I Know Jesus Did Not Return On Sept. 23, As Predicted By Some

When I was at university studying Missions and Bible, there was a smart Messianic student (a Jewish believer in Jesus) attending. He was an intense young man who could be a bit obsessive. He landed in a psych ward because he tried to figure out the end-time scenario as described in the Bible. I felt sorry for him. While this episode was tragic, it illustrates the point that anyone who thinks they can figure out last-day events is deceived.

I haven’t preached a “date and time” scenario for Christ’s return in 45 years. Never, not once. Why? Because the Lord never clarified it for me. I am convicted that I should not teach something based on theory if it isn’t clear in the Bible or if I haven’t experienced it as being true.

As far as the rapture or second coming, I know Jesus is coming back. I know that certain things are predicted. I know the Bible is trustworthy. However, I think the Lord has left things a bit obscure so that we won’t know the exact date until after it happens.

It’s one thing to say, “This is solid doctrine.” It’s another thing to say, “We believe this is what God’s word says but we could be wrong.” A little humility goes a long way, don’t you think? This doesn’t mean I doubt the scriptures. Not at all! I believe the Bible is bedrock, true; his God-breathed word. I think we need to doubt ourselves, rather than doubt the Lord. He figured it out before he gave it to us. I trust him, not my intellect. We’re mistaken if we think we’re as smart as God.

Here are some things I know are true:

• Jesus is the Son of God. • The Bible is the Word of God.

• Everyone needs to be saved.

Is that a good start? My testimony is that Jesus has forgiven my sins, placed his Spirit inside me, and speaks to me by his word. I’m not afraid of death, demons, disease, or disaster. Christ lives in me! He is within the whole body of Christ.

Besides these fundamentals (common to evangelicals), I believe this…. Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and arose on the third day to live forever. Jesus ascended to heaven and is seated on God’s throne. He poured out the Holy Spirit on his praying church. He gives gifts to the church like apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. Jesus will visibly return with an army of holy angels. Believers who died will return in glory with Jesus. Followers of Jesus on earth will be transformed to meet him. We will be given a new eternal body and will rule on the earth alongside Jesus our King. So, what do you know for sure?

Shall I go on? I know God answers prayer. I know he never leaves us. I know he loves us far more than we can imagine. I know he looks for the tiniest bit of faith so that his amazing grace can break through into our broken lives. I know his kingdom offers us a whole new way to live; one that includes freedom from sin, a happy family life, covenant relationships, and a purpose.

I know God loves America and hasn’t cursed it. I know God loves Israel and wants the seed of Abraham to receive its Messiah. And, I know Jesus did not return on Sept. 23 as somebody erroneously predicted.