When is Jesus coming again?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
Almost since the time that Jesus left this earth and ascended back into heaven there has been speculation concerning the date of Christ’s second coming. Some men have even been bold enough to set specific dates on which our Lord was to return, but these days have come and gone, and Jesus still has not returned. Is it possible to know the exact day on which Jesus is going to return?
The only way to accurately answer this question is by opening our Bible, our only source of authority in matters of religion. Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16,17). When we understand that the Bible is the inspired word of God and therefore our only source of authority then we may find the answer to our question.
Just as the Old Testament prophesied that Jesus (the Messiah) would come, so the New Testament affirms that Jesus will return a second time. Hebrews 9:28 reads, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Other passages include: John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10,11; Colossians 3:4; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Titus 2:13; James 5:7 and Revelation 1:7. All of these passages of scripture teach that Jesus Christ is coming again. But NOT ONE specifies the exact time of his arrival!
Should we turn to “modern day prophets” (so-called) to determine when Jesus is coming again? Certainly not. When we open our Bibles to Mark 13:32 Jesus says, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father.”
Notice carefully, no man, angel, or even Jesus knows the specific time of His return, only the Father in
heaven. Peter wrote, “But the day of the Lord will come as a THIEF in the night; in the which the
heavens shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (II Peter 3:10). Thieves do not warn that they are coming to burglarize because they depend
upon the element of surprise.
These few Bible passages prove that we do NOT know when Christ is coming again. But we do know that His return will be as a thief (unexpectedly); therefore, we must always be ready.
Jesus said, “Take ye heed, watch and pray for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:13). We should use our time wisely and make preparation for the return of Christ, not wasting our time speculating when it will be. Hebrews 3:15 reads, “…today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…”
Are you ready for Jesus to return? That is what is important.
If you would like to study the Bible by mail or in person email us at: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net. Come visit with us at the Rockford Church of Christ on Sunday morning at 10 for Bible study and 11 for worship. We are next door to Dollar General.
