I’m probably going to push somebody’s buttons this morning. I’m sometimes asked why I don’t write about eschatology (the study of the end times) more often. I’ll often talk about what the Bible reveals about life with Jesus but very seldom about the timing.
My reason is simple: I believe that Christians spend far too much time debating the “when” and “how” it will happen. We divide about the timing of the rapture and the nature of the thousand-year reign. We argue and split over whether or not someone holds our views. We spend more time trying to figure out if this “is it” than we do loving others and sharing the gospel.
Is the book of Revelation to be viewed from a Preterist, Historicist, Futurist, Idealist (symbolic), Progressive Futurist or some other view? Should we be Premillennialists, Postmillennialists, or Amillenialists? Perhaps some combination of the above or even none of the above.
Now, please understand. I am not saying the end times are unimportant. I’m saying we put too much time and effort into figuring them out. You may or may not agree. We’re only going to know who was correct when it’s done, and then, frankly, I don’t think we will care.
Jesus is returning; the Scriptures are clear on that. But the Bible also very clearly says:
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For just as the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be.” Matthew 24:25-27
If you have the date figured out, I can promise you that you are dead wrong. Many have claimed to have it and they have all been proven liars.
We know He is returning. The Lord tells us that for two important reasons.
- Give us real hope when times get dark
- Spur us on to loving one another and sharing the gospel.
Debating the exact nature of the eschaton can be interesting and even fun. Let’s make certain, though, that it doesn’t divide us needlessly or take away from our real mission.
He might come before I finish this issue of Gleanings. He might not come for two weeks, two years, two decades, two centuries or two millennia. It will be sudden and surprise us all.
Let’s be sure to be found faithful when it does occur.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
SUMMARY
I explain why I rarely write about the timing of the end times, even though people often ask me to. I believe Scripture calls us to hold the certainty of Christ’s return with humility about its timing, and to spend our energy loving others and sharing the gospel instead of debating dates and systems.
TAKEAWAY
No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, so anyone claiming to have figured it out is guaranteed to be wrong.
Debates over rapture timing, millennial views, and interpretive frameworks for Revelation too often divide believers rather than draw us closer to our mission.
The certainty that Jesus is coming back should give us hope in dark times and spur us on to love one another and share the gospel now.
