Predicting Christ’s Return #1645

1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3, NKJV)

Then, as now, some were attempting to predict the return of Jesus. Some even claimed apostolic endorsement for their forecasts. The apostle had tried to calm the troubled souls of the Thessalonians about the Christ’s return in his first epistle to them (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Now, Paul directly states the return of Jesus would not happen until “the falling away” occurred and the “man of sin…the son of perdition” was revealed. The rise of this pretender and usurper of divine exaltation would coincide with a falling away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). This falling away occurred over the next several centuries as Roman dominance flourished and persecution against Christians became severe. The predicted events have happened. That means Christ could return at any time – no man knows when. We must always be ready for His return by living holy lives, because when He comes the world will end, the dead will be raised, and we will be judged (2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 20:11-15). Are you ready?

Times and Seasons #417

1  But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2  For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3  For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4  But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4)

There continue to be those who ignore and deny the truth of the Lord’s return. It will be a day of divine justice against evil. Others dispute the nature of that day. These attempt to predict when that day will take place. They make fanciful calculations using the Bible which dazzle their disciples, but only give false comfort and hope. Christ’s apostles said the day of the Lord will come without warning (“as a thief in the night”) and “they shall not escape”. It will be unexpected and inescapable. Do not be unsettled by those who claim knowledge of when the Lord will come. The Scriptures do not tell us. Not to worry; faithful Christians are always ready for His return (see 1 Thess. 5:5-11).