Jesus' Two Advents

One of the many things that I look forward to during the Christmas season is celebrating “Advent.” During the four Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, many in the church observe and celebrate the coming birth of our Lord Jesus by lighting four colored candles. A different one is lit each Sunday, each representing a virtue that Jesus possesses and that we experience in our relationship with Him. 

One of the reasons that I appreciate the Advent season so much is because it helps me remember what Christmas is really all about. Let's face it, Christmas is supposed to be about celebrating the birth of Jesus. He is, after all, the “reason for the season.” Yet in our modern culture Christmas has been reduced to nothing more than an excuse to give each other presents. 

For those who are Christ followers, there is a second Advent to celebrate as well. In the near future, hopefully, the Lord's "second coming" or second Advent, will take place. This is recorded in Revelation 19: 11-16. These two events are very different from each other and deserve to be compared and contrasted in order to understand the full impact and importance of our Lord's coming to earth at each Advent.

To begin with, at the first Advent of Jesus, He came into the world as an infant human being. Jesus is fully God, but He is also fully human. Think about it! Our Lord, the Creator of the universe, came into this life the first time as a helpless, needy infant who was totally dependent on others for His survival and well-being. All He could do was cry, sleep, eat, and then deal with the consequences. Further, when He did make His grand entrance into this world, the only ones who knew about it were a few shepherds (Luke 2: 8-22). 

When John relates his prophetic vision of the end times, he writes that He saw the heavens open up, and he saw a man wearing a white robe sitting on a white horse (Rev. 19: 11). John describes this man as being dressed for war and he is wearing many “diadems” or “crowns." In ancient times, a " diadem" was only worn by a king. It signified royal authority and power. A different type of crown, a “stephanos,” was awarded to the winner of a foot race or other Olympic-type contest (1 Cor. 9: 25). It signified achievement, not authority. 

The only ones to witness the Lord's first Advent were a few shepherds. However, according to John's prophecy, everyone on earth will see His second Advent- perhaps thanks to modern technology and social media. This warrior-king is wearing many “diadems” and has “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords" written on his robe as well as his thigh. The crowns and robe insignia prove that this man wields the ultimate power and authority over all other kings on the earth just as it is recorded in Psalm 2: 8-10. 

At this point, it's important to remember that when Jesus made His first and most public announcement, that He was Israel's promised Messiah, He entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. In biblical times, when a king entered into a foreign city riding a donkey, it meant that he came in peace (Mt. 21: 4,5; Zec. 9: 9). Adversely, when a military leader went to war, he rode a horse. In John's vision, this warrior-king is riding a white horse. This is what a general would ride as he triumphantly entered into his own country's capital city, followed by his army along with booty and prisoners of war from the conquered nation. This heavenly warrior-king is followed by his “armies” (plural). 

Most Bible scholars believe that these armies are made up not only of angels but also believers who were raptured before the tribulation started. This means that you and I and all other believers will not only see but participate in this battle. A large sword,  a “ῥομφαία,” which is the type of sword used specifically to destroy and “hack up” one's enemies, protrudes out of his mouth. This signifies the powerful Word of God. With only his word, Jesus will destroy and conquer God's enemies. The warrior-king's robe is also splattered with the blood of His enemies on the hem of His garment, which is an illusion to Isaiah 63: 2-6. 

Take note, this vision of Jesus doesn't match up with the gentle, unassuming, loving Savior that the Gospels describe (Lk. 19: 41, 42). The time for mercy and gentleness is over. This warrior- king is coming to completely and utterly obliterate all of His enemies on this earth and take His rightful place on His throne in His capital city, Jerusalem, as the ruler of all the earth. 

“It’s good for us to remember that this dramatic display of judgment comes only at the end of a long time of grace, patience, and mercy. This is no “rush to judgment.” Jesus has amply displayed His nature of mercy, forgiveness and grace to this fallen world. He comes now to judge a world hardened and totally given over to their rebellion against Him” (David Guzik, editor of the Blue Word Bible). 

John Walvoord, professor of theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, observes that this passage “points to the sad conclusion that on the day of judgment it is too late for men to expect the mercy of God. There is nothing more inflexible than divine judgment where grace has been spurned. The scene of awful judgment which comes from this background is in flat contradiction of the modern point of view that God is dominated entirely by His attribute of love.” 

This is the consummation to which all of history is rushing. That is, Jesus, God's Messiah, seated on God's throne ruling over all of creation in the new heavens and new earth for eternity. This is the believer’s “blessed hope.” It’s “hope in the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2: 13).

This Christmas season as we celebrate the coming birth of our Lord Jesus, let's take some time to celebrate with anticipation the second Advent of His final return, rule, and salvation of all of creation.