Why don't we know the exact time of Jesus' return?

The question of why we do not know the exact time of Jesus' return is one that has intrigued and puzzled Christians for centuries. This mystery is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Himself and is a significant aspect of Christian eschatology. Understanding why this knowledge is withheld from us requires a careful examination of Scripture, the nature of God, and the purpose of prophecy.

First and foremost, the Bible explicitly states that the exact time of Jesus' return is unknown to humanity. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36, NIV). This verse is crucial as it highlights that the knowledge of the timing of the Second Coming is reserved for God the Father alone. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, did not claim to know the exact time. This statement underscores the divine mystery and the sovereignty of God over human history.

One reason for this secrecy can be found in the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. God desires a relationship based on faith, trust, and readiness rather than on precise knowledge of future events. The uncertainty surrounding the timing of Jesus' return encourages believers to live in a state of constant spiritual preparedness. Jesus emphasizes this point in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), where the wise virgins are prepared for the bridegroom’s unexpected arrival, while the foolish virgins are not. The lesson here is that Christians should always be spiritually vigilant and ready for Christ’s return, regardless of when it might occur.

Moreover, the unpredictability of Jesus' return serves to prevent complacency and spiritual laziness. In Matthew 24:42-44, Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." This analogy of a thief in the night illustrates the sudden and unexpected nature of Jesus’ return, emphasizing the need for continual vigilance and moral integrity.

The Apostle Peter also addresses this issue in his second epistle. He writes, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare" (2 Peter 3:10, NIV). Peter’s description reinforces the suddenness and unpredictability of the event, urging believers to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of the Lord’s coming.

Another aspect to consider is the role of prophecy in the Bible. Biblical prophecies often serve multiple purposes: they provide hope, encourage repentance, and reveal God’s ultimate plan for humanity. However, they are not always meant to be fully understood or precisely timed. In the Old Testament, many prophecies about the coming of the Messiah were given in broad terms and were only fully understood in hindsight after Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Similarly, the prophecies concerning the Second Coming are given in a way that emphasizes the certainty of the event rather than its timing.

The Book of Revelation, for example, is filled with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery that provides a vision of the end times without offering a specific timeline. This serves to assure believers of the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of God’s kingdom while leaving the exact details to divine discretion. The purpose of such prophecy is to strengthen faith and provide hope, not to satisfy human curiosity or provide a detailed schedule.

Additionally, the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus' return can be seen as an expression of God’s mercy and patience. In 2 Peter 3:8-9, we read, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage suggests that the delay in Jesus' return is an opportunity for more people to come to faith and repentance. God’s timing is perfect, and His delay is a demonstration of His love and desire for all to be saved.

Furthermore, the concept of not knowing the exact time aligns with the broader biblical theme of living by faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." The Christian life is one of trusting in God’s promises and His perfect timing, even when we do not have all the answers. This trust is a fundamental aspect of the believer’s relationship with God, fostering a deeper reliance on Him and a more profound spiritual growth.

In Christian literature, many theologians have echoed these biblical principles. For instance, C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the importance of living in a state of readiness and the danger of trying to predict the end times. He writes, "Precisely because we cannot predict the moment, we must be ready at all moments." This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus' return is intended to keep believers spiritually alert and morally accountable.

In summary, the reason we do not know the exact time of Jesus' return is multifaceted. It is rooted in the divine mystery and sovereignty of God, encouraging a life of faith, readiness, and spiritual vigilance. The unpredictability prevents complacency, promotes moral integrity, and aligns with the nature of biblical prophecy, which often emphasizes the certainty of God’s promises rather than specific timelines. Moreover, it reflects God’s mercy and patience, allowing more people the opportunity to come to repentance. Ultimately, this mystery invites believers to trust in God’s perfect plan and to live in a manner that honors Him, regardless of when Jesus will return.