Alice A. Bailey predicted the return of Christ as Maitreya in 2025, drawing from Theosophical and esoteric traditions. This figure is viewed as a universal teacher expected across various faiths, including Buddhism and elements of Confucianism and Taoism. Bailey envisioned this event as a transformative spiritual occurrence aimed at restoring global harmony and a universal spiritual order beyond sectarian divisions. Confucianism's Mandate of Heaven legitimizes rulers based on virtue, indicating that misrule leads to societal chaos, necessitating the emergence of a sage to restore moral order. In Taoism, the Tao represents the ultimate source of harmony, embodying the natural and cosmic order; crises arise when individuals or societies drift from this harmony. Restoration, in both traditions, occurs through the actions of enlightened figures, drawing parallels between Confucian and Taoist sages. Bailey’s synthesis promotes the idea that all major religions stem from a common spiritual source, ultimately converging into a new world religion. She identifies the Christ consciousness with Maitreya and envisions a future where diverse spiritual paths unite under the guidance of a World Teacher. This vision emphasizes inclusivity among Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and other traditions, aiming for a collective realization of spiritual unity.

Alice A. Bailey, in her 1948 work "The Reappearance of the Christ," presents a metaphysical vision of Christ's return, anticipated around 2025. She describes this event not as a traditional Second Coming but as a spiritual renewal led by the World Teacher, the Lord Maitreya, representing divine love and wisdom. Central to her vision is a Spiritual Hierarchy of advanced beings guiding humanity's evolution. Bailey emphasizes the role of the "New Group of World Servers," spiritually aligned individuals who foster goodwill, right human relations, and prepare the world for Christ's manifestation through collective service and inclusive efforts beyond sectarian divisions. She outlines key practices for facilitating this return, such as establishing harmonious relationships, spreading goodwill, engaging in group work, and confronting entrenched evil and inertia. Christ’s return, according to Bailey, is contingent upon humanity's collective spiritual readiness and intent. He does not impose his presence but responds to the prepared conditions created by humanity’s goodwill and dedication. Ultimately, upon his return, Christ is expected to inspire transformative changes that meet the needs of humanity and the planet, fostering a greater sense of unity and spiritual awakening.

Alice A. Bailey, a 20th-century British-born author and a key figure in the New Age spiritual movement, declared that "the reappearance of Christ is imminent." In her work, especially in "The Reappearance of the Christ" (1948), she asserted that the global crises post-World War II necessitate the manifestation of a savior figure, Maitreya. Bailey's understanding of Christ diverges from traditional Christian views, depicting Him not as a divine figure but as a member of a spiritual Hierarchy, embodying the Second Ray force of Love-Wisdom. She aligns Him with various religious traditions, noting He is recognized as the Bodhisattva in Buddhism and the Imam Mahdi in Islam. The concept of Maitreya in Buddhism represents the future Buddha who will restore the Dharma when it becomes forgotten. Similarly, Hinduism speaks of the Kalki Avatar, expected to appear at the end of the Kali Yuga to restore order and justice. While echoing Christian themes of the Second Coming, Bailey emphasizes that Christ's return will not be in a dramatic fashion but as a figure engaging actively in world affairs, aiming to establish right human relations and respond to humanity's spiritual needs during transformative times.