For 2000 years Christians have been eagerly awaiting the soon return of Jesus to this earth to take his followers back to Heaven. Is he actually going to come back soon? Should we be waiting?

First, Jesus made many clear promises that he would come back to take his followers to Heaven (John 14:1-4; Acts 1:11). The Bible describes his Second Coming (Mark 13:26) and his desire to spend eternity with us (John 14:3). He also says that he is coming soon (Revelation 3:11). This can cause a lot of confusion for believers who wonder if he meant these promises after waiting for 2000 years. Even some of the Bible writers addressed this confusion (2 Peter 3:4,8-9). Here are some things to remember:

1. Jesus clearly states that no one knows the exact time when he will return, except God the Father (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7). The point is not to spend our time trying to work out a specific time he is coming. Not only does the New Testament warn against such speculations and date-fixing, it also indicates in various ways that the coming of Christ may be later than first expected (Matthew 25:1-13). One must always live a life that is worthy of the gospel and not worry about the time of Christ’s return. The most important thing to remember is that God has it all under control. Jesus came the first time to earth at just the right time to fulfill God’s plan and we can trust that it will be the right time when God sends him the second time.
2. Though we can’t know the exact time, the Bible does give us some guidelines as to events that will show us that the end time is growing near. Some passages in which Jesus describes these signs are Matthew 24:1-51; Luke 21:5-38; Mark 13:1-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. But the Bible is also clear that these signs represent the beginning of the time of the end, not necessarily the actual end time itself (Matthew 24:32,33).
3. The promise of the Second Coming should bring us hope and encouragement. Even if we don’t know exactly when he will come, the point for us as believers is to be ready for him to come. We do this by ensuring we have accepted him as our Saviour, made a decision to follow him, and embraced our mission as Christians to share his love with others. If we have done these 3 things, then we are ready for him to come - today, tomorrow or any day.
4. Jesus’ Second Coming should not be something to fear. No matter what happens or when it happens, God has it all under control. The Second Coming is the final act of God’s plan for humans. He will lead us through it. We are not to get so consumed with the Second Coming that we live in fear of some future event. God asks us to focus on the first coming of his son, to live in the present with the grace of Jesus changing us as we walk with him, and to trust the future to him.

Blogs Based on actual questions asked by young people:
Hopefully these considerations to some big questions asked by young people are helpful to you. Please note that while I have done my best to be true to what the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist church teaches, I may not always have got it 100% right. So please don’t just take what I say but keep searching out answers from God for yourself.
If you have any further questions, on these topics or any other, please feel free to:
1. Keep exploring the answers using a Bible, Christian books, Google, prayer, friends, family, youth leader, pastor, school chaplain, and an open heart.
2. Come say hi and chat to me in person when I am at your church or in your region.
3. Email me at LanceBoulton@adventist.org.nz
Don't be afraid to ask questions. God is bigger than your biggest question and isn't afraid of what you are wondering. Let your questions drive you into a fuller knowledge and experience of God (rather than driving you away from God).