Christians across the globe have long anticipated the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a promise rooted in Scripture and central to Christian faith. This expectation is not just a future hope but a theological cornerstone that defines how believers understand time, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's plan. In recent years, however, certain individuals have emerged with controversial claims that challenge this doctrine. One of the most striking is the claim surrounding Yang Xiangbin, a Chinese woman regarded by followers of the "Church of Almighty God" (also known as "Eastern Lightning") as the returned Christ in female form. This article explores why such a claim fundamentally contradicts the teachings of the Bible.
The Biblical Description of Jesus' Second Coming
The Bible is not vague about the nature of Jesus' return. Key passages give a clear and consistent picture:
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Acts 1:11: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
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Matthew 24:27: "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
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Revelation 1:7: "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him."
1 Thessalonians 4:16: "His return will be announced with a trumpet call and the voice of an archangel."
These verses emphasize that Christ's return will be visible, unmistakable, and universally acknowledged. It will not be secretive or confined to one region or group of people.
A Closer Look at Key Verses
What Acts 1:11 Teaches About Jesus’ Return
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 NIV
This verse is one of the clearest promises in Scripture about Christ’s return. Notice how the angels emphasize that it is not a spirit, an idea, or a substitute who will return, but the very same Jesus who walked among His disciples, who taught, healed, died on the cross, and rose again. The "Jesus" they knew personally is the One who will come again.
The angels add, “in like manner.” Just as His ascension was real, visible, and witnessed by many, so will His second coming be. It will not be hidden or symbolic, but a literal and glorious event seen by the whole world. This is confirmed in other passages: John 14:3 reminds us that Jesus Himself will return to take His followers home; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 describes the Lord descending with a shout and the dead in Christ rising; and Revelation 1:7 declares that “every eye will see Him.”
For those people who are awaiting the Second Advent of Christ, Acts 1:11 is a cornerstone verse. It assures believers that the Second Coming is not merely a hope—it is a certainty. The same Jesus who comforted the weary, forgave sinners, and gave His life for the world will return personally, powerfully, and visibly. His coming will mark the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal joy with Him. (Read also Isaiah 25:9 and Romans 8:18)
This verse calls us not only to hope, but also to readiness. Just as the disciples were commissioned to spread the gospel while waiting for His return, so we are called to live faithfully, watchfully, and joyfully, knowing that our Savior will keep His promise. (Read 2 Peter 3:10-13)
Matthew 24:27 — The Visible and Glorious Return of Christ
Jesus declared:
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27).
This verse paints a vivid picture of how Christ will return. Lightning is sudden, powerful, and impossible to hide—it lights up the entire sky for everyone to see. In the same way, the Second Coming of Jesus will not be a secret event witnessed only by a select few. It will be universal, open, and unmistakable.
In the context of Matthew 24, Jesus had just warned His followers about false christs and deceptive claims of His presence in hidden places. By comparing His return to lightning, He assures believers that His coming will be clear and undeniable. No one will need to whisper, “He is here” or “He is there.” When Christ comes, the whole world will know.
For Bible-believing Christians, this verse emphasizes that the Second Coming will be personal, visible, and glorious, not symbolic or secret. It gives confidence that when Jesus returns, there will be no mistaking His arrival.
Our God comes and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages. Psalms 50:3 NIV
Revelation 1:7 — Every Eye Will See Him
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”
This verse leaves no doubt about the nature of Christ’s Second Coming. John declares that Jesus will return with the clouds of heaven, a symbol of divine glory and majesty. The clouds also represent the company of angels that will accompany Him, filling the skies with heavenly brilliance.
Most importantly, John emphasizes that “every eye will see Him.” The return of Christ will not be hidden or secret—it will be a worldwide event, visible to both the righteous and the wicked (though the wicked will not be able to gaze upon His glory directly, for they will seek to hide from His presence, just as described in Revelation 6:14–17). Even those who opposed Him, those who rejected His love, and those who pierced Him will witness His coming. For some, this will bring overwhelming joy; for others, deep sorrow and regret.
When John writes that “all the tribes of the earth will mourn,” he points to the sobering truth that not everyone will welcome Christ’s return. For those unprepared, the day will bring fear and lamentation. But for believers, this promise is full of hope and assurance. Jesus’ return is certain, inevitable, and glorious. (Read Titus 2:13)
This verse reminds us that the Second Coming is not just a theological idea—it is a guaranteed reality. With the confident “Amen,” John affirms that this promise is sealed by God Himself. For those who love Christ, Revelation 1:7 is a call to stay ready, to live faithfully, and to look forward with hope to the day when every eye will behold the King of kings.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — The Resurrection and Gathering of the Saints
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Paul gives one of the clearest pictures of the Second Coming in these verses. Notice first that “the Lord Himself will descend”—it is not an angel or man, a spirit, or a representative, but Jesus Christ in person who returns (together with His angels). His coming is announced with unmistakable signs: a commanding shout, the voice of an archangel, and the sounding of the trumpet of God. This imagery leaves no room for secrecy or silence. The Second Coming will be loud, visible, and world-shaking.
Paul emphasizes the order of events. At Christ’s return, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” This is the great hope of the resurrection. Those who died in faith will not be left behind; they will be the first to rise and experience eternal life. Immediately after this, believers who are alive at Christ’s coming will be “caught up together with them in the clouds.” The faithful from all ages—both the resurrected and the living—will be united and gathered to meet the Lord.
An important detail is that believers meet Christ “in the air.” This underscores that His kingdom will not be established on a corrupted earth at His Second Coming. Instead, He takes His people to be with Him, away from the destruction that falls upon the wicked (who, as described in Revelation 6:14–17, will attempt to hide but ultimately die because they cannot endure the glory of His coming. Paul also describes this scene in 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9, where Jesus is revealed “in flaming fire,” a phrase that represents the radiant glory of His return. To the righteous, that glory is salvation and deliverance; but to the wicked, it is unbearable and brings sudden destruction. They remain in their graves throughout the millennium and, as Revelation 20 explains, will not be resurrected until after the 1,000 years, when final judgment by fire takes place).
Paul concludes with the promise: “And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” The Second Coming is not just about a dramatic event—it is about eternal reunion with Christ. For the believer, this passage is full of hope, comfort, and certainty. It assures us that death will not have the final word and that all who remain faithful will be gathered into everlasting fellowship with Jesus.
Jesus' Warning about the False Messiahs
"At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:23-25
Who Is Yang Xiangbin?
Yang Xiangbin is a Chinese woman born in 1973. She is associated with the "Church of Almighty God", a religious movement founded in the early 1990s. Her partner, Zhao Weishan, a former member of another Chinese Christian group, is credited with proclaiming Yang as the incarnation of the returned Christ. According to their teachings, Yang is the female embodiment of God and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
This group has grown significantly despite being labeled a cult by the Chinese government. They use Christian terminology, including references to God, Christ, and Scripture, which can mislead uninformed Christians into thinking their message aligns with biblical doctrine.
What is the Church of Almighty God?
The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, is a controversial religious movement that originated in China in the early 1990s. The group teaches that Jesus has returned to Earth in the form of a Chinese woman, referred to as Almighty God. Members believe this figure is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and that her words represent a new chapter of God’s work.
Chinese authorities classify the group as a cult, accusing it of using deceptive recruitment tactics, breaking up families, and exerting strict control over followers. Critics also point to highly apocalyptic teachings and claims that only those who accept Almighty God can be saved. Reports have linked the movement to aggressive proselytizing, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals or members of other Christian denominations.
Despite heavy government crackdowns in China, the "Church of Almighty God" has spread internationally through online platforms and migration. While the group presents itself as a form of Christianity, mainstream Christian organizations reject its doctrines as heretical and outside the teachings of the Bible.
Zhao Weishan – Founder of the Church of Almighty God
Zhao Weishan (born in the 1950s in Heilongjiang Province, China) is the founder and primary leader of the religious movement known as the Church of Almighty God, or Eastern Lightning. Before establishing the group, Zhao worked as a teacher and became involved in China’s underground Christian house churches. In the early 1990s, he broke away from mainstream Christianity and began promoting the idea that Christ had returned to Earth in the form of a Chinese woman, whom he proclaimed as the female incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Under Zhao’s leadership, the movement quickly expanded, using both traditional missionary methods and more controversial recruitment strategies. Chinese authorities labeled the group a cult, and Zhao fled to the United States in the year 2000, where he was granted asylum. From abroad, he is believed to continue directing the church’s activities through a highly centralized leadership structure.
Zhao is portrayed by followers as a divinely chosen leader guiding believers into a new era of God’s work. Critics, however, argue that he exerts authoritarian control over members, replacing biblical teaching with his own interpretations and the writings of the proclaimed “Almighty God.”
Doctrinal Contradictions
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Gender of Christ:
Jesus was and remains male. Scripture refers to Him consistently using masculine terms (e.g., Son of Man, Son of God, He, Him). There is no biblical basis for a female incarnation of Christ. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Hebrews 13:8 and Revelation 1:8 NIV -
Return, Not Reincarnation:
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return in the same body in which He ascended (Acts 1:11). There is no support for the idea of reincarnation or reappearance in a different physical form. -
Visibility and Universality:
Christ’s second coming will be witnessed by all people. The claim that Christ has returned secretly and only a small group is aware contradicts verses like Revelation 1:7. -
Scriptural Finality:
Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding or taking away from Scripture. Any "new revelation" that contradicts biblical truth must be rejected.
The Danger of False Christs
Jesus' warnings about false Christs are not abstract concerns; they are real and relevant. Movements like the Church of Almighty God can deceive people by blending truth with error. They use Christian language but redefine terms to fit their theology.
In Scripture, when a warning or truth is repeated, it highlights its great importance. Jesus twice warned His disciples in Matthew 24 (verses 4–5 and 23–25) about false Christs and deceptions surrounding His return. This repetition shows us that understanding the true nature of the Second Coming is not optional—it is essential for every believer to remain steadfast and avoid being misled.
Believers are instructed to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and measure all teachings against Scripture. A claim as serious as the return of Christ must align fully with what the Bible teaches, or it must be rejected.
Summary: The Biblical Truth About Jesus’ Second Coming
The Bible presents the Second Coming of Jesus as a literal, visible, and glorious event—not a hidden or symbolic one. Key verses such as Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:27, Revelation 1:7, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 affirm that Christ will return in power and majesty, gathering the faithful and bringing an end to sin and suffering. At the same time, warnings in Matthew 24:4–5 and 23–25 remind us that many false messiahs and deceptive movements will try to lead believers astray. The repetition of these warnings shows how vital it is to know the true, biblical description of Christ’s return. By anchoring our faith in Scripture, we can hold fast to the blessed hope of His coming and avoid being misled by counterfeit claims.
Recap:
Visible and Glorious
The Bible teaches that every eye will see Jesus when He returns. “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7). Adventists reject the idea of a secret coming or hidden rapture, holding that His return will be witnessed by all people on earth.
Audible and Powerful
His return will be announced with a trumpet call and the voice of an archangel. The apostle Paul wrote: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Resurrection and Gathering of the Faithful
At Christ’s coming, those who died believing in Him will be raised to life, and together with the living believers, they will be caught up to meet Him. Paul continues: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
End of Sin and Beginning of Eternity
The return of Christ will mark the end of human history as we know it. Sin, suffering, and death will be destroyed. Believers look forward to eternal life in God’s kingdom, as promised by Jesus: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).
Urgency of Readiness
Adventists emphasize living in readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus Himself warned: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). This teaching motivates believers to live faithfully, share the gospel, and cling to the hope of Christ’s soon return.
Conclusion
The claim that Yang Xiangbin is the returned Christ stands in direct contradiction to the Bible. Jesus' return will be unmistakable, visible to all, and true to the nature He revealed in Scripture. Christians must remain vigilant, discerning, and grounded in God's Word, resisting deception and holding fast to the truth that Jesus Christ will return just as He promised.
Let us be watchful, but also wise—expecting Christ's return according to His Word, not according to modern reinterpretations that twist Scripture for their own purposes.
The Bible provides a clear and consistent description of Jesus’ Second Coming. Verses such as Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:27, Revelation 1:7, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 emphasize that His return will be visible, audible, and glorious. For the righteous, this event brings the blessed hope of eternal life with Christ, while for the wicked, the glory of His coming will mean destruction until the final judgment. Because of its eternal significance, the Second Coming is repeatedly highlighted in Scripture, and Jesus Himself warned against deception by false christs (Matthew 24:4–5; 23–25). These warnings remain relevant today, as movements like the Church of Almighty God (Eastern Lightning) distort biblical truth by claiming a false messiah. By holding fast to what the Bible actually teaches, believers can find assurance, hope, and protection from counterfeit teachings. Ultimately, the Second Coming is not a secret, symbolic, or hidden event—it is the grand and glorious return of the same Jesus who once walked the earth, and it will be witnessed by all.
This article is not intended to defame or attack the leaders or members of the "Church of Almighty God" (Eastern Lightning). Rather, its purpose is to provide a clear, biblical understanding of the Second Coming of Christ so that readers can distinguish truth from deception and remain grounded in Scripture.
Reference Summary: Teachings and Control Tactics of Eastern Lightning
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Organizational Structure & Control
Eastern Lightning has a strict hierarchy. Leaders at different levels oversee smaller groups, often meeting secretly in private homes or rented spaces. This structure allows the group to maintain close oversight of its members. -
New Scripture Above the Bible
Followers are taught that the Bible is outdated and incomplete. Instead, they are urged to follow the writings of their leader, collected in a book titled The Word Appears in the Flesh. This text is treated as the ultimate source of truth, above traditional Christian scripture. -
Recruitment Methods and Pressure
Reports suggest the group often approaches people within other Christian churches, first blending in as regular believers. Over time, they introduce their unique teachings. People who resist or try to leave sometimes face intimidation or pressure, and in some cases, reports have linked members to violent actions against critics. -
Apocalyptic Worldview
The movement describes the Chinese Communist Party as the “Great Red Dragon” from the Bible’s Book of Revelation. They believe the government is the enemy of God’s work, which feeds into their apocalyptic and confrontational worldview. -
Impact on Families and Individuals
Accounts from relatives and former members describe how followers sometimes cut ties with family, leave jobs, or spend long hours in online “fellowship” sessions. These behaviors often create isolation and strain within families. Wikipedia – Eastern Lightning: Provides background on Zhao Weishan, noting his early career as a physics teacher, his involvement with the Shouters movement, and his eventual role in establishing Eastern Lightning in 1991. Wikipedia
Evangelical Leadership Institute Asia (Article by Rara Aguja): Explains how Zhao founded the group, which was first known as the “Church of New Abilities.” It also outlines his roots in the Shouters movement, his recognition of Yang Xiangbin as the “Female Christ,” and the later adoption of the name “Church of Almighty God.” Evangelical Leadership Institute Asia
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ChinaSource – “Where Did Eastern Lightning’s Leaders Come From?”: Traces Zhao’s early ministry work in Heilongjiang, his leadership among the Shouters, the publication of his booklet Preaching the Word, and his eventual move to Henan following pressure from authorities. ChinaSource
References:
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The World – An Unorthodox Version of Christianity Alarms Chinese Officials
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Ephesiology – Addressing a Threat to Church Planting Movements
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