Can Jesus Return at Any Moment?

Can Jesus Return at Any Moment? The imminence of Christ’s return means that Jesus could come at any time, without any prior event needing to happen. This belief is central to the New Testament’s teachings on the rapture and the urgency of being ready. 1. The Bible Teaches That Jesus’ Return Is Imminent The early church lived with the expectation that Jesus could come at any moment. •1 Thessalonians 5:2 – “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” •Titus 2:13 – “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” •Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” None of these verses indicate that anything must happen before Jesus’ return. Instead, they emphasize watchfulness and readiness. 2. Jesus Taught That His Return Would Be Unexpected •Matthew 24:44 – “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” •Mark 13:32-33 – “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows… Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” If certain prophetic events had to happen first, then believers could predict the timing. But Jesus emphasized constant readiness because His return is truly imminent. 3. Imminence Distinguishes the Rapture from the Second Coming •The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) happens suddenly, without warning. •The Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-16) happens after known events, such as the tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist. If the rapture were after the tribulation, then believers would be able to calculate the time based on Daniel’s 70th Week (Daniel 9:27). But since no such countdown exists, it must be imminent. 4. Imminence Motivates Holy Living Since Jesus could return at any moment, believers are called to live righteously and expectantly. •1 John 3:2-3 – “Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” •Luke 12:35-37 – “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning… Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes!” A true belief in imminence produces urgency—for holiness, evangelism, and watchfulness. 5. The Word “Imminence” Isn’t in the Bible, But the Teaching Is Just as the word “Trinity” isn’t found in Scripture but the concept clearly is, the doctrine of imminence is deeply biblical. The early church expected Jesus at any moment, and we should too. Maranatha!

From Mark on X.com