Does it seem that Jesus’ return is soon? What can we learn from Jesus’ own prophecy about the events leading up to His second coming?
The Certainty of His Coming
The Apostle John, in the last chapter of the last book he wrote, the Book of Revelation, he quotes Jesus as saying, “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy”(Rev 22:11), or in other words, whatever the life you’ve been living, just keep on living it, but know this; “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Rev 22:12). This is bad news for non-believers because Jesus “is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen” (Rev 1:7). The language of His “coming soon” may not be associated with a time period, but with the speed of its occurrence, because Jesus, in speaking of His return, said “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” (Matt 24:27), so the coming of the Lord more likely refers to the speed at which He comes; about the blink of an eye.
Jesus’ Prophecy
The Olivet Prophecy in Matthew 24 and 25 and Revelation chapter six seem to have parallel events. Some believe that these scrolls and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the Olivet Prophecy are nearly identical. Both are given by Jesus and both seem to have the same sequence of events, almost as if He’s talking about the very same things. In both chapters, things begin to deteriorate around the world, and there is an increase in false religions, violence, war (and terrorism), inflation, famine, and worldwide hunger, and finally, and quite naturally, death (Rev 6:1-8). This is followed by a great time of martyrdom (Rev 1:9-11). At that time, there will be such cataclysmic events that the world has never experienced before (Matt 24:21), and these events will have a deadly cumulative effect for all who have rejected Christ (Rev 6:12-17).
The Increase of False Teachers
In the first place, no one knows the day or hour of His return. If someone says they know, then they must know more than Jesus did, because Jesus said it’s not given to us to know (and for good reason). He did give us some indications of His return and that we can know. We find Jesus’ answering two questions the disciples had; when will the temple be destroyed and what is the sign of your return (Matt 24:3). One of the first signs of His return is that “many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray” (Matt 24:5), and this could well mean that many will come in Jesus’ name but lead many into another gospel, presenting a false Christ of health, wealth, prosperity, word-of-faith, (e.g., “speak to your wallet”). The number of wolves in sheep’s clothing today is too numerous to even cover in a book, so you don’t have to look very far to find them (like TV, Internet). The increase of false teachers and different gospels is obvious. In their so-called “gospels,” they leave out such things as sin, repentance, confession, the Sacraments, the cross, and there is not true expository, verse by verse preaching. You find “proof texting” to create false pretexts and end up creating a god in their own image and after their own likeness (or desires).
Wars and Terrorism
Isn’t terrorism a war? When there’s a random act of violence where many people are killed, they ask, “Is it a terrorist?” Of course it is! Anyone that murders people like that is a terrorist. Whether it’s ISIS or whoever else, that’s another question. It doesn’t matter who does a random act of violence or acts of violence for a certain group; they are still terrorists, regardless of their belief system. Jesus said wars and rumors of wars would be on the increase (Matt 24:6-7a). Russia has begun to seek expansion again. China is contending with Japan (and others) over some islands, and international tensions have increased between Japan and China, the US and China, the US and Russia (as well as many others).
Famine, Pestilence, Earthquakes, and Persecution
The following sign that Jesus gave of His return was that of famines and earthquakes, which usually bring pestilence (Matt 24:7b). We have seen an increase in worldwide volcanic activity, earthquakes, and famine due to droughts or even floods (like the monsoons, for example). These events will be followed by an intense period of the persecution. Jesus warned His disciples that “they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:9-12). Is there any doubt that it comes back to more false prophets and an increase in violence over the earth (or lawlessness)? We can see that the natural love of many has grown cold (and getting colder!). If there is no love, then you would expect violence to increase. This could even refer to domestic violence, but certainly violence in the streets which has grown worse in recent years, and I think this may be what Jesus means.
Conclusion
I have no idea when Jesus is coming back…I only know that He is, because He promised and it is prophesied in the Bible. Revelation 22:12 has Jesus saying, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” Jesus’ first words when He began His earthly ministry was to repent and believe (Mark 1:15). You can say you believe, but so do the demons, and they’re not saved (James 2:19). God must bring you to the point of repentance, which means you turn away from your sins and turn toward God. Then you place your trust in the Savior. Jesus will come like a thief in the night (Matt 24:43), “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt 24:44). I hope you have put your trust in Christ for He is coming again. Will it be soon? I don’t know. It seems that the church has always lived with the expectation that Jesus is coming soon. If you don’t believe in God, remember this; what you believe doesn’t change what is true. We used to believe the earth was flat, and what they believed didn’t change the truth.
Article by Jack Wellman
Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Teaching Children the Gospel available on Amazon.
