Q:
A few weeks ago, a friend gave me a book in which the author tells exactly when Jesus is going to return (and he claims it's not far away). He says the Holy Spirit revealed it to him in a dream. Could he be right?
A:
I don’t doubt this writer’s sincerity, but the Bible clearly warns us against making precise predictions about Jesus’ return. Jesus declared, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). If God has concealed it from the angels and His Son, why would He reveal it to a mere person?
At the same time, the Bible does tell us two very important truths about Christ’s second coming. First, it tells us that He will return! Repeatedly, the Bible tells us that God’s plan for this world is not finished, and some day Christ will come again to complete that plan. And unlike His first coming, His return will be glorious and recognized by the whole world: “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7).
The second truth the Bible tells us is that He could come at any moment – and the signs warning of His coming become more and more obvious every day. Once He comes, it will be too late to commit ourselves to Him and work for Him; now is the time to believe in Him and follow Him. Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me” (John 9:4).
If Christ were to return today, would you be ready? You can be, by opening your heart and life to Christ, and giving yourself without reserve to Him. Don’t delay, but by faith commit yourself to Jesus Christ today.