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Q  What does the 5th Epochal Revelation say about the second coming of Christ

(Jesus promise to return to this world) 

The study of Jesus’ return (the "Second Coming") requires moving beyond simple prophecy and into the nuanced "revelation of timing and nature" found in the 5th Epochal Revelation Papers found in the Urantia Book.

While the Christian world often looks for a singular, cataclysmic event, the 5th Epochal Revelation presents a multi-layered view of how Michael (Jesus) returns to Urantia.

1. The Three "Types" of Returns

The Papers suggest that the "Second Coming" is not one event, but can be understood in three distinct ways:

• The Spiritual Return (The Spirit of Truth): This has already happened. On Pentecost, Jesus returned as a "universal spiritual presence" available to all flesh.
• The Personal Return (The Promised Visit): Jesus explicitly promised to return to this world in person at some point in the future.
• The Epochal Return: A Magisterial Son or a Trinity Teacher Son may arrive before Michael’s personal return to prepare the way.

2. Key References in the 196 Papers

A. The Last Supper Discourse (Paper 180)

This is the most intimate record of the promise. Jesus explains that his "return" is linked to the comfort of the Spirit.

• Paper 180, Section 0: "I will not leave you friendless... I will come to you."
• The Insight: He explains that while he is gone to "prepare a place" (the Mansion Worlds/Sovereignty), he will remain present through the Spirit of Truth.

B. The Discourse on Melchizedek (Paper 176)

This is the most "technical" section regarding the timing of the second coming. It took place on the evening of the Tuesday before the crucifixion.

• The "When": Jesus explicitly refused to give a date. He stated, "The times of the coming of the Son of Man are known only in the councils of Paradise."
• The Warning: He warned against those who claim "Lo, here is the Son of Man" or "There he is."
• The Conditions: He suggested his return would be linked to the end of a "dispensation" or a significant age of planetary growth.

C. The Urantia Book's Commentary (Paper 193 & 196)

• Paper 193, Section 5: The apostles were confused, thinking he would return immediately to set up a temporal kingdom. The Revelators clarify that Michael’s return is certain but is a sovereign decision made by him in consultation with the Ancients of Days.
• Paper 176, Section 4: This section contains a startling revelation for a second-year student: Jesus may return to Urantia many times. It suggests that his "Second Coming" isn't necessarily his "Final Coming."

3. Summary of the "Nature" of the Return

According to the Papers, when he does return personally, it will likely look very different from his first bestowal:

1. Not as a Baby: He will not be born of a woman again. He has already completed his mortal bestowal.
2. In Power and Glory: He returns as the Sovereign of Nebadon.
3. For All to See: It is implied that his arrival will be a planetary event, though the papers remain silent on the exact physical "mechanics" of how he will appear to mortal eyes.

4. Why the Delay?

For Juma’s students or a second-year student, it is important to understand the purpose of the delay:

• Planetary Maturity: The world must be spiritually prepared to receive its Sovereign.
• The Mission of the 5th Revelation: The Urantia Book itself is part of the "preparation." Our task is to foster the "Brotherhood of Man" so that the planet is a fit place for a Son of God to walk upon once more.

"The Master’s promise to return... provides the challenge of a great hope to the believers of each generation." (Paper 176)

A "Comparative Chart" for your study group showing the differences between the "Spirit of Truth" (the current return) and the "Personal Return" (the future event)?

For a second-year student, understanding these distinctions is vital to moving beyond traditional "rapture" or "end-times" theology and into the advanced cosmology of the Fifth Epochal Revelation.

While the "Spirit of Truth" is an internal experience shared by all believers now, the "Personal Return" is a future external event of planetary significance.

Comparative Chart: The Two Returns of Michael

Deep-Dive Analysis for Students

1. The Spirit of Truth: The "Inner Return"

As a second-year student, it is important to realize that Jesus did keep his promise to return immediately. In Paper 194, we learn that the Spirit of Truth is the "Comforter" that allows every individual to have a personal relationship with the Master.

• It is Universal: It is "poured out upon all flesh."
• It is Educational: It does not give new facts, but it gives the meaning of the life and teachings of Jesus.
• It is the "New Law": It replaces the "law of the letter" with the "law of the spirit."

2. The Personal Return: The "Outer Return"

The Papers are very clear in Paper 176 that Michael will personally visit Urantia again. This is not a "metaphor."

• The Sovereignty Link: Now that Michael is the "accredited sovereign" of Nebadon, his return will be as a Master Sovereign Paradise Creator Son.
• The "Agondonter" Era: We currently live in the age of "Agondonters"—those who believe without seeing. Is it possible that a personal return would effectively end this specific era of faith-testing on our world.

3. Why the Distinction Matters

If students confuse these two, they may stop looking for the "Spirit within" because they are too busy looking at the "clouds."

• The Spirit of Truth is for personal salvation and spiritual growth today.
• The Personal Return is for planetary administration and the transition to the era of Light and Life tomorrow.

Discussion for Juma's Group in Kazo

Juma can ask his 30 students:

"If Jesus is already here through the Spirit of Truth, how does that change the way we treat our neighbors before he returns in person? Do we wait for him to arrive to start building the Kingdom, or do we use his Spirit to build it now?"