulfilled Prophecies
Despite numerous fulfilled prophecies, some Christians believe that certain prophecies, such as those pertaining to the Messiah’s second coming, remain unfulfilled. Here are some common interpretations and beliefs:
1. Second Coming as a Future Event: Many Christians believe that Jesus will return to Earth in a physical body to establish a kingdom of justice and peace (Acts 1:11). This belief is based on prophecies in the Book of Revelation and other parts of the New Testament. The exact timing of this event is a matter of ongoing debate and scripture interpretation.
2. Christians as the New Temple: Some Christian theologians propose that the Church is the new temple of God, fulfilling a prophecy where the nation of Israel was the chosen people for the covenant (Ezek. 43:1-12). In this view, the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem could be interpreted as the restoration of the spiritual aspects of the covenant through the ministry of the Church.
Praying for His Return and Recognition
The anticipation of the Messiah’s second coming is often intertwined with prayer and hope. Many Christians believe that by praying and seeking God’s will, they can recognize and accept the Messiah when he returns. This belief is rooted in passages such as Matthew 24:44, which encourages vigilance and readiness.
“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” - Matthew 24:44
By remaining faithful and prayerful, Christians can better prepare themselves for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the completion of his plan for humanity.
Conclusion
The fulfillment of biblical prophecies is a testament to the divine nature of the Bible. While some prophecies, such as those regarding the second coming of Jesus, are yet to be fulfilled, the historical and spiritual significance of these prophecies continues to guide and inspire believers. The anticipation of the second coming serves as a motivating force for faith, hope, and action.