When is Jesus coming again?
Introduction. Man has been obsessed with the second coming of Christ, particularly the time of this event. Certainly, Jesus is coming again (Matt. 25: 31-46). Jesus' return is just as certain as his ascension into heaven (Acts 1: II). The primary purpose of Jesus' second coming will be judgment. All the dead shall be raised (John 5: 28,29). There shall be two classes, sheep and goats or lost and saved (Matt. 25: 31-33). The saved will be vindicated and the lost will be consigned to "everlasting punishment" (Matt. 25: 34-46). The climax of Jesus' coming will be to "deliver up the kingdom to God..." and to "put down all rule and all authority and power" (1 Cor. 15: 24).
Even though we know Jesus is coming again, we do not know the precise time of his return. Speaking of his final return in judgment Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but the Father only" (Matt. 24: 36). While in the flesh, even Jesus himself did not know the time (Mk. 13: 32). Notwithstanding the fact that the scriptures plainly teach that man does not know the day and hour of Jesus' coming, not a few religionists have sought to predict the very day. There have been numerous dates appointed. Of course, they have all been wrong.
In view of our not knowing the time, we are to live in constant readiness. Paul said the day of the Lord will be as a thief in the night. Hear him: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thes. 5:2, 3). Peter taught the same truth (2 Pet. 3: 10).
Conclusion. We know the Lord is coming again and that we are to be ready. However, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man." The secrets things belong to God, the revealed things belong to man (Deut. 29: 29).
Even though we know Jesus is coming again, we do not know the precise time of his return. Speaking of his final return in judgment Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but the Father only" (Matt. 24: 36). While in the flesh, even Jesus himself did not know the time (Mk. 13: 32). Notwithstanding the fact that the scriptures plainly teach that man does not know the day and hour of Jesus' coming, not a few religionists have sought to predict the very day. There have been numerous dates appointed. Of course, they have all been wrong.
In view of our not knowing the time, we are to live in constant readiness. Paul said the day of the Lord will be as a thief in the night. Hear him: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1 Thes. 5:2, 3). Peter taught the same truth (2 Pet. 3: 10).
Conclusion. We know the Lord is coming again and that we are to be ready. However, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man." The secrets things belong to God, the revealed things belong to man (Deut. 29: 29).