Concerning His return, Jesus told His disciples this just before His ascension: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set in His own authority.” (Acts 1:7). It was not something they could “know” (see or perceive as yet). Speculation about the timing of His return was not proper for the disciples, as Jesus had other tasks for them to concentrate on. The word “set” in the above quoted scripture is the Greek tithemi , which means appointed or fixed in time. The word “authority” is Greek exousia which can also be translated as jurisdiction. In other words, the Father, using His supreme jurisdiction, has permanently fixed an appointed time for His Son to return and set up His kingdom here on earth. We also see from the book of Daniel that this time was set by God from long before Jesus earthly ministry. The great archangel Gabriel told the prophet Daniel this: “Look, I’m making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be.” (Daniel 8:19). Note that after the latter time of indignation (great tribulation) that the “end”(of human government) will occur at a time already appointed. Later in chapter 11 when discussing the antics of the antichrist during the last days, Daniel is told this: “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end: because it is still for the appointed time.” (Daniel 11:35). These and other scriptures testify clearly that our Father has a fixed and unchangeable date for Jesus’ arrival.
Jesus is returning to earth to set up His kingdom and it’s at a precise time fixed by His Father. It will happen. At the exact time. The probability is 100%. We need to be prepared as world events and bible chronology seem to indicate it will happen in the near future, likely within the lifetime of most reading this post. If you aren’t aware of the nearness of His coming, refer the article linked to in the previous post. We certainly are living in exciting yet perilous (if you’re not ready) times.
It’s time to start looking up for our redemption is at hand.
Maranatha, Jim