A simple definition of the word advent — the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. Typically, in religious discussions, the arrival of Jesus on the earth is described as His advent. This is appropriate in that He is truly a notable person, and His coming was a notable event!
When Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he considered putting her away, until an angel of the Lord appeared to him. “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’ So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:20-23).
After about three years, Jesus left the earth. His ascension is related in Acts 1:9-11, “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’”
Consider the significance of those final words. Jesus left us over two thousand years ago. But at His departure from the earth, the promise was given by God’s messenger that He will come again! There will be a second advent of Christ sometime in the future! Let’s consider for a few moments the unique nature of each of the Lord’s advents, the one which has occurred, and the one that is yet to come.
Jesus’ First Advent
Why did Jesus come to earth? In His own words, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In the very next verse He alludes to how, through His agency, such life would be obtained. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus’ coming was for the purpose of giving “His life” for mankind.
This sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was necessary for all men. Why? Because of sin. Sin condemns. It is the common state of men. In order to avoid that condemnation, it is necessary that a price be paid for that sin. Jesus paid that price. Consider these words from the pen of Paul, “For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-26).
It was also necessary that Jesus demonstrate power over death. He accomplished this through His resurrection. Paul wrote, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). So, in Jesus Christ’s death we obtain reconciliation with God. And, in His resurrection from the dead, we have the promise of also being resurrected to eternal life.
When will that resurrection occur? When He comes again!
Jesus’ Second Advent
As we saw from Acts 1, a promise was made that Jesus would come again. The Hebrew writer made clear it will be a wonderful development for the Christian. “To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).
That day of His coming will bring an end to the physical universe. The saved will go to heaven. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).
What will happen to the ungodly on the day the Lord returns? Jesus said in Matthew 25:46, “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Two different ends — one for the righteous, the other for the unrighteous. Why will God treat them differently? Paul states that it is a matter of principle with Him, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
In His first advent Jesus came to save those who believe. In His second advent He will come to judge the world. Are you ready for that day?
