Thoughts about the Predicting of Christ's Return

Another prediction of Christ's return, another day where the world does not end. Jesus himself was clear on this point, but his followers have always had a difficult time understanding him in one degree or another.

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

You would think that this would be enough to dissuade Christians from attempting to pin point the exact day of Christ's return or at the very least not take seriously anyone who claimed to have found it. History shows us otherwise and especially since the modern era there have been many false predictions based upon numerology, star charts, blood moons, political maneuverings, popular fiction and unhinged religious leaders. They take some of Jesus' words concerning the end of times and then try to match them with what is going on in the present day. The result has been thousands of false predictions, some of which were mixed with strange ideas and cost people their lives.

Coincidence? Actually yes, I think it is...

The precise date and time of our lord's return is none of our business. He will come when he comes and our task is to be ready, which means cultivating a life of faith and devotion in the present that will last eternity. The Father has decided that none one will know, not even the Son. How then would anyone find out? Did the creator of the universe accidentally leave the answer in a constellation? If he did then how would you go about perceiving it? Will God appear to a doomsday enthusiast like he did to Jacob and be wrestled with until morning? Perhaps the Father will change his mind on the issue and nullify the scripture that says the time will come when nobody expects it like a thief in the night. (1 Thes 5:2) No, this mystery is shut to us and we will not have access to it until after it has happened.

So why do Christians continually announce dates for Jesus' return? I think there are a few reasons. The evangelical culture of America thoroughly embraced the idea of a literal apocalypse which became popularized by End Times preaching, prophecy conventions, and Tim LaHaye's "Left Behind" series. A literal reading of the Bible has also been a pillar of American Evangelicalism and so between these two phenomena there have been widespread acceptance and expectation of what became known as 'The Rapture' where all the Christians would be taken up into heaven (1 Thess 4:16-17) and the tribulations which were to follow. (During a course I took on the Book of Revelation the professor explained that these particular apocalyptic expectations are unique to North America, no other form of Christianity has ever conceived of 'The Rapture', but that is part of another discussion altogether.)

In one respect the Lord's return is supposed to be an encouraging thing (1 Thess 4:18) and the more charismatic among us tend to thrive on the apocalyptic. The majority of End Times hype I see on social media wherein blood moons, wars, and the itinerary of the Pope herald the second coming is enthusiasm taken to the edge of sound doctrine. It is important to be grounded in the Scriptures and sound doctrine or enthusiasm can be mistaken for inspiration and encouraging others by reminding them that the Lord could return very soon can become futile predicting, As for the 'prophetic ministries' that ride the circuit claiming to have identified The Two Witnesses, The Mark of the Beast, Gog and Magog, and the star called Wormwood, they are spiritual snake oil peddlers who should be ignored.

Greg Out.