The return of Jesus Christ is one of the most anticipated events for Christians around the world. The Bible provides many details about Christ’s second coming, but it does not give an exact date or time. So is it possible to know when Jesus will return? Let’s explore what the Bible says.
The Unknown Timing of Christ’s Return
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus plainly states that no one knows the day or hour of His return: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” This shows that the exact timing of Christ’s second coming is known only to God the Father. Not even Jesus in His humanity knew the date while on earth. The angels in heaven also do not know.
In Matthew 24:42, Jesus tells his disciples to “stay awake” because they do not know the day or hour. He wanted them to always be ready for His return at any moment (Matthew 25:13). The implication is that if Jesus had revealed the timing, His followers might not stay alert and expectant.
Elsewhere in Scripture, the timing of Christ’s return is described as unknown and unexpected. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Thieves don’t announce when they will break in, so Jesus’ coming will be sudden and surprising. In 2 Peter 3:10, we’re told “the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” And in Revelation 16:15, Jesus declares, “Behold, I am coming like a thief!”
From these verses, we can conclude that the exact date of Christ’s return simply cannot be known ahead of time. God the Father has chosen to keep this information hidden according to His perfect will and timing.
The Signs of Christ’s Return
Although the timing is unknown, Jesus did provide many signs that will precede His second coming. In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus gives an extended teaching called the Olivet Discourse where He outlines these signs. While we cannot determine the exact timeline, we can recognize when the predicted events and conditions are coming to pass.
Some of the general signs Jesus mentioned include:
- Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes (Matthew 24:6-8)
- Persecution and martyrdom of believers (Matthew 24:9)
- False prophets deceiving many (Matthew 24:11)
- Increasing lawlessness, wickedness, and love growing cold (Matthew 24:12)
- Worldwide gospel proclamation (Matthew 24:14)
- The abomination of desolation in the temple (Matthew 24:15)
- Great tribulation and distress (Matthew 24:21)
- Celestial disturbances (Luke 21:25-26)
Jesus said these signs will increase like birth pains before His coming. While there have been wars, natural disasters, and difficult times throughout history, the intensity and frequency will be escalated. So keeping watch of world events can provide insight into how near we may be to Christ’s return.
Date-Setting Attempts are Futile
Despite Jesus’ clear words that no one can know the timing, some Christians throughout history have still tried to set dates. Groups like the Millerites, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Family Radio have all made failed predictions. Even well-respected theologians like John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards have speculated about timing.
Unfortunately, date-setting often leads to disappointment, disillusionment, or even falling away when the predicted events do not come to pass. It goes directly against Jesus’ warnings. In Matthew 24:23-28, He cautions:
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
There will always be those who claim they know when Christ will return or that He has already returned secretly. Yet Jesus warns us not to believe them. His coming will be universally visible “as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west.” There will be no mistaking it.
Christ’s Return is Imminent
While we cannot know the day or hour of Christ’s return, the consistent message of Scripture is that His coming is imminent. Imminent means it could happen at any time. There are no predicted events that must occur first before the rapture of the church.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 describes what will happen when Christ returns for believers: “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Paul expected this rapture event to happen in his lifetime.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 provides more details: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” The believers who have died will rise first with new resurrection bodies. Then Christians who are still alive will instantly receive resurrection bodies as well and meet the Lord in the air.
In James 5:8-9 we are instructed: “You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” The expectation was that Jesus could return at any time.
1 Peter 4:7 also encourages readiness: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” Peter believed the coming of Christ was near and they needed to prepare through prayer.
These passages reveal the New Testament church believed Jesus could rapture them at any moment. Rather than trying to predict a date, they kept watchful and ready. This is the attitude Christians should have today as we eagerly await seeing our Savior face to face.
The Unknown Day and Hour
While imminent, Christ’s return will still happen unexpectedly like a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 reassures believers: “But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” So while the world will be caught off guard, Christians who stay alert through studying Scripture and prayer will not be surprised.
Not knowing the timing keeps believers in a constant state of readiness and anticipation. In Matthew 24:42 Jesus commanded: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” And in Matthew 24:44 He reiterated: “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
If believers knew the date of Christ’s return, they might be tempted to slack off spiritually, living in worldliness and sin right up until the final days. That date knowledge could actually become a hindrance. But not knowing keeps us on our toes, living daily in holiness and purity as we long for His appearing.
2 Peter 3:11-12 tells us: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” We ought to live holy lives each day, speeding that coming day by sharing the gospel that leads to repentance.
Ultimately, the exact day and hour does not really matter. Christians are called to be ready whenever their Lord returns – whether sooner or later. The blessing comes to those found faithfully serving Christ whenever that unknown moment arrives.
The Approximate Time May Be Revealed
While the Bible firmly denies anyone can know the exact timing, there are hints the approximate period may be revealed as the day draws nearer. Details like length of reigns and genealogies point to the general time of Christ’s first coming, even if not the precise date.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 indicates God will provide more information to help believers as the day of the Lord approaches:
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
Paul says the Thessalonians already know the times and seasons. While they would not know the exact hour, God would provide guidance to discern the general period so they could pray, watch, and be prepared. They would not be caught off guard like those in darkness.
So in His mercy, God may progressively make the season of Christ’s return clearer for believers as it draws nearer. But of course, anyone claiming they know the actual day or hour should still be ignored per Jesus’ warnings. We must find the balance between wisdom and gullibility.
Watching, Waiting, and Living Ready
Rather than date-setting, our response to the promise of Christ’s return should be watching, waiting, and living ready. Jesus gave several parables to illustrate the need for readiness among His followers:
- The homeowner watching for the thief – Matthew 24:42-44
- The faithful and wise servant – Matthew 24:45-51
- The ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom – Matthew 25:1-13
- The servants entrusted with talents – Matthew 25:14-30
- The sheep and goats judgment – Matthew 25:31-46
The point is to be spiritually ready and living faithfully when Jesus appears, whenever that may be. Knowing or speculating about dates misses the purpose entirely.
Titus 2:11-13 summarizes it well: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Rather than seeking after illusive dates, we should actively wait for Christ by training in righteousness and godliness now. This includes sharing the hope of His return with others so they too can be ready (2 Peter 3:11-12).
No one can truly know when Jesus is coming back. But He is returning soon. And a life lived ready for His appearing will be rewarded eternally, whenever that magnificent day arrives.
