Abstract
Although eschatology continues to be a prominent topic of study in New Testament studies, a general dearth of attention is given to the second coming except in certain ecclesial circles that focus on the chronology of eschatological events. Motyer redresses this imbalance by maintaining a rigorous focus on what scripture says about Jesus’s Parousia. The scope of the study is narrow and does not delve into such matters as the chronology of the second coming or its relationship to other eschatological events. Using a biblical theological approach, Motyer argues that the second coming is the core of a biblical world view and the centrepiece of biblical faith.
The book divides into two parts: an examination of the biblical frame for the second coming and a study of the New Testament’s hopes and visions. The first part explores Pss 18, 89, and 90, and distinguishes between kairos and chronos understandings of time. This distinction is important for later chapters. It then studies Dan. 7 and notes that the same language can be applied by biblical authors to present and future kingdoms. The second part turns to the New Testament and highlights continuities between the framework and particular New Testament texts. Chapters explore the Gospels, Pauline and General Epistles, and Revelation. The treatment of the second coming in John 14 is particularly worth noting both for the case that “coming” has multiple meanings and for the coherent, concise exegesis. Throughout the second part, the interplay between Jesus’s present and future presence rightly resists being dissolved into a simple schema.
Motyer helpfully analyses a variety of texts that have implications for one’s understanding of the second coming. He cogently illustrates the significant place given to the second coming in scripture while acknowledging differences in how this event is described by various texts and refusing to gloss over matters that are unknown. The clearly written prose ensures that the book is approachable for a broad audience. Pastors, students, and academics who are working in biblical theology should engage Motyer’s thorough study. Come Lord Jesus demonstrates the key place that should be given to the second coming within a biblical theology by paying attention to the voice of scripture at every turn.