second advent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Theological
Quick answer
What does “second advent” mean?
The prophesied future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, marking the culmination of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The prophesied future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, marking the culmination of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.
In broader usage, can refer to any highly anticipated subsequent arrival or appearance of a significant figure or phenomenon, though this is metaphorical extension from the theological concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in theological discourse in both regions.
Connotations
Carries strong eschatological (end-times) connotations. May be associated with specific doctrinal positions (e.g., premillennialism, amillennialism).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to religious texts, sermons, and theological discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “second advent” in a Sentence
The [theologians/church] anticipates the second advent.Debates surround the timing of the second advent.His return is termed the second advent.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second advent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The creed states that He will come again to judge the living and the dead, a event often referred to as the second advent.
American English
- Many churches teach that Christ will return in what is known as the second advent.
adverb
British English
- The sermon was preached second-advently, with a focus on future hope and judgment.
American English
- He interpreted the prophecy second-advently, expecting a literal return.
adjective
British English
- Second-advent theology focuses on the events surrounding the return of Christ.
American English
- Their second-advent beliefs influenced their approach to social issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical contexts discussing Christian eschatology.
Everyday
Very rarely used in everyday conversation outside of religious communities.
Technical
A technical term within systematic theology and eschatology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second advent”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second advent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second advent”
- Capitalizing it as 'Second Advent' as if it were a holiday like Advent (usually not capitalized).
- Using 'advent' incorrectly as a synonym for 'beginning' in this phrase (e.g., 'the second advent of the internet').
- Confusing it with 'the Rapture,' which is a different (though related) concept in some theologies.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Advent' (capitalized) is the liturgical season before Christmas celebrating the First Coming of Jesus. 'Second advent' (usually not capitalized) refers to his prophesied future return.
In some Christian theologies, the Rapture is a separate event where believers are taken to meet Christ, preceding his visible return to earth (the Second Advent) to establish his kingdom. Other traditions conflate the events or do not hold to a distinct Rapture doctrine.
While a future return of Christ is a core doctrine in most Christian denominations, interpretations range from a literal, physical return to a more spiritual or symbolic understanding of Christ's presence in the world.
Very rarely and only metaphorically (e.g., 'the second advent of the electric car'). This usage is stylistically marked and leans on the reader's familiarity with the theological term for rhetorical effect.
The prophesied future return of Jesus Christ to Earth, marking the culmination of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Second advent is usually formal, religious, theological in register.
Second advent: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkənd ˈadvɛnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛkənd ˈæd.vɛnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is a fixed theological phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The FIRST Advent was Christmas (Jesus arriving as a baby). The SECOND Advent will be his future, triumphant return.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY IS A JOURNEY TOWARDS A CLIMACTIC ARRIVAL. / FULFILLMENT IS ARRIVAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'second advent' primarily used?