Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

THE RETURN OF JESUS: EMINENT, IMMINENT, OR IMMANENT?

Folks who would be teachers of eschatology would do well to understand the homophones of English to convey correct theology. Let’s think for a minute!

“Eminent,” “Imminent,” and “Immanent,” are three English words that sound the same (homophones) in pronunciation, but their meaning is different. Using the wrong term then when transferring the spoken language to written form can easily convey the wrong message.

According to linguistic experts, “Eminent” means “Outstanding,” “Honorable,” as a prominent author, inventor, teacher, etc. Next, the term “Imminent” means “about to happen immediately,” as if you light a firecracker and stick it in your britches, a catastrophe is imminent.” On the other hand, “Immanent” means “Pervasive,” “embedded,” “Always associated with.”

Mercenary authors capitalize on the word “Imminent” in reference to the return of Jesus to institute the millennial reign. The flooded market with such writings just a few years ago seemed to excite nominal Christians for a short time, and it succeeded in enriching the authors, who seemed to be little concerned about the correctness of Biblical theology. So which of these words are best in describing the Savior’s return?

Truly Jesus is the Eminent Creator, God, Savior, Coming King, but the idea is not to describe the person of the altogether lovely Lord and Savior, but the event of His return to earth. “Imminent,” the word chosen by mercenary authors was soundly refuted by the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica; hence, to all churches throughout the age. His instructions about the coming of Christ , and the gathering of Christians to Him are, “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?” 2 Thess. 2: 3-5. It is true that no one knows exactly when Jesus will return, but if it were today as some would have you believe, then much that the Bible warns us to look for that has not come about would make those instructions moot.

So, that leaves the term “Immanent” as the best adjective in reference to the return of Christ. Truly, the idea of His return is pervasive in the gospel, in the heart of doctrine, and in the hope of prophecy.

It is obvious that this age is drawing to a close: His coming is near. Then let the pervasiveness of “Immanent” be the description of our life and hope in Him!

FOR THOUGHT: If you truly thought the sky would be rent, and the Son of God would appear on this very day, would you change anything about your life? About your faith? If you would not, then would that not portray insincerity about your profession of faith? If the return of Jesus is indeed Immanent rather than imminent should that in any way lessen the need for watchfulness for His return? Why?