What will the Second Coming of Christ look like?

The Anointed · Nov 1, 2019

Nowhere Man said:
There already was a second coming when Jesus met Paul. At least for Pauline Christians. But that's just a story.

In reality Jesus is not coming because it's a fable. Ancient mythology.

So say the atheists who haunt the religious forums of the world in their attempt to convert a believer over to their godless and hopeless belief, which is, that the return of the physical body to the universal elements from which it was created, is the death of the spirit/mind that had developed within that physical womb.

This body that you see, it isn't really me
It's but the womb in which I'm being formed
For I am spirit, I am mind, and it's the only place you'll find
WHO I AM, until the day I'm finally born.
For I will not be free until this body that you see
Has returned to the dust from which it came
It's then that I'll be born from this womb in which I'm formed
To carry on in life's eternal game...…..The Anointed

Trailblazer · Nov 1, 2019

The same man Jesus cannot return to earth because the same man Jesus died on the cross and never rose from the dead. People do not come back to life after three days. What happened was that people were grieved at the death of Jesus so they wrote stories. First they wrote stories that Jesus rose from the dead, then they wrote more stories that the man Jesus ascended to the sky into the clouds, and then the Church wrote doctrines that Jesus was going to return to earth and rule. Jesus never said any of this, Jesus never promised to return to earth, not ONCE in the New Testament. This is a complete fantasy that millions of people believe.

Samantha Rinne · Nov 1, 2019

loverofhumanity said:
What are your thoughts? Will it be a magical event with angels in the sky with Christ riding on the clouds with all true believers being taken up to heaven and people rising from their graves?

Are the signs of the Second Coming literal or figurative?

And as no one has ever seen Jesus how will anyone know it is Him or not? Is it at all possible that His Coming could have be missed as Christ said to watch and pray and that He would come like a thief in the night. What would He steal?

Do you think the traditional literal interpretations are correct and why or why not?

Probably a little like today, actually.

To those close to God, it may be possible to already notice him (Jesus rose a long time ago, and he's not been sitting up in Heaven aloof all this time, we have multiple citings of him in a different form than his traditional long hair surfer image). For everyone who doesn't know him, the ordeal comes. Basically, they don't have any sense of peace from the events of the world, as they of yet do not know Jesus.

Think of all the dramatic upheaval in this day and age, the wars, the revolutions, and the sudden activities (Brexit, Antifa, various countries refusing to go along with the EU, really scary political parties). It seems like these turbulent times might be when a Savior reappears.

Of course, it may be that every generation has them and only a few ppl actually see Jesus come again.

Trailblazer · Nov 1, 2019

Nowhere Man said:
There already was a second coming when Jesus met Paul. At least for Pauline Christians. But that's just a story.

In reality Jesus is not coming because it's a fable. Ancient mythology.

It is all stories, stories people made up, and then the Church wrote doctrines, and then millions of people came to believe them. Jesus never said He was going to return to earth, not once in the entire NT.

stvdv · Nov 1, 2019

loverofhumanity said:
What are your thoughts? Will it be a magical event with angels in the sky with Christ riding on the clouds with all true believers being taken up to heaven and people rising from their graves?

Are the signs of the Second Coming literal or figurative?

And as no one has ever seen Jesus how will anyone know it is Him or not? Is it at all possible that His Coming could have be missed as Christ said to watch and pray and that He would come like a thief in the night. What would He steal?

Do you think the traditional literal interpretations are correct and why or why not?

As long as a Christian believes "my way is the highway" and in the process belittles other's (non)faith, I believe he will not recognize the Christ.

susanblange · Nov 1, 2019

CG Didymus said:
Somewhere hidden in all this is that the Baha'is believe the second coming has happened. But, if the true Messiah is to return to the Mt. of Olives, then what do you think of a person of Shia Islamic descent, that is born in Persia, that claims to be the return? He is taken as a prisoner to Akka, Israel. And later, the Baha'i set up their world headquarters on Mt. Carmel in Haifa.

But, I don't think it is correct to call him the "second coming" of Christ, because the Baha'is believe Muhammad was a "Christ" and just before Baha'u'llah, the Baha'is had a person called The Bab, that along with Baha'u'llah, was a "Christ". So there was three people that came after Jesus. But I don't think any of these "second coming" people had anything to do with the Mt. of Olives. So forget about what the second coming should look like. What should the first coming look like? And is there anyway that the Jews can fit in four people that the Baha'is say were "Messiahs"?

Messiah means "anointed one". There have been a lot of Messiahs in Israel's history. There will be two in the end of days, who are the Lord and Elijah, who is the savior of the Lord. Zechariah 4:14.

Muffled · Nov 1, 2019

I definitely believe what the Word says.

Muffled · Nov 1, 2019

Shadow Wolf said:
I foresee tons of Christians running around in mass hysteria and total fear as they realize Christ has it out for them the most.

I believe you must be drinking the Kool aid.

Muffled · Nov 1, 2019

adrian009 said:
If Jesus (the first coming) fulfilled the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible then we simply analyse the manner in which prophecy was fulfilled and the reasons His own peoples rejected Him. For one it was expected the Christ would rule as King David and conquer the Romans. In truth Jesus was a spiritual, not worldly King. We need to consider the deeper spiritual meanings of scriptures, not just the literal ones. So phrases such as Christ appearing on clouds and signs accompanying His Advent such as the stars falling from heaven (Matthew 24:29-30) are metaphor not literal. We need to consider the deeper spiritual meanings.

I believe one has to have grounds to consider something a metaphor. You can't just call something that because you like it better that way.

Shadow Wolf · Nov 1, 2019

Muffled said:
I believe you must be drinking the Kool aid.

Even Jesus himself said there will be those who say know him and have done works in his name, but he will say to them "I don't know you" and he will cast them away.

Fool · Nov 1, 2019

loverofhumanity said:
What are your thoughts? Will it be a magical event with angels in the sky with Christ riding on the clouds with all true believers being taken up to heaven and people rising from their graves?

Are the signs of the Second Coming literal or figurative?

And as no one has ever seen Jesus how will anyone know it is Him or not? Is it at all possible that His Coming could have be missed as Christ said to watch and pray and that He would come like a thief in the night. What would He steal?

Do you think the traditional literal interpretations are correct and why or why not?

Evidently it is John 14:20.

behold he is coming with the thoughts of the mind and every mind's eye will understand him.

You can learn alot from a dummy

,

wizanda · Nov 1, 2019

Trailblazer said:
The same man Jesus cannot return to earth because the same man Jesus died on the cross and never rose from the dead. People do not come back to life after three days.

You're denying fundamentals that are clearly written, to the point of going against Christ; download Esword Bible software.

Matthew 16:21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

Matthew 17:22-23 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up." And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

Matthew 20:18-19 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.

Mark 8:31And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 9:31-32 For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day." But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

Mark 10:33-34 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.

Luke 9:21-22 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Luke 18:31-33 Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."

Trailblazer said:
Jesus never said any of this, Jesus never promised to return to earth, not ONCE in the New Testament.

Matthew 23:39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Luke 13:35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

In my opinion.

Dawnofhope · Nov 1, 2019

Muffled said:
I believe one has to have grounds to consider something a metaphor. You can't just call something that because you like it better that way.

So it begs the question what are the grounds for seeing sacred scripture as metaphor rather than literal. Other questions are why can it not be both literal history and metaphor as Christ’s crucifixion was? Why not multiple meanings? Who gets to decide?

Jesus spoke in parables which of course are filled with metaphor. Some He interpreted for us, others we are left to decide. Many of the 300 or more verses in the Hebrew Bible some Christians believe refer to Jesus need to be seen as metaphor.

CG Didymus · Nov 1, 2019

Trailblazer said:
We know it will not be the same man Jesus who returns because Jesus said:

John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

We "know" this? Yes, if you believe the Baha'is. Christians have their verses that show that it is Jesus coming back, but Baha'is find ways around those verses and Christians find explanations around yours. So Baha'is are just as guilty of fueling religious disunity by standing firm in their beliefs and not listening to or knocking the beliefs of others. And, if you don't like the word "knocking" then how about showing them the errors in their interpretations and pointing out that yours are correct because they come from an infallible source, Baha'u'llah, or Abdul Baha, or whomever else the Baha'is say has infallible interpretations of other people's religions.

CG Didymus · Nov 1, 2019

Nowhere Man said:
There already was a second coming when Jesus met Paul. At least for Pauline Christians. But that's just a story.

In reality Jesus is not coming because it's a fable. Ancient mythology.

Then who is Baha'u'llah? This guy says that all those other prophets of all the other major religions were real... except for the things they say were "symbolic" like the six-day creation story, like the flood, like the parting of the sea, like Jesus walking on water and so on. Oh, and that man-made traditions and embellishments worked their way into the Scripture stories of all these prophets. But no, they are not myth. The people are real, just some of the things that the stories say happened aren't real???

CG Didymus · Nov 1, 2019

adrian009 said:
So it begs the question what are the grounds for seeing sacred scripture as metaphor rather than literal. Other questions are why can it not be both literal history and metaphor as Christ’s crucifixion was? Why not multiple meanings? Who gets to decide?

Jesus spoke in parables which of course are filled with metaphor. Some He interpreted for us, others we are left to decide. Many of the 300 or more verses in the Hebrew Bible some Christians believe refer to Jesus need to be seen as metaphor.

As usual, my problem with the Baha'i interpretation of "symbolic" and "metaphoric" is that Baha'is do it with things that are written as being historical. Which, as you know, to me that makes the story fictional or, my favorite word to use, mythical. I have no problem with a spiritual story being mythical but having an important spiritual message. But the Bible was not presented as being mythical. It is presented as being what actually happened. And 2000 years ago who would have the scientific knowledge to know some of those stories are impossible? Plus, they are told that all things are possible for God. And to doubt that those stories aren't real is to doubt the power of God.

Sure now, we can examine the Bible stories and question whether or not those things happened. But I think religious myth is more accurate and more likely to what probably happened than to think that God inspired writers to come up with perfect metaphors and symbolism... and put those things into a story that sounds just as if those events really happened. Like Moses raised his arms and the sea parted. Joshua needed more time, so God stopped the Sun from setting. Lazarus had died but not to worry, Jesus brought him back to life. The disciples saw Jesus approaching them walking on the water. Real? Myth? Or, God intended symbolism mixed into a real historical event? Really, I think the easy answer is the writers embellished the story to make Jesus God-like.

So what is the spiritual message of all those stories? Do as God says. But the other message of those stories is... or else. So hopefully those stories aren't true or literal or whatever, 'cause who wants "or else"? At least the Baha'is say God is a little more kinder and gentler than he used to be. That is except for allowing all the diseases, wars, natural disasters and all the other things God allows or sends are way to "teach" us and to "help" us grow.

Dawnofhope · Nov 1, 2019

CG Didymus said:
As usual, my problem with the Baha'i interpretation of "symbolic" and "metaphoric" is that Baha'is do it with things that are written as being historical. Which, as you know, to me that makes the story fictional or, my favorite word to use, mythical. I have no problem with a spiritual story being mythical but having an important spiritual message. But the Bible was not presented as being mythical. It is presented as being what actually happened. And 2000 years ago who would have the scientific knowledge to know some of those stories are impossible? Plus, they are told that all things are possible for God. And to doubt that those stories aren't real is to doubt the power of God

As you will appreciate, the Bible has 66 books, 27 in the New Testament and 39 in the Hebrew Bible section. Any analysis of the the Bible as a whole needs to appreciate the individual contributions that make up the whole. Who wrote each book at which time in history for what purpose. How about the manner in which each book is composed. So when its argued the Bible is written as history I would first respond who is arguing this position for what purpose. Generally it is some Christian fundamentals who take this approach but they are largely discredited by other Christians who quite rightly take a more nuanced approach taking into account established scientific truths and historical and textural context. The Baha’is will have a range of perspectives to contribute that fit comfortably within the spectrum of Biblical studies and scholarship.

CG Didymus said:
Sure now, we can examine the Bible stories and question whether or not those things happened. But I think religious myth is more accurate and more likely to what probably happened than to think that God inspired writers to come up with perfect metaphors and symbolism... and put those things into a story that sounds just as if those events really happened. Like Moses raised his arms and the sea parted. Joshua needed more time, so God stopped the Sun from setting. Lazarus had died but not to worry, Jesus brought him back to life. The disciples saw Jesus approaching them walking on the water. Real? Myth? Or, God intended symbolism mixed into a real historical event? Really, I think the easy answer is the writers embellished the story to make Jesus God-like.

The position the Gospel authors wrote biographies to make Jesus appear more God like and had no concern for any deeper meaning or symbolism is problematic. The actual Teachings of Jesus recorded in the Gospels rely heavily on parables or symbols. Whether we’re talking about being born again, wheat and tares or having ears to hear why would the Gospel writers be oblivious to this message? To imagine the resurrection and crucifixion as historical events don’t have deeper meanings despite clear evidences from the apostolic letters to the contrary beggars belief.

CG Didymus said:
So what is the spiritual message of all those stories? Do as God says. But the other message of those stories is... or else. So hopefully those stories aren't true or literal or whatever, 'cause who wants "or else"? At least the Baha'is say God is a little more kinder and gentler than he used to be. That is except for allowing all the diseases, wars, natural disasters and all the other things God allows or sends are way to "teach" us and to "help" us grow.

Recognition of God’s Messengers and obedience to their commands and heeding their exhortations will always be a core concern for any faithful believer. Their Teachings are for our wellbeing and protection, not to burden our souls. Acknowledging the spiritual meaning of the Gospels, Quran or whatever book we choose to follow empowers the seeker to live the life. Faith is founded on both God’s compassion and justice.

Twilight Hue · Nov 1, 2019

CG Didymus said:
Then who is Baha'u'llah? This guy says that all those other prophets of all the other major religions were real... except for the things they say were "symbolic" like the six-day creation story, like the flood, like the parting of the sea, like Jesus walking on water and so on. Oh, and that man-made traditions and embellishments worked their way into the Scripture stories of all these prophets. But no, they are not myth. The people are real, just some of the things that the stories say happened aren't real???

He was just a guy. No different than anyone else. Same as anyone who imagines they are Christ or someone or something else that they would like to be.

He did have a rather tough life though. I'll give him that.

Trailblazer · Nov 2, 2019

wizanda said:
You're denying fundamentals that are clearly written, to the point of going against Christ; download Esword Bible software.

Imo, what was written clearly goes against the real Jesus. They were stories written about Jesus; nothing more, nothing less. Jesus never said those things and Jesus never rose from the dead or ascended into the sky in the same body and Jesus never said He was going to return to earth in the same body.

People wanted that to happen so they misinterpreted the Bible and then they believed it. They just could not face the fact that Jesus died on the cross and as Jesus said “It is finished!” What about plain English do people not understand?

Jesus did not teach anyone to worship His physical body, quite the opposite, but that is what resulted from believing in the bodily resurrection.

John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

But people can and will believe whatever they want to believe. That is the nature of belief.

Trailblazer · Nov 2, 2019

CG Didymus said:
We "know" this? Yes, if you believe the Baha'is. Christians have their verses that show that it is Jesus coming back,

Christians do not have any such thing. I have been posting to a Christian on my forum for five years and all he has is Acts 1:10-11.... He thinks that PROVES the resurrected body of Jesus went up into the sky and will return “in like manner” barreling down from the sky. This same Jesus refers to the same spirit of Jesus, not the same physical body.

CG Didymus said:
but Baha'is find ways around those verses and Christians find explanations around yours. So Baha'is are just as guilty of fueling religious disunity by standing firm in their beliefs and not listening to or knocking the beliefs of others. ,

Around what verses? There are no verses that say that Jesus is coming back to earth, not one. Christians twist the meanings of verses and stretch them so that they can think they mean Jesus is returning, but Jesus NEVER said He was coming back to earth. Why would Jesus keep it a secret if it was HIM who was coming?

Son of man coming in the clouds verses do not refer to Jesus, they refer to Baha’u’llah. That is why Jesus did not say “they shall see me.”

Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Not listening? I have been asking Christians for years for verses where Jesus says He is coming back to earth and so far nothing, because there is nothing.... This fantasy that the same Jesus in the same body was coming back was all fabricated by the Church.

I do not need to be a Baha’i to know that bodies do not rise from a grave after three days of decomposition and come alive.... I just need to be a rational person.

CG Didymus said:
And, if you don't like the word "knocking" then how about showing them the errors in their interpretations and pointing out that yours are correct. ,

What good do you think that will do? I have shown them but they do not want to hear it. They WANT Jesus to come back so that is what they will continue to believe till the day they die... I do not know what will happen after that, only God knows.

What will the Second Coming of Christ look like?

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