The Second Coming of Jesus: Myths Unveiled and Truth Exposed
The concept of the second coming of Christ and his reign on earth has been a subject of profound interest and debate among various religious communities. Jehovah's Witnesses, in particular, have long claimed that Jesus became King in 1914 and started ruling from heaven. However, this claim is rooted more in doctrine and less in biblical evidence. Let's delve into the factual basis of Jesus' kingship and the misconceptions surrounding the 1914 date.
Jesus as Eternal King of the Universe
According to the Bible, Jesus has always been the eternal Word or Son of God, co-existing with and equal to God the Father from the beginning. The Gospel of John clearly states:
‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.’ (John 1:1-3 NKJV)
This verse suggests that Jesus, being the Word of God, has always existed and was part of God's eternal plan. As the eternal Word, Jesus is also God, not a creation or a new entity.
The Ascension and the Kingship of Jesus
Although Jesus took the throne of the universe upon His ascension, this happened centuries after His incarnation as a human. The ascension is a unique event described in the Bible where Jesus returned to heaven after His resurrection.
The Watchtower Doctrine: Misleading Prophecies
The claim that Jesus became King in 1914 is based on the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses and other sects. These claims are rooted in misleading interpretations of biblical texts and flawed calculations. The Bible does not state that Jesus returned as King in 1914. Instead, it outlines a detailed timeline of events leading up to His second coming, including the millennium reign on earth.
The Millennium Reign and the Tribulation Period
The millennial reign of Jesus is a well-documented concept in biblical prophecy. It will begin after the Armageddon, a final conflict where Jesus will return with the armies of heaven and vanquish His enemies. This reign is part of the 7000-year plan, divided into two periods:
First 6000 years: The rule of man. Next 1000 years: The rule of Jesus.The concept is modeled after the seven days of creation, with six days of work and one day of rest. This interpretation is supported by various scriptures, such as Hebrews 4:4-11:
‘For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.”’ (Hebrews 4:4 NKJV)
Furthermore, the book of Revelation envisions a future period of 1000 years known as the millennium, where Jesus will reign in peace and justice.
The Times of the Gentiles and the Current Generation
The term "times of the Gentiles" refers to a period starting from 70 AD when the temple was destroyed until Israel became a nation again. This period is estimated to cover approximately 2000 years, culminating in 1948 when Israel was reestablished as a nation.
Regarding the "generation" concept, it is a scriptural standard that measures a person's lifespan from birth to death, not a specific age. The term "generation" does not imply a precise age but refers to the continuity of life and the passing of the covenant from one generation to another. As such, the generation that will witness the second coming of Jesus is yet to come, as those born in 1914 and later are still alive.
Exposing the 1914 Misconception
The idea that 1914 marks the beginning of Christ's reign is a misinterpretation. Using the generation concept, we can see that the generation in 1914 is already older, and many have already passed away. The Bible does not support the 1914 prediction but rather points to the future. Using historical data, we can roughly estimate that Jesus' second coming is around 2024 to 2025, based on the tribulation period starting about 7 years before.
Conclusion
The second coming of Jesus is an event eagerly awaited by Christians worldwide, but it should be based on sound biblical interpretation. The claim that Jesus became King in 1914 is not supported by the Bible and is a misconception. Instead, the millennial reign and the tribulation period are clearly described in various scriptures, and the generation concept confirms that we are still awaiting this event.
Failure to prepare for the second coming due to false predictions can be seen as a form of unpreparedness. It is crucial to stay informed and base our beliefs on the Word of God rather than human interpretations.