Has Jesus Christ already returned incognito? How can we know for sure? The Bible clearly gives the answer
Leslie A. Turvey: A minister ends his radio program by saying, "Keep watching until Jesus returns: perhaps today." But could Jesus return today? If we're to believe his words in Matthew 24:129 the answer is a resounding No.
Jesus said people would claim he's already returned - but we're not to believe them. One religious organization says he's already come incognito, but none of the members seem to have seen him. If they have they're not telling.
The day is coming when deceivers will show great signs and wonders to prove they are the Christ, and many will believe them.
But has Jesus come incognito? Will he appear to a few people in some desert place? Not if we can believe what he said: "As the lightning comes out of the east, and shines to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of man be."
Where is the east, and where is the west? The Bible is a book for all people, so if we're to believe Jesus his coming will be seen from east to west wherever there is a human being. His coming will be seen around the world.
Jesus told his disciples, and us, the signs to watch for before he returns. When his disciples pointed out the gorgeous buildings of the Temple he said the time is coming when one block of the Temple buildings will not be left standing on top of another. That happened - and so, too will the rest of his prophecy.
Jesus said there would be people saying that he is the Christ (i.e., the Messiah), but will deceive many. There are multitudes of Christian denominations today. If Protestants have the truth about Christ, then the Catholics are deceiving many, and vice versa. If one denomination has the truth, then all the other denominations must be preaching deceit, as they each have their own idea of what the truth is.
Most people are aware of the `wars-and-rumors-of-wars' verse, and say there have always been such things. They're right, and until Jesus returns they will continue. Ditto famines and pestilences and earthquakes.
Jesus said many of his followers will be afflicted and hated and killed just because they are Christians. And many Christians, to save their own skin, will betray other Christians to the authorities. (Not you, of course - but beware of me. Micah 7:5 warns not to trust our friends, or even our spouses.)
Eventually Jesus told his disciples the "gospel of the kingdom [of God] shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14)." The end of what?
One will be the end of the preaching of God's word (Amos 8:11). But the other is the end of the way of life as we know it today. And how will it end? Jesus continued by saying all hell will break loose on earth (Matthew 24:21-22). It will be more horrific than any other time in history: so destructive that unless Jesus Christ intervenes not one human, not one animal, bird, or fish would survive. But Jesus will intervene and put an end to all wars for ever, when he returns as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).
"Keep watching until Jesus returns: perhaps today." Could that preacher be among those who say Jesus is the Christ, but who deceive many?
You decide!
To comment on this article or request more information, please contact James McBride by e-mail at the comment form below.
For PDF or mailed copy, see CGOM. Excerpt from New Horizons Volume 5 No. 6, November/December 2001. Edited by James McBride of the Churches of God, United Kingdom.
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