Some, in their ignorance of the Bible, take the promise of Christ's return to refer to the new birth discussed in the Gospel of John. Some, who are scoffers, say it is nothing but a fairy tale. Peter speaks of these when he writes: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation [2PE 3:3, 4]. In verses 5 and 6 he says they are ignorant of the judgment of the flood. In verse 7 he assures us that judgment surely is coming as he writes: The Heavens and the Earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Why does He withhold His judgment? Because He is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (vs 9).

The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to His people during a 40-day period after His death, burial and resurrection and before His return to Heaven. As He finished talking to the disciples there on the mount Luke tells us that while they were looking, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight . . . (two messengers of God said) you men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus . . . shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven [ACT 1:9-11].

Christ will return to this Earth at the time appointed by the Father. Many have sought to set the date of His return, only to be proven wrong by the steady march of time. God says that the next coming of His Son will be as a thief in the night [2PE 3:10]. Just as the thief does not announce the time of his stealing beforehand, God will not announce the time of Christ's return. Jesus said to His disciples shortly before He ascended to Heaven that It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power [ACT 1:7]. Many good preachers get carried away in their preaching about the Second Coming and come very, VERY close to date setting. The Lord Jesus could come back today. The writers of the New Testament were looking for Him to return in their day. However, if He should chose to wait another 2,000 years, that is God's business and His alone. We need to be prepared for His coming NOW. We ought to be looking for His return at any moment. Let us be busy about the Master's business. Let us work while it is yet day. The night comes, when no man can work [JOH 9:4].

The day of Christ's return will be a day of joy to the children of God and a day of terrible judgment for those who are not God's children. Are you a child of God by being born again into His family? Is your name written in the Lamb's book of life? Have you turned from your wicked ways and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Jesus said, You MUST be BORN AGAIN [JOH 3:7]. We urge you to trust Him as your Savior today. He promises that, As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name [JOH 1:12].

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This Page Last Updated: 12/03/98 A. Allison Lewis aalewis@christianbeliefs.org