Second Coming

The Second Coming is a central belief in several major world religions. It is the idea that Jesus Christ will return to Earth after his Ascension. The Ascension refers to his departure to Heaven, which occurred about two thousand years ago. This belief is often called the Second Advent or the Parousia. It is a key part of many Christian eschatologies, which are studies of the end of the world.

Many people view this return as a moment of great cosmic importance.

Different religious traditions use specific terms to describe this event. In the Greek New Testament, the word *parousia* appears 24 times. This term means "arrival," "coming," or "presence." Historically, Gustav Adolf Deissmann noted that *parousia* was used as early as the 3rd century BC. It described a king or dignitary visiting a city to show his magnificence. Another Greek term used is *epiphaneia*, which means "appearing." Some also use the word *apokalypsis*, meaning "revelation."

In Islamic theology, Jesus is known as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam. Muslims believe he is a revered prophet, but not a divine being. Islamic eschatology holds that Jesus will descend from Heaven during the end times. His mission will be to defeat the false messiah, al-Masih ad-Dajjal. He is expected to break the cross and restore justice to the world. This return serves to reaffirm monotheism, the belief in one God. For many, particularly in the Shia tradition, this is referred to as *Rajʽa*.

Scholars have different views on how early Christians understood these prophecies. Some historians see Jesus as an eschatological prophet preaching the "Kingdom of God." However, there is no consensus among scholars on what that kingdom meant. Some scholars, like those in the Jesus Seminar, suggest these ideas belonged to the early Church rather than Jesus himself. Others argue that apocalyptic language in the Gospels actually described the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 AD. This specific viewpoint is known as Preterism.

Christian denominations hold various views on the nature of this event. The Catholic Church teaches that the Second Coming will be sudden and unexpected. It will occur in a single moment that no one can predict. This event will bring the full victory of God over sin and suffering. It will result in the "consummation" of the universe and mankind. Catholics believe this will include the resurrection and judgment of the dead. The Church does not believe this will happen through social progress or technological changes.

Predictions about the timing of the Second Coming have varied throughout history. Many people have claimed to know specific dates, though these have often passed. A 2010 survey provided interesting data on modern beliefs in the United States. About 40% of Americans believed Jesus might return by the year 2050. This belief was highest among white evangelical Christians at 58%. It was lower among Catholics at 32% and white mainline Protestants at 27%.

The Second Coming is often linked to a final, universal judgment. In Christian tradition, this is a moment where people are judged based on their deeds. Some traditions emphasize the importance of mercy and charity. For example, the question of whether one practiced works of mercy is a decisive factor. This concept is a very common theme in Christian art. The event is seen as the final conclusion to the history of the world and the manifestation of divine authority.