The greatest event yet to take place is the coming back of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the greatest hope and anticipation of “born-again” christians worldwide. This event is mentioned numerous times in the Holy Scriptures. R. A. Torrey, evangelist, pastor, and writer, wrote the following: “The second coming of Christ is said to be mentioned three hundred and eighteen times in the two-hundred and sixty chapters of the New Testament, and “it occupies one in every twenty-five verses” from Matthew to Revelation” (R. A. Torrey, What the Bible Teaches, Updated Edition, P. 230, Whitaker House, Publisher).
Absolutely no one knows exactly the day of Jesus’ return. Over the years some have falsely predicted the day. A well known radio preacher, who is now deceased, made his false prediction no less than three times. Jesus Himself declared the following about His return, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You don’t know when the time will come” (Mark 13:32-33). The same is recorded in Matthew 13:32. In view of these statements by Jesus Christ, It is dangerous for anyone to speculate about Jesus’ return, when there is absolutely no Biblical authority for anyone to do so. That is actually “adding” to God’s word where it clearly states, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book” (Revelation 22:18).
Then there are those who seem to question the so-called delay in Christ’s return. The Apostle Peter responds, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. But do not forget this one thing, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:4,8-10).
The christians in Peter’s day were experiencing persecution, which caused them to be anxious for Christ’s return to give them relief from the hardships and suffering. However, whereas we are not being oppressed as they were then, yet we must “keep on keeping on” as we “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
As christians, we must also fully realize that God always keeps his word and His promises are reliable. The Bible states, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Since God is the embodiment of truth and faithfulness, He must keep his word. So “Yes” means God will always keep His word and “Amen” means “so be it.” Let us, therefore, be patient and trust Him to fulfill His promise with His perfect timing. “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus) (Revelation 22:20). And, thus concludes the Holy Scriptures.