The Imminent Return of Christ: Are You Ready for His Coming?

The Promise of His Return

There is no promise more compelling, no assurance more awe-inspiring, than the words of Jesus Christ: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). This is the hope of the Christian faith—the return of our Lord, the King of kings. It is the culmination of all history, the fulfillment of all prophecy. But the question remains: When? When will this glorious moment come to pass?

Yet, even as we yearn for that day, let us remember: Jesus Himself declared that no one knows the exact time of His return. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). What mystery is this? Not even the Son? This profound truth reminds us that the divine timetable belongs to the Father alone, hidden from the eyes of men, angels, and all the created order.

But why does the Son not know? The answer lies in the mystery of the Incarnation. Though Jesus is fully divine, when He took on human nature, He voluntarily limited certain aspects of His divine knowledge. As Philippians 2:6-7 explains, “Though He was in the form of God, [He] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant.” In His earthly life, Jesus humbly chose to live within the limitations of humanity. This includes His knowledge about the precise timing of His return.

We cannot calculate, we cannot predict, and we cannot guess. But we must be ready.

The Futility of Speculation

Time and time again throughout history, people have speculated about the day of Christ’s return, trying to read the signs, interpret the stars, and uncover hidden codes in Scripture. But what does our Lord say? “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7). These speculations are distractions! They lead to fear, confusion, and often disappointment. And what is worse, they cause us to lose focus on the one thing we are called to do: Be ready.

For Jesus does not call us to know when He will return; He calls us to live as if He could return at any moment. This is the very heart of Christian readiness.

The Signs of His Coming

Though the day and hour remain hidden, the Scriptures are not silent. They speak of signs that will precede His return—signs of a world in turmoil, a creation groaning under the weight of sin. Jesus foretold wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, and false prophets (Matthew 24:6-12). Does this sound familiar? Do we not see these very things unfolding before our eyes today?

Yet, these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Paul speaks of a “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3), a figure of deception and rebellion who will lead many astray. But even these are not the final word. Before the end, “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations” (Matthew 24:14). The mission is clear: Christ will not return until every corner of the earth has heard His name, every tribe, tongue, and nation has had the opportunity to respond to the gospel.

Theological Implications: Christ’s Return in God’s Plan

What, then, is the meaning of Christ’s return in the grand tapestry of God’s plan? First, it is a reminder of God’s absolute sovereignty. He controls history. From the rise and fall of nations to the course of your very life, nothing escapes His gaze. His timing is perfect, His purposes unshakeable. We are reminded that we live not according to our own agenda, but according to His.

Second, the return of Christ is the consummation of salvation. At His first coming, Jesus brought redemption through His sacrifice on the cross. At His second coming, He will bring judgment, establishing His eternal kingdom, separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46). His first coming was in humility, His second coming will be in glory. What began in a manger will end with a trumpet blast from heaven!

And finally, Christ’s return is a call to vigilance. Jesus’ parables are filled with warnings: the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the faithful and unfaithful servants (Matthew 24:45-51). The message is unmistakable: Be ready, because He will come at an hour you do not expect.

How, Then, Shall We Live?

If Christ’s return is certain but its timing unknown, how then should we live? Let the Scripture answer us.

1. Be Watchful: Jesus commands, “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). Stay vigilant, alert, and spiritually awake. This is not a passive waiting but an active anticipation. Are your spiritual eyes open? Are you living as if Jesus could return today?

2. Live Holy Lives: Peter challenges us: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12). Are we ready to meet Him in purity? The return of Christ should inspire in us a life of righteousness, a turning away from sin, and a pursuit of holiness.

3. Proclaim the Gospel: The end will not come until the gospel has been proclaimed to all nations. This is not a time to sit idly by. We are soldiers in a spiritual battle, ambassadors of a coming King. Let every conversation, every action, every relationship be a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. For we know not how much time is left.

4. Encourage One Another: Paul exhorts us to encourage each other with the hope of Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:18). This hope is our anchor in difficult times. Let us remind each other constantly that this world is not our home, that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and that Jesus is coming to make all things new.

Are You Ready?

Dear friend, the question is not, When will He come? but rather, Are you ready for His coming? Will you be found as one of the wise, or as one of the foolish? Will your lamp be burning, or will it be extinguished by neglect and worldliness? The return of Christ is not a theory, it is not an idea, it is a reality—as certain as the rising sun.

Heed the words of Scripture: “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Are you prepared to be surprised by His arrival? Or will you be caught unprepared, distracted by the cares of this world? Jesus is coming again, and He will not delay.

The time is short, the signs are here, the hour is near. Watch, pray, proclaim, and live as if today could be the day when the clouds part and the trumpet sounds. And when He comes, let Him find you ready.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

Are you ready?