Question 336: What Is The Second Coming Of Christ?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 336: What is the second coming of Christ?

The second coming of Christ is His promised return in glory to judge the living and the dead, to raise the dead, and to establish His everlasting kingdom. Unlike His first coming in humility, His return will be visible, sudden, and triumphant. Christ will defeat evil fully and finally, reward the righteous, punish the wicked, and renew heaven and earth. This blessed hope encourages believers to live in holiness, faith, and joyful expectation. (Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:30–31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Revelation 22:12, Titus 2:13)

Full Scripture References

“‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’” – Acts 1:11 (BSB)

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds…” – Matthew 24:30–31 (BSB)

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them… to meet the Lord in the air.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (BSB)

“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.” – Revelation 22:12 (BSB)

“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The second coming of Christ is the climactic fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. It will be a visible, bodily return—not in humility as before, but in glory and power. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “At His first coming, He wore a crown of thorns. At His second, He comes with many crowns. Christ shall return not as a servant, but as the sovereign King and Judge of all the earth.” (He Will Come Again, 2022)

This return will mark the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “The second coming is not symbolic—it is personal, global, and inescapable. It is the day when Christ restores what sin has ruined, and no power in heaven or earth can stop it.” (The Return of the King, 2021)

For believers, the second coming is a source of great hope. It is the moment when Christ will wipe away every tear, undo every injustice, and make all things new. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “The Church watches the sky—not in fear, but in longing. The Judge is our Savior. His return is not a threat, but a promise of joy.” (The Blessed Hope, 2020)

The certainty of Christ’s return should stir us to live in holiness and readiness. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) notes, “The second coming is not meant to stir idle speculation but godly preparation. We do not know the hour, but we know the call: to be found faithful when He appears.” (Awaiting the Lord with Lamps Lit, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “The second coming centers the Christian life in eternity. We live between the already and the not-yet, serving now in faith, knowing the King is coming soon.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“This same Jesus will come again, not in weakness but in power. Let every heart be vigilant, for the day draws near.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on the Lord’s Return, c. 410 AD

“The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise. Then shall the righteous shine, and the wicked tremble. Christ comes to gather His own.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on 1 Thessalonians, c. 390 AD

“Let us live now as if Christ were to come today, for He may. He delays in mercy, but He shall not delay forever.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Treatise on the End of the World, c. 250 AD

“The Lord who ascended will return as Judge. The saints shall rejoice, and the earth shall be made new.” – Basil the Great, On the Second Advent, c. 370 AD

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)