The Son of Man Coming in a Cloud
Many Christians commonly believe that Christ’s second coming will involve His literal appearance on the clouds in the sky, making Himself known to all mankind. However, this belief contradicts the teachings of the Scriptures.
“‘At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’”
Luke 21:27–28
Notably, Jesus did not specify immediate judgment and salvation but urged His followers to stand up and prepare as redemption was drawing near. Considering this, we need to think more carefully about the parabolic meaning of the word “clouds.”
“In my vision at night, I looked and there was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. … he was given authority, glory and sovereign power …”
This prophecy points directly to Jesus Christ, who came in human form and received all authority (Mt 28:18), glory (Jn 10:17), and a kingdom (Lk 22:29). As Jesus did not appear on a literal cloud, but in the flesh, we can understand the clouds to represent the flesh. There are many parables in the Bible to confirm this fact.
“These people are … shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain …”
“A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and winds that bring no rain.”
These testimonies indicate that Christ’s second coming will not involve a literal appearance on visible clouds but will be in human form, preaching the gospel as He did in His first coming.
