What are the differences between the time of the first coming and the second coming? We know that there are certain events that have to take place according to Scripture, but what is similar and what is different at the time of the first and second comings?
The Similarities
- The Lamp that prepares the way
At the time of the first coming John the Baptist was the lamp (messenger) that prepared the way for the Savior, Jesus (Mal 3:1; Jn 5:35). At the time of the second coming the lampstand appears in Rv 1:20, preparing the way for the Savior figure.
- There has to be an overcomer
At the time of the first coming Jesus overcame the world (Jn 16:33), at the time of the second coming the male child overcomes using the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony (Rv 12:11)
- The events of Betrayal, Destruction, and Salvation
John 10:11-13
Betrayal – “The hired hand”:
1st: John the Baptist, the hired hand who fled when invaded by the Pharisees at the first coming
2nd: The 7 lampstands, the 7 messengers (Rv 2-3) who are defeated by the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns
Destruction – “The wolves”:
1st: The Pharisees, who were the wolves who attacked and devoured the sheep (believers)
2nd: The beast with 7 heads and 10 horns that invades the Tabernacle of heaven and marks the congregation members with ‘666’ (Rv 13)
Savior figure – “The good shepherd”:
1st: Jesus, the good shepherd, the one who will lay down his life for his sheep
2nd: The male child, the overcomer (Rv 12)
- The end of one generation, and the beginning of a new generation
The Law and the Prophets came to an end at the time of John the Baptist (Lk 16:16), then, anyone who accepted Jesus and the word of truth, became a child of God, God’s new generation (Jn 1:11-13). At the time of the second coming God’s sun, moon, and stars turn dark and fall from their position of being in heaven (being God’s people), and so a new generation of God has to be created on earth (Rv 7).
- Heaven on earth
Jesus was the kingdom of heaven at the time of the first coming (Mt 13:24; Mt 4:17) and through the disciples the 12 tribes were established (James 1:1; Jn 15:5). At the time of the second coming the kingdom of heaven is created on earth through the savior figure, the male child, and the 12 tribes that are sealed in Rv 7, the 144,000.
- God gives everything to the overcomer, the Savior figure
At the time of the first coming God gave Jesus everything (Mt 11:27). At the time of the second coming God and Jesus give everything to the male child, the overcomer (Rv 21:7).
The Differences
- At the first coming Jesus spoke in parables (Mt 13:34-35); at the time of the second coming the male child, the one who receives the revelation, speaks plainly (Jn 16:25; Rv 10:8-10)
- The first coming is when Jesus sowed the seed (Mt 13:24); the second coming is the time to harvest (Mt 13:39; Rv 14:14-16)
- Jesus came the first time to atone for our sins; and he comes a second time to bring salvation (Heb 9:28)
- Jesus came in the name of God at the first coming (Ps 118:26; Jn 17:8); the Overcomer, the promised pastor, comes in the name of Jesus at the time of the second coming (Jn 16:7; Rv 1:1-3)
- Jesus comes in the flesh at the time of the first coming; Jesus comes in spirit at the time of the second coming (Rv 1:13-19; Rv 5:6-7, Jesus’ spiritual body)
These are only a few of the similarities and differences. We have to know God’s word so that we can be those who can recognize the time we are living in, believe in the fulfillment when it is taking place, and obey God’s word, so that we can received all the promised blessings and become God’s kingdom and priests (Rv 5:9-10; Rv 7).
Let us be those who hear and take to heart the fulfillment that is taking place today.
Come and hear the word of truth that is being testified from Mount Zion!
Healing Leaf 