Jesus’ first and second comings are two of the most important events in the Bible, but they serve very different purposes. In His first coming, Jesus arrived humbly to offer salvation—living a perfect life, dying for our sins, and rising again so we could be forgiven. He came as a servant, was largely rejected, and fulfilled dozens of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. His mission then was all about grace, mercy, and opening the door to eternal life.
His second coming, however, will be completely different. Jesus will return in power and glory as King and Judge. This time, every eye will see Him, and He’ll bring justice, defeat evil, and establish His eternal kingdom. The contrast between the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who will reign is stark—and understanding both comings gives you a full picture of who Jesus is and why it matters today. Keep reading to dive deeper into these life-changing truths.
If you’ve ever read the Bible or heard Christian teaching, you’ve likely come across the terms “First Coming” and “Second Coming” of Jesus. These two events are central to the Christian faith, but they’re radically different. Understanding the difference isn’t just helpful—it’s essential if you want a clear picture of what Christianity teaches about salvation, judgment, and the future.
Let’s walk through the major contrasts between Jesus’ first arrival on Earth and His promised return. We’ll break it down simply and use Scripture to make things crystal clear.
1. Purpose: Why Did Jesus Come—Then and Why Will He Come Again?
First Coming: To Save
Jesus’ first coming was all about salvation.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10
He came humbly, born in a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2:7), not in a palace or with political power. His mission was to live a perfect life, die for our sins, and rise again so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life.
Second Coming: To Judge and Reign
The second coming is about judgment and restoration.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16
“He will judge the living and the dead…” — 2 Timothy 4:1
This time, Jesus won’t come quietly. He’ll return in glory, power, and authority—to judge sin, defeat evil, and rule forever.
2. Appearance: Humble Servant vs. Victorious King
First Coming: Humble and Lowly
Jesus came as a servant.
“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” — Philippians 2:8
He wore no crown, held no sword, and had no army. People didn’t recognize Him as a king—they crucified Him.
Second Coming: Glorious and Majestic
When He returns, it’ll be impossible to miss.
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30
“On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” — Revelation 19:16
No more manger. No more cross. This time, He comes crowned, riding a white horse, with heaven’s armies behind Him (Revelation 19:11-14).
3. Timing: Already Fulfilled vs. Still Future
First Coming: Fulfilled Prophecy
Jesus’ first coming fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies, including:
- Born of a virgin — Isaiah 7:14
- Born in Bethlehem — Micah 5:2
- Pierced for our transgressions — Isaiah 53:5
He fulfilled these exactly, down to the smallest detail.
Second Coming: Future Prophecy
The Second Coming is still future. Jesus promised He’d return, but didn’t give a date:
“But about that day or hour no one knows… only the Father.” — Matthew 24:36
We’re told to watch and be ready (Matthew 25:13), but the timing is up to God. And when it happens, it’ll be global and unmistakable.
4. Audience Response: Rejected vs. Revered
First Coming: Rejection and Suffering
Jesus was largely rejected.
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” — John 1:11
Religious leaders accused Him of blasphemy. The Roman government executed Him. His followers scattered. It was a dark moment—until the resurrection.
Second Coming: Every Eye Will See
There won’t be any confusion or debate when Jesus returns.
“Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him…” — Revelation 1:7
People will either rejoice or mourn—there’s no neutral reaction.
5. Role: Suffering Servant vs. Conquering King
First Coming: The Lamb
Jesus came as the Lamb of God.
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29
He laid down His life for others, willingly taking on our punishment.
Second Coming: The Lion
He returns as the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5), ready to conquer evil, defeat Satan, and establish His kingdom forever.
6. Effect on the World: Spiritual vs. Cosmic Impact
First Coming: Spiritual Transformation
Jesus changed lives through His teachings, His example, and His sacrifice. He gave us access to God and sent the Holy Spirit to live within believers.
But the world, as a whole, kept going on much the same—wars, injustice, suffering.
Second Coming: Cosmic Shake-Up
When Jesus comes again, everything changes.
“The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire…” — 2 Peter 3:10
He’ll create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). No more death. No more pain. Everything made right.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Aspect | First Coming | Second Coming |
| Purpose | To save | To judge and reign |
| Appearance | Humble servant | Glorious King |
| Timing | Already happened (c. 4 BC – AD 30) | Future event |
| Reception | Mostly rejected | Universally acknowledged |
| Role | Lamb of God | Lion of Judah |
| World Impact | Spiritual | Global and cosmic |
Why It Matters to You
This isn’t just theology—it’s personal. Jesus came the first time so you could be saved. He’s coming again to wrap everything up. The question is: Are you ready?
“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42
You don’t prepare for His second coming by fear—you prepare through faith.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Believe in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16)
- Follow Him as Lord (Luke 9:23)
- Live ready, knowing He could come at any time (Titus 2:13)
Final Thoughts
Jesus’ first and second comings are like bookends of God’s plan for the world. The first coming opened the door to grace. The second will close it in judgment and restoration.
If you’ve never really thought about the difference—or why it matters—now’s the time. Jesus came once to rescue. He’s coming again to reign. And the good news? You still have time to respond.
FAQs: Comparing Jesus’ First and Second Coming: What’s the Difference?
1. What’s the difference between Jesus’ first and second coming?
The first coming was about salvation—Jesus came as a humble servant to die for our sins. The second coming will be about judgment and reign—He’ll return as King to defeat evil and restore everything.
2. When did Jesus’ first coming happen?
Jesus’ first coming took place roughly between 4 BC and AD 30. He was born in Bethlehem, lived in Israel, died on a Roman cross, and rose from the dead—all fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
3. Has Jesus’ second coming happened yet?
No. The second coming is a future event. It’s still to come, and Scripture tells us to stay ready, even though no one knows the exact day or hour (Matthew 24:36).
4. Why did Jesus come the first time?
He came to save sinners. Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). His mission was spiritual—to rescue people from sin and offer eternal life.
5. Why will Jesus come again?
Jesus will return to judge the world, defeat evil, and establish God’s eternal kingdom. He’ll right every wrong and bring final justice (Revelation 19:11–16).
6. How will Jesus’ second coming look different from His first?
In His first coming, Jesus was born in a stable and lived in humility. His second coming will be glorious and powerful—riding a white horse, with heaven’s armies, and seen by the whole world (Matthew 24:30).
7. What does the Bible say about the two comings of Jesus?
The Bible clearly distinguishes them: the first coming fulfilled prophecies about the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53), while the second coming fulfills prophecies about the reigning King (Revelation 19–22).
8. Will everyone recognize Jesus when He returns?
Yes. Scripture says “every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). There won’t be confusion or secrecy—His return will be global, visible, and undeniable.
9. How should we prepare for Jesus’ second coming?
You prepare by believing in Him, following His teachings, and living ready. Jesus told His followers, “Be always on the watch…” (Luke 21:36).
10. Why is understanding the difference between the first and second coming important?
Because it shows the full picture of Jesus: Savior and Judge, Lamb and Lion. Knowing the difference helps you understand God’s plan—and how you fit into it.
