It is good that this time of the year people remember the first coming of Jesus as a baby. But that is only part of the narrative of Scripture concerning Christ, what He came to do, and why. Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth as a man to die, and pay the debt of sin, with His own blood, for those who would believe.
The Bible also teaches that “this same Jesus” (Acts 1)will return to judge the unbelieving wicked and then set up His kingdom. In fact, several passages in the Bible refer to both Jesus’ incarnation (His first coming) and His return (His second coming) within the same passage.
These verses often present a contrast between His humble arrival as a servant and His glorious return as a reigning King and Judge.
1. Philippians 2:5-11
Incarnation:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Return:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Summary: This passage contrasts Jesus’ humility in His incarnation with His exaltation and universal lordship in His return.
2. Hebrews 9:27-28
Incarnation:
“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many…”
Return:
“And he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Summary: Jesus came first to deal with sin through His sacrifice and will return to complete salvation for His people.
3. Isaiah 9:6-7
Incarnation:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Return:
“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”
Summary: The passage blends the prophecy of Jesus’ birth with the eternal kingdom He will establish upon His return.
4. Acts 1:9-11
Incarnation: (Implied in the earthly ministry before ascension)
Return:
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Summary: After His first coming, the angels assure the disciples that Jesus will return in a similar visible and glorious manner.
5. Titus 2:11-13
Incarnation:
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
Return:
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Summary: The passage refers to both the appearance of Jesus in grace (His incarnation) and His future appearance in glory (His return).
6. Revelation 1:7-8
Incarnation: (Implied in His first coming and sacrifice)
Return:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him.”
Summary: The passage ties Jesus’ first appearance (implied through the reference to “those who pierced him”) with His return in glory.
7. 1 Timothy 3:16
Incarnation:
“He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world…”
Return (Implied in His glory):
”…was taken up in glory.”
Summary: This verse summarizes both the earthly ministry (incarnation) and His exaltation, implying His return.
Conclusion:
These passages demonstrate the consistent biblical theme of Jesus’ two advents: His first coming to save and His second coming to reign and judge. Each passage emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through both events.
Bible Points 
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