Literal, visible, bodily return of Christ; imminent; judge of all humanity
The LCMS affirms the second coming (parousia) of Jesus Christ as a literal, historical event that is both genuinely imminent and divinely hidden as to time. Christ will return visibly, bodily, and in great power and glory to judge all nations and to consummate history. This is not a figurative or symbolic return but a real, bodily reappearance of Jesus to the entire world.
The timing of the second coming is known only to God the Father; no one can predict the day or hour (Matthew 24:36). The imminency of Christ's return should motivate constant watchfulness and readiness, yet the LCMS does not engage in date-setting or speculation about the end times. The second coming will be preceded by the proclamation of the gospel to all nations and by 'signs of the times,' but the exact sequence and timing of these events is a matter of theological debate within Lutheranism.
At the second coming, Christ will judge all people—the righteous will be exalted to eternal life, and the unrighteous will be cast into eternal condemnation. The dead will be raised, the living transformed, and all will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. This doctrine is central to Christian hope, urgency in mission, and the eschaton (final consummation). The LCMS does not affirm a pretribulational rapture doctrine; rather, it looks for the single return and judgment of Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- rejected — single return and judgment of Christ; no separate rapture event
- Parousia nature:
- literal, visible, bodily return; in power and glory
Scripture References
Sources
- Book of Concord: Augsburg Confession, Article XVII (Return of Christ); Nicene Creed
- LCMS eschatology and Commission on Theology and Church Relations statements