Christ will return in glory to judge the living and dead and establish the Kingdom
The Assyrian Church of the East solemnly affirms the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. At the end of history, Christ will return visibly in glory to judge all humanity—the living and the dead—and to establish the eternal Kingdom. This doctrine is a core component of the Apostolic faith and is proclaimed in every celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The return of Christ is singular and final, and will be preceded by the preaching of the Gospel to all nations.
The eschatological expectation shapes the spiritual life of the church: believers are called to live in watchfulness and readiness for the Lord's return. The liturgical commemoration of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension is infused with eschatological significance, pointing forward to the fulfillment of all things in the Kingdom of God. The church does not speculate extensively on the specific timing or the detailed sequence of end-times events, maintaining instead a sober vigilance and hope in the Lord's promised return.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- literal, visible return of Christ in glory
- Tribulation view:
- preceded by signs and Gospel proclamation to all nations
- Parousia nature:
- bodily, visible, glorious return for universal judgment
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the East Liturgical Tradition
- Theodore of Mopsuestia, theological writings
- Syriac patristic sources