2nd coming of Christ and the establishment of a New Jerusalem?!

[Future_Prodigy]

What do these mean, I have read some Karl Rahner books which make the subject extremly vague, some writtings by Pope Benedict 16 but he beats aroudn the bush it seems to the point of vagueness as well and the catechism is to short and does not give enough detail.

Can someone help give me some answers to this (not a 2 word answer either). I know literally Christ will come and judge all mankind and usher in a new Jerusalem etc, what does that mena though?!

 

[Malcolm_McLean]

What do these mean, I have read some Karl Rahner books which make the subject extremly vague, some writtings by Pope Benedict 16 but he beats aroudn the bush it seems to the point of vagueness as well and the catechism is to short and does not give enough detail.

Can someone help give me some answers to this (not a 2 word answer either). I know literally Christ will come and judge all mankind and usher in a new Jerusalem etc, what does that mena though?!

We know, and it certainly has the feel of an authentic quote, that Jesus predicted that many people would come saying “I am He”, when really they were just random members of the public. He then said “as lightning that comes from the East is visible in the West, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be”.
That led to the tradition that Jesus will appear from the East - hence TLMs are traditionally said facing East - on clouds of glory with angels in His train. However Jesus is not necessarily talking literally. The meaning might be that “it will be obvious when I return”. A naked display of force is not really consistent with what we know of Jesus’ character, so I would be inclined to believe that the return will be a rather subtle affair, but not hidden. However I am not cut in God’s councils, so I don’t know. We know that someone who claims to be Jesus but offers no overwhelming proof cannot be so, and we shouldn’t follow such a character.

 

[cpayne]

Here’s a thought (which is definitely not “authoritative”): In the Book of Revelation, an angel says to John, “Let me show you the Bride of Christ.” The next verse says, “And I saw the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.” Bride of Christ = New Jerusalem.

So the Church is the New Jerusalem (right now). Jesus’ Second Coming (when it occurs) will cause all the world to become Christian; hence a Christian world would be the FUTURE “New Jerusalem” which the Church is NOW.

Hope this helps, and (to anyone else) I’m open for correction.

 

[cpayne]

Let me clarify the above invitation: I mean I am open to correction from Catholic sources. I am not inviting an overview, which I already know well, of a pre-tribulation, Rapture-oriented futurist perspective.

Not disrespectful of your views–just not open to your views.