The question of whether Jesus is coming soon has been asked by Christians for centuries. The Bible provides some clues about the timing of Jesus’ return, but also cautions against predicting exact dates. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about if and when Jesus may return.
Signs of the Times
In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus’ disciples asked him about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. Jesus responded with a list of events and conditions that would precede his return, including false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, a falling away from faith, the gospel being preached to all nations, and the “abomination of desolation” standing in the temple. He described these events as “birth pains”signaling the end times (Matthew 24:8). Some of these signs have been present throughout history, but others may indicate Jesus’ return is drawing closer.
Jesus stated no one knows the exact day or hour of his return, only the Father in heaven (Matthew 24:36). But he instructed his followers to be alert and watchful, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet (Luke 12:35-40). Jesus wanted his disciples in every generation to live in eager anticipation of his second coming.
Delay in Jesus’ Return
In 2 Peter 3:3-9, Peter addresses questions about why Jesus has not yet returned when Christians expected him sooner. Peter explains that God has not delayed Jesus’ coming, but is patiently giving more time for people to repent. God desires everyone to come to repentance and does not wish for any to perish.
So the apparent delay in Jesus’ return reveals God’s mercy and kindness toward unbelievers, not slowness or tardiness. God is giving people more opportunity to hear the gospel and turn to Christ. But Jesus will still come “like a thief in the night” unexpectedly, so believers must remain watchful and ready at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10).
No One Knows the Day or Hour
Jesus stated clearly that no one except the Father knows the day or hour when the Son of Man will return (Matthew 24:36). So Christians should beware of anyone claiming to have calculated a date for Jesus’ return. Date setting goes against Jesus’ warnings.
In Acts 1:7, when the apostles asked if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time, Jesus replied it was not for them to know the times or seasons the Father has set by his own authority. So while we are to watch for the signs of Jesus’ coming, we cannot know for certain when it will occur.
Jesus’ Return Will Be Unexpected
Jesus compared his coming to a thief breaking into a house unexpectedly (Luke 12:39). It will be sudden and surprise most people. Many will not be ready to meet him. Jesus said he will come at an hour people do not expect (Luke 12:40). His return will catch most off guard, like the people in Noah’s day who were unaware until sudden destruction came upon them (Matthew 24:37-39).
Several parables, such as the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the faithful and wicked servants (Matthew 24:45-51), illustrate the unexpected nature of Jesus’ return and the need to be ready at all times. Believers are exhorted to watch, remain faithful, abide in Christ, and redeem the time in light of his sudden coming (Mark 13:33-37, Luke 21:34-36, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).
Jesus Will Return to Judge
The Bible connects Jesus’ second coming with judgment. Just as sin entered the world through one man, Adam, redemption also comes through one man, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:12-19). But while salvation is now available to all, judgment is coming. At his return, Jesus will judge every person: those alive on earth, those previously raised from the dead, and the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29, Acts 17:31).
Those who rejected Jesus and did not repent will face eternal judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). But believers who trusted in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross will receive eternal life. Biblical authors use this coming judgment to motivate Christians to live godly, faithful lives in the present (2 Peter 3:11-14, 1 John 2:28, 4:17).
Jesus’ Return Brings Final Victory
Despite ongoing troubles in this world, Jesus’ return will bring everlasting righteousness and peace. The creation itself will be liberated and redeemed from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:18-21). Death, suffering, and evil will be no more as God completes his plan of salvation.
Believers who persevered through trials will receive their full inheritance in God’s kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4). Although the timing is unknown, Christ’s return will bring eternal joy for those who trusted in him and judgment for those who rejected him. This climactic event gives meaning and motivation to the Christian life.
Yearning for Christ’s Return
Considering what Jesus’ coming will mean, Christians through the ages have cried out “Maranatha!” (Come, Lord!) longing for Christ to return and make all things new (Revelation 22:20). While only the Father knows the timing, Jesus’ return is the hope and expectation of the New Testament writers.
Paul concludes 1 Corinthians with this anticipation: “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). John closes the Bible with a prayer echoing this expectancy: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). Followers of Jesus have always looked ahead to his coming with hope and expectation.
Living in Light of Jesus’ Return
Since Christians do not know when Christ will return, we must live prepared and ready. Jesus commanded his disciples to watch and be ready for his coming (Matthew 24:42). Faithful believers will be found obeying Christ’s teachings, serving others, and sharing the gospel when he returns.
Several parables illustrate the need for readiness and faithfulness in light of Jesus’ coming. Servants must be found working diligently when their master returns (Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:35-38). The wise virgins were ready with oil when the bridegroom came while the foolish ones were unprepared (Matthew 25:1-13). And profitable servants invested their master’s money rather than hiding it away (Matthew 25:14-30).
Considering Christ’s return should motivate Christians to holy living, spiritual vigilance, bold witness, and diligent labor for God’s kingdom. We want to be found pursuing righteousness when Jesus comes back. This transforms how we view each day and use our time, talents, and treasures.
Waiting with Hope and Patience
Rather than obsessing over dates, Christians are called to wait patiently for Christ’s return. No one knows when Jesus will come back. Attempts to predict dates often discredit the gospel when those dates pass uneventfully.
Instead, Christians should live in joyful, faithful readiness for whenever Christ returns. We do not want to be caught off guard in laziness or disobedience. Peter exhorts believers to “Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” through holy conduct (2 Peter 3:11-12). We remain diligent in our work for God’s kingdom while patiently anticipating Jesus’ return.
Jesus Is Coming Soon
“Soon” means something different to eternal God than finite humans (2 Peter 3:8). While over 2,000 years have passed since Jesus ascended to heaven, he could still return at any moment. No signs must precede his coming; nothing needs to be fulfilled. Christians have clung to the promise of Christ’s imminent return throughout history.
The Apostle John closed the book of Revelation by reporting Jesus’ own words: “And behold, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7, 22:12). Jesus’ return has always been “soon” for every generation of believers who eagerly awaited it. This continual anticipation produces readiness and faithfulness in the lives of Christ’s followers.
“Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” remains the expectant prayer of the church through the ages. Though sometimes discouraged by seeming delay, Christians persist in hope and watchfulness for whenever Jesus fulfills his promise to return quickly.
The Blessed Hope
The New Testament refers to Christ’s return as the “blessed hope” and wonderful appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). His coming represents the culmination of God’s plan of redemption and the restoration of all things.
While Christians may experience suffering and trials in this world, Christ’s return will bring the final triumph of righteousness. His kingdom will arrive in fullness. God’s people will be resurrected to immortal life. Every tear will be wiped away in the magnificent reality of new creation.
With this blessed hope before them, believers can endure present troubles as they await their eternal inheritance. The unknown day of Jesus’ coming is near enough to inspire holiness and far enough to develop patience. Maranatha reminds the church to keep looking up in eager anticipation.
Conclusion
The urgent question “Is Jesus coming soon?” has stirred the church for generations. While no one can know the day or hour, Scripture gives signs that Christ’s return is approaching. Yet since only the Father knows the timing, dates should not be dogmatically set. Instead, Jesus’ followers must live in constant readiness and eager anticipation.
Rather than focusing on theoretical timetables, Christians should actively watch and prepare by faithfully obeying Christ today. Jesus’ sudden coming is a powerful motivation for holy living and bold gospel witness right now. By God’s patient mercy, there is still time for more people to hear the message of salvation.
Until the day of Jesus’ return finally arrives, believers continue crying out “Maranatha!” with patience, joy, and hope. Christ’s imminent appearing will consummate our salvation, vanquish evil, and usher in everlasting glory. What a blessed hope indeed!