Q:
I've heard that Jesus claimed He would return to earth someday, but why hasn't He? Maybe He wanted to do so, but it wasn't part of God's plan for Him, so it's never going to happen. Could this be the reason He's never returned?
A:
No, it is not. Jesus repeatedly taught that someday He would return to earth to destroy all evil and sin, and to rule the world in perfect peace and justice. This wasn’t wishful thinking on His part, but was said with the full authority of God, who cannot lie. The Bible says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Why, then, has Christ’s coming been delayed (at least from our human viewpoint)? One reason, the Bible says, is so the whole human race could have an opportunity to hear the Gospel and turn to Christ as their Lord and Saviour. In fact, Jesus said that before He could come again, the Gospel would need to be preached to the whole world (see Matthew 24:14).
In other words, God loves us, and because He loves us, He wants to give us every possible opportunity to repent of our sins and be with Him forever. This, incidentally, is why evangelism is so important, for without it, vast numbers of people will never hear of Christ. The Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise…. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Christ’s return will be sudden, and for most people, tragically unexpected. Are you ready for that day? You can be, by turning to Christ and trusting Him alone for your salvation. Don’t delay, but commit your life to Him today.