The issue of Jesus’ return is often surrounded by controversy within Christian discussions. A significant majority, approximately 99% of Christians, maintain the belief that not only is the timing of His return unknown, but it is also intended to remain unknowable. However, my perspective differs from this prevailing view. Before delving into the reasons behind my belief that we can and should have some understanding of the timing, it is important to address the common reference to the verse that states, “No one knows the day or hour.” This is the go-to verse that many people pull out of their holster (including my past self) whenever this topic arises. However, what I have discovered about the people who use this verse is that they have rarely delved into the study of eschatology. They use this verse as a means to avoid the complexities of this challenging subject.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the verse from the book of Matthew where Jesus says, “No one knows the day or hour.” because I think it will shed some light. Did you know that this is not exactly what Jesus said, even though many people who use that verse quote it that way? In reality, he states, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (NIV). This distinction brings a subtle change in understanding. Jesus is indicating that the precise moment of his return remains unknown, and I agree with this perspective.
Moreover, I would like you to avoid using the common phrase that a lot of people use, “We should live each day as if it were coming tomorrow.” While this statement feels good because it may provide a sense of virtuous living, it often falls short in practicality. The challenge lies in sustaining such a heightened state of awareness consistently. Allow me to illustrate with an example: Imagine it’s Wednesday evening, and a group of angels appears in your home, delivering a message that Jesus will return this weekend, though the specific day or hour remains unknown. In such a scenario, it is improbable that you would approach the next two days with business as usual. The truth is, you would likely forego work on Thursday and Friday, fervently sharing this profound news with as many lost people as possible. On the weekend your focus would shift towards bringing your family together for the impending return. This highlights the difficulty in maintaining a perpetual mindset of living as if His return is tomorrow, as our everyday actions often reflect an implicit belief that we have more time.
Now as you read through my examples, you have two choices: you can continue to rely on that verse as your fallback, or you can approach this with an open mind. While it is true that no one knows the day or the hour, it does not mean we cannot discern the season or the timing. Jesus himself has acknowledged that we can recognize the season. Moreover, we can discern the timing based on scripture. Consider this: if God did not want us to know the season or timing, wouldn’t he have simply stated, “No one knows the month or year”? That would have settled the matter definitively.
Let us first look at Revelation 3:3 (NIV)
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
This verse emphasizes that if we fail to awaken spiritually, Jesus will arrive unexpectedly, like a thief. Therefore, it stands to reason that if we do awaken spiritually, we will be attuned to the signs of his coming. This is just one example, but there are several more that convey the same warning.
Now lets look at 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (NIV)
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Upon reading this passage, the notion of Jesus arriving stealthily, akin to a thief, is apparent. Many Christians often cite this verse to underscore the unpredictability of Christ’s return. I vividly recall a men’s Bible study where the topic of the end times arose. Initially excited about the prospect of discussing it, my enthusiasm waned when a participant shared with his children that Jesus would come like a thief, as the Bible states in 1 Thessalonians. I pointed out my familiarity with the verse but emphasized the importance of continuing to read the subsequent verses. This tendency to cherry-pick verses to validate beliefs without considering the full context is, unfortunately, a common practice among Christians.
Let’s continue our exploration by examining verses 4-5 (NIV)
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
It is noteworthy that these verses emphasize that believers are not in darkness but are instead in the light. This signifies that the light reveals the truth. The passage further asserts that the day of the Lord will not catch believers off guard, akin to a surprise by a thief. To dissect this concept: a thief’s arrival is unexpected, causing surprise. Conversely, if we knew when a thief was coming, preparedness would replace surprise.
Let us turn our attention to Revelation 16:15, where Jesus declares, “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
Although Jesus mentions coming like a thief, he immediately adds a crucial qualifier. Blessings are bestowed upon those who stay awake and remain clothed, avoiding shame. To understand what it means to stay awake, Revelation 3:3 indicates that we must first awaken to prevent His coming like a thief and then actively remain vigilant.
So why, at this moment, do I assert that after 2,000 years, these revelations are surfacing? We must heed the words spoken to Daniel by the angel in Chapter 12:9-10:
“Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”
According to this verse, knowledge of the end times is concealed until the actual end, meant for the generation destined to witness His return. Also, note that the wicked won’t comprehend, and to them, it will be as if He comes like a thief. However, the wise will possess understanding of the prophecies of the end times.
I hold the belief that Jesus articulated his statements in an ambiguous manner intentionally—unclear and without precision. This deliberate ambiguity, I think, was designed to instill a sense of constant vigilance and anticipation among his followers over the course of the past two millennia. I posit that these verses, among others, were expressed with a spiritual seal, ensuring that their full significance would be revealed to the generation born to witness his return.
So, when is the timing of Jesus return? Determining the timing of Jesus’ return is a crucial question. While the extensive scriptural evidence supporting my perspective is too vast for a blog post, I’ve compiled it comprehensively in Chapter Five of my book, titled “Time Is Running Out! Am I Really In Good Standing With God?” There, you can explore the evidence in detail and form your own conclusions.