The Second Coming

The Second Coming of Christ: A Fulfilled Perspective

The Second Coming of Christ has been one of the most debated topics in Christian theology. Traditionally, most Christians believe in a future, physical return of Jesus, where He will judge the world, resurrect the dead, and establish an eternal kingdom. However, the fulfilled perspective—rooted in victorious eschatology—argues that the Second Coming has already occurred, culminating in the events of 70 A.D. with the destruction of Jerusalem.

Rather than being a future, global event, the fulfilled view understands the Second Coming as a covenantal shift, bringing an end to the Old Covenant system and fully establishing Christ’s eternal kingdom. This page explores what Jesus actually taught about His return, the historical and biblical evidence for its fulfillment, and how this understanding revolutionizes Christianity today.

What Did Jesus Teach About His Return?

Jesus spoke frequently about His return, often linking it to judgment, the end of the age, and the coming of His kingdom. Key passages include:

• Matthew 24:34 – “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
• Matthew 16:28 – “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
• Mark 13:30 – “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
• Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me.”

Jesus repeatedly emphasized that His return would occur within the lifetime of His first-century audience. His teachings were not about an event thousands of years in the future but rather a near and imminent reality.

Was the Second Coming Fulfilled in 70 A.D.?

The fulfilled perspective asserts that Christ’s Second Coming was realized in 70 A.D. through the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the Jewish Temple system. This event marked the final judgment of Israel under the Old Covenant, aligning with many of Jesus’ prophecies.

Historical and Biblical Evidence for 70 A.D. Fulfillment

1. The Destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:2, Luke 21:20-24)
   • Jesus predicted the fall of the temple, which was completely destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D.
   • This event mirrored the apocalyptic imagery He used to describe His coming.
2. The “Coming on the Clouds” (Daniel 7:13, Matthew 26:64)
   • Jesus told the high priest that he would see Him “coming on the clouds”.
   • This phrase does not refer to a physical descent but is covenantal language for divine judgment (Isaiah 19:1).
3. The Timeframe of New Testament Writings
   • All New Testament authors wrote with an expectation that Jesus would return soon.
   • Paul (1 Corinthians 7:29, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) and John (Revelation 1:1-3) emphasize imminence, not a distant event.
4. Josephus’ Historical Accounts
   • The Jewish historian Josephus describes the siege of Jerusalem as a catastrophic, world-shaking event.
   • His writings confirm the mass destruction, famine, and celestial signs that match Jesus’ prophecies.

In this understanding, Christ’s Second Coming was not a physical event but rather the finalization of His kingdom, judgment of the Old Covenant, and the full establishment of the New Covenant.

How Does the Fulfilled Perspective Compare to Futurism?

Most Christian traditions follow a futurist eschatology, believing that:

• Jesus will physically return to the earth.
• The world will undergo a great tribulation.
• There will be a final resurrection of the dead.
• Christ will establish a literal, earthly kingdom.

However, the fulfilled perspective teaches that:

Futurist View	Fulfilled View
Jesus’ return is still in the future.	Jesus already returned in judgment in 70 A.D.
The Kingdom of God will come physically on earth.	The Kingdom of God is spiritual and already here (Luke 17:20-21).
The world will experience a future tribulation.	The Great Tribulation was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:21).
The resurrection is a physical event in the future.	Resurrection is a spiritual reality, tied to faith in Christ (John 11:25-26).

While futurists look forward to an earthly fulfillment, the fulfilled perspective emphasizes that the work of Christ is complete, and believers already live in His established kingdom.

What Are the Symbolic and Prophetic Elements of the Second Coming?

Many misunderstand the language of prophecy, assuming it must be literal. However, apocalyptic and prophetic writings frequently use symbolism and metaphor to describe spiritual realities.

Key Symbolic Elements in the Second Coming:

• “Coming on the Clouds” ? Symbol of divine judgment (Isaiah 19:1, Matthew 26:64).
• The “End of the Age” ? The end of the Old Covenant, not the end of the world (Hebrews 8:13).
• “The Resurrection” ? Spiritual resurrection in Christ (John 5:24-25).
• The “New Heavens and New Earth” ? The fulfilled covenantal reality, not a literal transformation of the planet (2 Peter 3:13).

Understanding these symbols shifts the focus away from waiting for a physical event and toward living in the spiritual fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom today.

How Does This Change the Future of Christianity?

If the Second Coming has already happened, what does this mean for believers today?

1. Faith is About Living in the Kingdom Now
   • There is no need to wait for a future kingdom—it is already here (Luke 17:21).
   • This frees believers to focus on spiritual growth, love, and transformation rather than fearing an impending apocalypse.
2. No More Fear-Based Theology
   • Many Christian traditions emphasize fear of judgment, rapture, and tribulation.
   • Fulfilled eschatology teaches that the judgment has passed, and believers can rest in Christ’s finished work.
3. No Religious Obligations or Institutional Control
   • Many churches use the expectation of Christ’s return to enforce obedience, tithing, and institutional loyalty.
   • Without this control, believers can worship in freedom, without guilt or pressure.
4. A New Focus on Love and Spiritual Growth
   • Instead of focusing on escaping the world, believers can engage with the world in love and peace.
   • Spiritual life becomes about growing in faith, grace, and love, rather than preparing for an apocalyptic event.