Published on 08/13/2008

Yesterday we looked at a number of attempts at predicting the time for the Second Coming of Jesus. But, the Bible makes it clear we cannot know the time. So, how do we prepare for it?

Yesterday we looked at a number of attempts at predicting the time for the Second Coming of Jesus. But, the Bible makes it clear we cannot know the time. So, how do we prepare for it? The early Christians lived in the daily expectation of Jesus' imminent return. They wanted to be found doing what they would be doing if they knew Jesus were coming back that day. They wanted everyone they knew to be right with God, today. They had a passion for missions and evangelism, for they knew the time was short.

And they were right. Jesus may come back for us all today. Or you and I may go to him. Either way, the time is short (Romans 13:11-13; 2 Peter 3:11-12; John 9:4; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 16:15; 22:12). If right now you're thinking, "I have plenty of time, this doesn't apply to me," know that you are deceived and wrong. You've probably heard the old story about the time the devil had a meeting of his demons to decide how best to deceive men and women. One said, "Let's tell them there's no heaven," but the devil said that wouldn't work, that God has put heaven in every heart and we know it's real. Another said, "Let's tell them there's no hell," but the devil said that people know wrong must be punished, so that won't work. Finally a third said, "Let's tell them there's no hurry." And they did. And they still do.

So we are not to speculate about Jesus' return, but work hard to be ready for it. Then one day, it will come. Just as he ascended to heaven, so he will come again to earth. Jesus' ascension is no literary invention, but a real fact of history. Seven times the New Testament speaks of it and its importance (cf. 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-33; Luke. 24:50-53; John 6:62; John 20:17; Ephesians 1:18-23).

Jesus' return will be just as real as his ascension. Buddha never made this promise, or Mohammad, or Confucius, or Joseph Smith. But Jesus did. He told his disciples, "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:27-28). He told the high priest, "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). He claimed, "Men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens" (Mark 13:26-27).

Revelation 1:7 shouts, "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen." Can you say "amen" to the promise of his return? If it were today, would you mourn or rejoice? We are one day closer to the Second Coming than ever before in human history. I cannot promise you that Jesus will return today. But I cannot promise you that he will not.

Tomorrow: How should we view the end times and Revelation?