Personal return of Christ; future; brings bodily resurrection and final judgment
The Church of God (Anderson) firmly affirms the literal, personal, bodily return of Jesus Christ from heaven. This is not a spiritual return or coming through the Spirit but the actual, visible, physical reappearance of the glorified Christ. The timing of this return is known only to God; no one knows the day or hour. Believers are called to be ready and watchful, living in expectation of Christ's return.
At Christ's coming, the dead will be raised—both the righteous and the unrighteous. All people will stand before Christ for judgment, to give account of their deeds. The coming of Christ marks the end of the present age and the beginning of the eternal state. The doctrine of Christ's return provides hope for believers who suffer injustice and encouragement to persevere in faith. It also stands as a warning to the unbelieving, calling them to repentance before that great day.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- all raised; judgment follows; eternal state established
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God (Anderson) Article VIII — The Return of Christ
- Daniel S. Warner, Sermons on the Second Coming
- Church of God (Anderson) Statement on Eschatology