Meaning: The quote "Nothing is more prominently brought forward in the New Testament than the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ" by John Darby, a prominent clergyman, encapsulates the significance and emphasis placed on the second coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This concept holds a central place in Christian theology and has been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation throughout the history of Christianity.

The New Testament, which encompasses the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, contains numerous references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. This event is portrayed as the culmination of human history and the fulfillment of God's plan for the redemption and renewal of creation. The significance of the second coming is underscored by its portrayal as the ultimate manifestation of God's sovereignty and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

The concept of the second coming of Jesus Christ is rooted in the teachings of the Gospels, particularly in the words of Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks about his return in glory, stating, "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done" (Matthew 16:27, NIV). Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus foretells the coming of the Son of Man with power and great glory (Mark 13:26, NIV).

The apostles and early Christian leaders also expounded on the theme of the second coming in their writings. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Thessalonians, Corinthians, and other communities, addresses the subject of Christ's return and its implications for believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes the dramatic return of Christ, stating, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (NIV).

The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, provides vivid and symbolic imagery of the second coming and the events leading up to it. The apocalyptic visions in Revelation depict the return of Christ as a climactic and transformative event, marking the defeat of evil and the establishment of the new heaven and new earth.

The belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ has been a foundational tenet of Christian faith and has shaped the eschatological perspectives of various Christian traditions. The concept has been the subject of theological reflection, speculation, and debate, leading to diverse interpretations and understandings of the nature and timing of Christ's return.

John Darby, the clergyman attributed to the quote, was a key figure in the development of dispensationalism, a theological framework that emphasizes the distinct periods or "dispensations" in God's plan for humanity. Darby's teachings on the second coming and the end times have had a significant influence on certain strands of evangelical and fundamentalist Christian thought, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In conclusion, the quote by John Darby underscores the prominent place of the second coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the Christian faith. The concept of Christ's return holds profound theological and spiritual significance, shaping the beliefs and hope of Christians throughout history. The New Testament's emphasis on the second coming serves as a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes and the consummation of His kingdom, inspiring believers to live in anticipation of that glorious event.