Why are Christians awaiting a Third Coming?

If you read the Bible, it is not a Second Coming that they are awaiting, it is a Third.



According to the story:



Jesus was born.

Jesus ministered in human form.

Jesus died and descended to Hell / The Grave (take your pick depending on your interpretations) and remained there from Friday afternoon to Sunday early morning (let's ignore the fact this isn't three days as claimed...)

Jesus returns (!) in glory and hangs out for 40 days.

Jesus leaves in glory.



So if the next step in this plot is Jesus returning in glory... that's a THIRD coming, not second.



Why then the talk of a Second Coming? It already happened, according to the NT.

Why are Christians awaiting a Third Coming?
Because of your question, J.P., I did a word search in the Bible on "second" and "coming" and I found only ONE verse that had SECOND in reference to Jesus coming again in it.



"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was SACRIFICED ONCE to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a SECOND TIME, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Heb. 9:27-28

According to this verse Jesus' first coming completed the mission of dying as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29) and this mission was not complete until His resurrection and ascension. His first coming lasted about 33 years.



Now as to Jesus second coming, this could also mean a time period of many years, because when He gave His discourse In Matthew 24, the disciples asked Him "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" So, they lumped His coming and the end of the age together.



Jesus tells them that it's a time period of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, false prophets rising, the gospel being preached in the whole world, the Antichrist setting up the "abomination that causes desolation"--

and will culminate with Jesus reigning on Earth for a thousand years. (see Revelation 20). Then finally the prophecies of the OT will come true that speak of the "age of perfection" when a descendant of King David will rule Israel.



To me the important thing is what Jesus said in Luke 12:39-40

"But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. YOU ALSO MUST BE READY, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."



MRLY
Reply:Jesus had not yet accended to the Father at this point(the third heaven) and we therefore rightfully await his second appearance.



(((3 rice)))
Reply:Who said christians are good at Math?
Reply:No it isn't.



here is what you said:



"Jesus was born.

Jesus ministered in human form.

Jesus died and descended to Hell / The Grave (take your pick depending on your interpretations) and remained there from Friday afternoon to Sunday early morning (let's ignore the fact this isn't three days as claimed...)

Jesus returns (!) in glory and hangs out for 40 days.

Jesus leaves in glory."



This entire quote of yours comprises the FIRST coming.



From the time Jesus was concieved, to the time He went back to heaven is ONE time period!
Reply:I agree with Bobby....The 2nd Coming isn't even the Rapture. (The Believers meet the Lord in the AIR for that) The second coming is when every eye shall see him and his feet will touch the earth.
Reply:Jesus didn't desend into hell that is a misinterpretation. The Greek word that is translated "hell" can also be translated "the grave".

The wages of sin is (was and always will be) death.
Reply:To begin, I would like to note that according to Matthew 27, there was a guard in front of the tomb 3 days. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. The next coming is the second coming, as the rising of Jesus does not add extra commings...
Reply:tru dat.

never thought of that before.



but if you look at it, most people wouldn't consider that a second coming because during that time he descended into hell and rose again. [read the bible =)....] then he went to heaven.



when they say second coming, they mean when he descends from heaven =).



anyways

happy thinking.

god bless.
Reply:um... you are asking for common sense from Christians?



I thought you knew better? :P



Because it says it in the bible is the most legitimate answer you will get.



peace...
Reply:Who WOULDN'T want a good third coming, J.P.?



XD. In all seriousness, you are right. Jesus has risen already. I guess rising isn't coming. I guess coming involves floating on clouds in an area of the equator that all can see. In essence, I guess Jesus is a peeping Tom and his constituents never quite satisfied enough.



EDIT: I love you, Bonsai Bobby. I never knew he hadn't reached the Father yet. I thought he WAS the fath... oh, heck. Happy New Year, babe!
Reply:ya u know what?



good point, but christ refered to it as the 2nd coming