Throughout history, countless people have tried to predict the exact date and time of Jesus Christ's return. Charts have been drawn, calculations have been made, and prophecies have been declared. Yet every single prediction has proven false. Why? Because Jesus Himself told us that no one knows the day or hour of His return—not the angels in heaven, not even the Son during His earthly ministry, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36, KJV).

Therefore, anyone who claims to know the exact date or time of Jesus' return is either mistaken or deliberately misleading people. Such predictions contradict the clear teaching of Scripture and have led many astray throughout church history. Be cautious of those who set dates, for they speak presumptuously about matters God has deliberately kept hidden. Our calling is not to know when Christ will return, but to be ready whenever He comes.

However, while we cannot know the specific time, the Bible does give us signs and indicators that His return is approaching. Jesus wants us to recognize the season of His coming, even though we cannot know the exact moment. This is not to satisfy our curiosity but to motivate us to live in constant readiness, faithful service, and eager anticipation of His glorious appearing.

The Signs Jesus Gave Us

In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus described several signs that would precede His return. These signs serve as warning indicators, like storm clouds gathering on the horizon, alerting us to be spiritually prepared. Jesus said these things must happen, but they are only "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:8, KJV)—the labor pains indicating that the birth of the new age is approaching.

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Jesus said, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6-7, KJV). Throughout history, wars have raged, but the intensity and global scope of conflicts in recent centuries—especially the World Wars—indicate an escalation consistent with Jesus' prophecy.

Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes

Jesus continued, "And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7, KJV). We have witnessed devastating famines, global pandemics, and increasing seismic activity in recent times. While these have always existed to some degree, Jesus indicated they would increase in frequency and intensity as His return approaches—like birth pangs increasing as delivery nears.

Persecution of Believers

Jesus warned, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:9, KJV). More Christians have been martyred in the 20th and 21st centuries than in all previous centuries combined. Persecution of believers is increasing globally, fulfilling this prophecy with heartbreaking accuracy.

False Prophets and Deception

Jesus repeatedly warned about deception: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:11, KJV). We are witnessing an explosion of false teachers, counterfeit spirituality, and doctrinal confusion. Jesus said, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24, KJV). The deception is so convincing that even genuine believers must be vigilant.

The Gospel Preached to All Nations

Perhaps most significantly, Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14, KJV). For the first time in history, we have the technology and resources to reach every people group with the gospel. Mission organizations report that the gospel is being translated into the last remaining languages and reaching previously unreached tribes. This sign is being fulfilled before our eyes.

The Apostle Paul's Teaching on Christ's Return

The Apostle Paul also wrote about events that would precede Christ's return. In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, he described a great falling away (apostasy) and the appearance of the Antichrist, whom he called "that man of sin" and "the son of perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3, KJV). This wicked ruler will oppose God, deceive many people, and set himself up as god before Christ returns to destroy him with the brightness of His coming.

Paul warned that many would depart from the faith in the last days: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV). We are witnessing unprecedented apostasy today, with many churches abandoning biblical truth for cultural acceptability and worldly philosophies.

Paul also described the moral condition of society in the last days: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (2 Timothy 3:1-5, KJV). This description accurately portrays modern society.

The Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation describes in symbolic and prophetic language the events surrounding Christ's return. It speaks of seal judgments, trumpet judgments, and bowl judgments that will be poured out on the earth (Revelation 6-16). It describes the rise and fall of Babylon, the great prostitute representing false religion and worldly systems (Revelation 17-18). It prophesies the battle of Armageddon, where the kings of the earth will gather against Christ (Revelation 16:16, 19:19).

Revelation also describes Satan being bound for a thousand years during Christ's millennial reign (Revelation 20:1-6), followed by his final rebellion and ultimate defeat. Finally, it reveals the great white throne judgment where all the dead will stand before God (Revelation 20:11-15), and the creation of new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells forever (Revelation 21-22).

While scholars debate the exact interpretation and timing of these events, one thing is clear: Christ is coming back, and when He does, He will judge the living and the dead, destroy evil forever, and establish His eternal kingdom. Revelation 22:12 (KJV) records Jesus' promise: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Living in Readiness

Some of these signs and events have already happened or are happening now, while others are still future. Therefore, we can confidently say that we are living in the end times, but we do not know how long this season will last or when it will culminate in Christ's return. The Bible warns us not to be deceived by false predictions or calculations of dates, but to be ready and watchful for Jesus' return at any time.

Jesus said, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44, KJV). He emphasized readiness repeatedly: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matthew 24:42, KJV). Being ready means more than just believing Jesus will return—it means living each day in a way that honors Him, as if He might return today.

What does readiness look like practically?

• Be saved. Make sure you have truly given your life to Christ, repented of your sins, and trusted in His finished work on the cross for your salvation. First John 5:12 (KJV) says, "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
• Live holy lives. First John 3:3 (KJV) says, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." The hope of Christ's return should motivate us to pursue holiness and turn away from sin.
• Serve faithfully. Jesus told parables about servants who were found faithful when their master returned unexpectedly (Matthew 24:45-51, KJV). Don't wait until you think He's coming—serve Him now with all your heart.
• Share the gospel. Since we don't know who will have tomorrow, we must urgently share the good news today. Romans 10:14 (KJV) asks, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"
• Love one another. John 13:35 (KJV) says others will know we are Christ's disciples by our love for one another. Let love characterize your life as you await His return.

Give Your Life to Christ Today

You must give your life to Christ in order to be ready for His return and to secure your eternal destiny in heaven. Jesus' return is approaching faster than many realize. The signs are converging, the prophecies are being fulfilled, and the season of His coming is upon us. Give your life to Christ today if you haven't already, and begin a transformative relationship with God.

It is never too late to begin a relationship with God—until it is. Second Corinthians 6:2 (KJV) declares, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Don't assume you have more time. Don't put it off until a more convenient moment. Today is your day of salvation.

By surrendering yourself to Christ, you can experience forgiveness for every sin, love that never fails, and purpose that gives meaning to life. This decision opens the door to a transformative journey where you find guidance for every decision, peace in every storm, and the assurance of God's presence in every circumstance. Embracing this opportunity allows for a life filled with hope that doesn't disappoint, joy that circumstances cannot steal, and the assurance of eternal life in God's presence.

Looking Forward With Hope

First Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJV) gives us this wonderful hope and instruction: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

What a glorious day that will be! When the trumpet sounds, when Christ appears in the clouds, when we are caught up to meet Him in the air—what rejoicing there will be! All suffering will end, all tears will be wiped away, all questions will be answered, and we will be with the Lord forever. This is our blessed hope, our eager expectation, our confident assurance.

Titus 2:13 (KJV) calls it "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." We are not waiting in dread but in hope. We are not fearful but expectant. We are not anxious but joyfully anticipating the return of our beloved Savior.

Until that day, let us be faithful, watchful, and diligent in serving Him. Let us live each day as if it might be our last, knowing that it could be. Let us share the gospel urgently, love one another fervently, and pursue holiness passionately. And let us encourage one another with these words: Jesus is coming soon!

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