Jesus Is Coming Again (Peterson)

Words: John Willard Peterson (b. Nov. 1, 1921; d. Sept. 20, 2006)
Music: John Willard Peterson

Note: The Cyber Hymnal does not include this hymn, due to its recent (1957) copyright. But it (as well as the Wordwise link) will give you a bit of biographical information on this well-known gospel musician.

Mr. Peterson was the most prominent and prolific hymn writer of the latter part of the twentieth century, writing dozens of songs, as well as many popular cantatas. But, as the Cyber Hymnal’s biographical note shows, he was involved in other things too. He compiled and edited the fine hymn book Great Hymns of the Faith, was the president, and editor-in-chief of a publishing company, and served on the boards of Gospel Films, and of the Family Life Radio Network.

It’s not surprising that the Cyber Hymnal has posted three other hymns with the same title. For the Christian, this is an exciting and energizing prospect, long anticipated: Jesus is coming again. The New Testament confirms that over and over. Here is just a sampling of references to Christ’s return.

• “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30).
• “I [Jesus] will come again and receive you to Myself” (Jn. 14:3).
• “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go” (Acts 1:11).
• “[At the Lord’s Supper] you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (I Cor. 11:26).
• “Christ the firstfruits [to be resurrected in a glorified body], afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (I Cor. 15:23).
• “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (I Thess. 2:19).
• “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (I Thess. 4:16).
• “When He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints” (II Thess. 1:10).
• “Yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Heb. 10:37).
• “The coming of the Lord is at hand” (Jas. 5:8).
• “Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (I Jn. 2:28).
• “Behold, I [Jesus] am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me” (Rev. 22:12; cf. vs. 20).

And to texts such as these we can add a host of Old Testament passages, prophecies about Christ that were unfulfilled, or only partly so, at His first coming. They remain to see their ultimate fulfilment at His return. For example, there’s the promise in Isaiah that the Messiah-King would one day reign upon the throne of David (Isa. 9:6-7).

Gabriel’s message to Mary confirms that this will be fulfilled by Christ (Lk. 1:31-33). Some would like to make “the throne of His father David” the one on which Christ is now seated in heaven, but they are not the same. The throne in heaven is God the Father’s throne, where Christ is seated at His right hand (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 1:3). The Lord indicates that there is yet another throne that He will occupy (Rev. 3:21).

The return of Christ is “the blessed hope” of every believer (Tit. 2:13). We eagerly “wait for His Son from heaven” (I Thess. 1:10). Perhaps He’ll come today. I trust that you count yourself among those who “love His appearing” (II Tim. 4:8).

(1) Marvelous message we bring,
Glorious carol we sing,
Wonderful words of the King:
Jesus is coming again!

Coming again, coming again;
Maybe morning, maybe noon,
Maybe evening and maybe soon!
Coming again, coming again;
O what a wonderful day it will be–
Jesus is coming again!

Questions:

1. If you knew for certain that the Lord was returning today, what changes would you make in your plans? (And why?)
2. What are the great second-coming hymns that your church sings? (The Cyber Hymnal lists hundreds of them here, if you need a hint.)

Links:

• 1 November 1921 – John Peterson Born
• John Wright Peterson (The Cyber Hymnal)