Appendix 2.6.1: Clarification on the Nature of Christ’s Return
This doctrinal assertion affirms that Christ’s second coming is not spiritualized, symbolic, or metaphorical, but literal and physical. Scripture consistently teaches that the return of Christ will be personal, visible, and glorious. For example, Jesus said in Matthew 24:27, “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” And again in Matthew 25:31, “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.”
The phrase “in power and glory” reflects the language of Revelation 19:11–16, where Christ is described as returning on a white horse, judging and making war in righteousness, and bearing the name “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”
This position guards against doctrinal errors that attempt to reduce the return of Christ to an internal experience or ongoing spiritual process. It is a climactic, historical event still to come, and every eye shall see Him (Revelation 1:7).
The phrase “in power and glory” reflects the language of Revelation 19:11–16, where Christ is described as returning on a white horse, judging and making war in righteousness, and bearing the name “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”
This position guards against doctrinal errors that attempt to reduce the return of Christ to an internal experience or ongoing spiritual process. It is a climactic, historical event still to come, and every eye shall see Him (Revelation 1:7).