It should be evident now from the foregoing study as well other studies found both here on this forum, and on our (Bible Student) blogs and websites that it is our belief that the Lord Jesus returned to earth in 1874, but nevertheless at present known only to those who are fully awake and who have taken notice of the “signs” the Lord stated in Matthew the 24th Chapter which would reveal his parousia or presence. Having studied the matter thoroughly (as outlined in the previous study) we understand our Lord is no longer possessed of the human nature, but is now a spiritual being of the very highest order, which no man can see, nor ever see, that he is invisible to human vision. Nevertheless as it is written in time “every eye will see him” that is they will through mental perception (the eyes of their understanding being opened to the events unfolding around them), discern his presence.”

In response we received the following question from a questioner,

“That’s a very interesting theory, but I believe the Lord Jesus is yet to come. If he came already, then how come the nations haven’t been broken down and the world desolate where Satan can’t tempt any man? And where does the Bible say there will be a third coming? There is only mentioned a second coming and then the end of all things. PLEASE enlighten me on where you got this info.”

In response: I’m not sure where the questioner got the idea of a third coming, but we will attempt to address that as well shortly.

Speaking as a Bible Student it is our general belief that one of the truest test of any of the Lord’s faithful (awake and watchful), servants at this time is along the lines of their faith (belief) and acceptance in both the Ransom and the Presence, of course this presupposes that one has been made acquainted with the truth on these subjects.

Pastor Russell in the Studies in the Scriptures series clearly emphasizes the biblical prophecies, which reveal both the manner and the time of our Lord’s Second Advent. This is a subject that you would have to fully examine and prove for yourself. As for myself I can clearly state that the subject as presented in Volume 2, was presented in a clear and unfolding manner, which completely appealed to both my own reasoning and ability to comprehend.  God’s Word along was appealed to as the evidence to this truth.

Faith in the presence is a personal thing, one must be convinced for them self through biblical evidence it is not something someone else can give to you.

Now as to your direct questions, “If he (our Lord) came already, then how come the nations haven’t been broken down and the world desolate where Satan can’t tempt any man?

The breaking of the nations is a gradual thing, which will, in the end, in its finality, end in their total destruction. This breaking up of the nations began in 1914 at the end of the Gentile times; it is also believed by many Bible Students to be known as the beginning of the Great Time of Trouble. Even now those who are awake see the various warring factions civil, ecclesiastical, and anarchists gathering to the “Mount of Destruction”, however we were informed by our Lord that this “Time of Trouble” would come in the same manner as that of a woman experiencing birth pangs, one spasm following another, each coming closer and closer together with increasing pain (destruction or trouble) until the full birth, Armageddon (1 Thess 5:3).

However we believe the most important reason why the nations have not been totally destroyed as yet and Satan not fully bound is because not all of the saints have finished their testing, i.e. have made their callings and election sure. If Satan were fully bound there would only be testings along the lines of the flesh and the world, and not from the Adversary as the Lord implied there would be upon ALL his followers.

You ask, “Where does the Bible say there will be a third coming? There is only mentioned a second coming and then the end of all things.”

The scriptures nowhere speak of any third coming, there was a First Advent and there is a Second Advent, however there are various parts to these advents. The Second Advent consist of three stages, the “parousia”, the “epiphaneia” and the “apokalupsis”.

The Greek word translated “coming” in Matt 24: 3 is parousia, which really means “PRESENCE.” Therefore, if parousia means “presence,” then the fulfillment of the signs given by our Lord in His prophecy would not mean that he was coming soon, but that he was already secretly present—as “a thief in the night.” Remember, the Scriptures teach that Christ’s initial return would be a thief-like, secret presence that would take place before “every eye shall see him.” (See 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 16:15)

Therefore rightly understood, as presented by our late Brother Russell in the booklet “What say the Scriptures about our Lord’s Return” pages 20-22, both the epiphaneia and apokalupsis are merely further stages in the unveiling of our Lord’s PRESENCE (parousia), who, as a spirit being, cannot be seen by the natural eye.

Our Lord declared that He was coming as a thief and, of course, for a time only those awake and watching for the signs of His presence would be aware of it. (Rev 16:15.) However later during, the epiphaneia stage or (“bright shining“) of his parousia (“presence“) thinking people in the world and many of His own professed followers, still asleep, would begin to (awaken) to perceive from the conditions around them that a power greater than that of any human agency had taken control of earth’s affairs. Later still, the apokalupsis (complete unveiling) stage will be reached, when the presence of the Lord will become known to all through the gathering clouds of trouble, and thus every eye will eventually DISCERN His presence.