No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Matthew 24:36).
We are living in the end times and Jesus is coming back soon. I'm not the first to make this statement, nor will I be the last. The Apostles genuinely believed Jesus was coming back during their lifetime. The next generation believed the same thing. And the next, and the next, all the way up to the present generation.
Based on what's happening in the world today, it certainly seems like we are living in the end times and that Jesus' return is imminent. The end times discussion does hold a certain fascination and intrigue. The subject piques our curiosity. The fact is no one knows for sure when Jesus will return.
Sadly, fear seems to be the prevailing emotion believers experience when they think about Christ's return. Judgment, wrath and eternal fires are not comforting thoughts. It is true that judgment and wrath are forthcoming, but not for the believer. the Bible is very clear on this subject: "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!" (Romans 5:9).
That's why the real question, the most important question, is "When Jesus Christ returns, will I be ready?" Only the Gospel can ready us for a victorious future and provide the hope we need to live with confidence here and now. With that confidence, instead of fearing Christ's return, you will look forward to meeting Jesus, the one who loves you and gave himself for you.
Concerning end times, you can be prepared. Let John's words in his first letter be an encouragement to you. "In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:17, 18).
When Jesus returns is up to the Father. In the meantime, we can encourage one another to look forward to that day when "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).
In Him,
Bob Christopher