Jesus will literally return; strong eschatological expectancy is common
The Charismatic Movement has a strong eschatological dimension. The return of Christ is expected, longed for, and seen as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Charismatic worship regularly invokes the coming of the Kingdom and the Lord's return. The gifts of the Spirit are understood as end-time provisions for the final harvest before Christ's return.
Specific views on the timing and nature of the Second Coming vary considerably — from pre-tribulation dispensationalists to Kingdom Now theology, which emphasizes the church's role in ushering in the Kingdom before Christ returns. The New Apostolic Reformation, an influential charismatic movement, holds a 'dominionist' eschatology that is controversial even within charismatic circles.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- imminent; signs and wonders as evidence of nearness
- Tribulation view:
- pre-trib most common; some post-trib; Kingdom Now views vary
- Parousia nature:
- bodily, visible, glorious return
Scripture References
Sources
- International Charismatic Consultation on World Evangelization
- Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service (ICCRS)