Understanding the Return of Jesus
Find out the answers to the following very important questions, based on Scripture:
Why Jesus might return as early as in the early 2030’s, perhaps as soon as 2031 to 2033?
Why the author identified late summer 2024 through late summer 2026 as a possible window for the beginning of the final seven-year period, and how events should now be evaluated in light of that timeframe.
Why might the great tribulation begin in a window between spring of 2028 and 2030?
Why might the time of the Lord’s return not be until nearly 2037, 2047, or even 2087?
How can we know if the Lord Jesus is not coming in the early 2030’s?
What am I emphatic about? I am NOT saying that Jesus will return in 2031. Just that it is not unreasonable to conclude from Scripture that He might.
What are the reasons Scripture gives that some believers must endure the great tribulation?
What does Scripture say you should do to avoid the great tribulation?
How and when does Jesus rescue the saints from the wrath of God?
How will we know for sure that the return of Jesus is very near?
Why Scripture indicates that even though the Lord could return as early as 2031, the indications also in the Word are He could tarry longer, perhaps to 2037, 2047, or even as late as 2087. But if there is the possibility of His return as early as 2031, do you want to know what Scripture says your mindset should be?
Preparing the saints
This book is primarily written to those who are believers in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior and who believe that the Bible is inspired by God. Believing the Scriptures to be “God-breathed” means understanding that the writers only wrote what He put in their hearts to write. The Bible informs us that all Scripture is authored by God, and that it is truth and is authoritative:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
In recent decades, a disturbing trend has emerged in many evangelical churches. Much of the teaching on prophecy related to the last days as revealed primarily in the books of Revelation and Daniel has been ignored or dismissed. In the few instances where it has been taught, the overwhelming message has been that Christians will not have to face the great tribulation, but rather that the rapture will rescue them before it begins. This perspective, contrary to centuries of mainstream church teaching, has led to a sense of complacency and naivety among many Christians who are ill-prepared to face trials, suffering, and persecution.
I am deeply concerned about this trend. I believe in maintaining love and unity in the body of Christ, and yet I believe that many Christians have been misled by an incomplete and distorted understanding of biblical prophecy. While I am aware that my message may challenge and even contradict the views that some have long held dear, I am committed to being faithful to the truth as revealed in Scripture, no matter how unpopular it may be. For you the reader, I encourage you to remember the Bible encourages us to “test all things” and to “hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NKJV). Therefore, it is important to approach these discussions with an attitude of humility and a willingness to learn from one another.
A word of caution is in order. I am not predicting a date for Jesus’ return. There have been notable examples of people over the centuries who have predicted a date for the Lord’s return, only to find themselves and those who followed them disillusioned and confused. A group called the Millerites, who were followers of William Miller, a Baptist preacher, sold or gave away their belongings, anticipating the Lord’s return between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. Needless to say, when the predicted dates came and went, they were disheartened.
Similarly, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have made several failed predictions about the return of Jesus. In 1914, they predicted that Jesus would return to earth, but when this did not happen, they revised their prediction to suggest that Jesus had returned invisibly. They made similar predictions in 1925 and again in 1975, and you need not be told how these turned out. Others have made predictions as well, all of which proved to be premature.
However, I am emphatically stating that I am not saying you should count on it happening in the time frame I suggest. I am saying it is reasonable to think that Jesus may return in the September-October period of 2031. He will not return then unless the individual spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 is apparent to Christians in the three-and-a-half-year period immediately beforehand. If on the other hand, this individual is apparent, then you can count on the Lord’s return soon. According to Scripture, for the unbelieving world, “God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false” (From 2 Thessalonians 2:11). The result will be they will not expect it, and it will come on them “like a thief in the night.” Rather, my point is if indeed His return is to be in this period, then believers who are consistently studying the Scriptures and striving to live according to them will increasingly perceive signs indicating that the event is approaching. The Scriptures confirm this to be the case, as you will discover. Moreover, I previously wrote that Scripture indicates a unique seven-year period will precede the moment of His return and that it could begin as early as late summer of 2024. That date has now passed, and the events since then must be considered when evaluating this interpretation. I believe the final 42 months of this time will be the great tribulation period that Jesus spoke about. The events that will occur during that period will be unmistakable to those who belong to the Lord. This said, if we are truly disciples of Christ Jesus, and if He is returning soon, you and I will know it for the signs will become increasingly clear as the day draws near.
I invite you to see if I am mistaken and in error in some of this. If so, perhaps the Holy Spirit will reveal that to you, and you can share it with me. I would not be the first to have been mistaken, and perhaps you will bring to my attention Scripture that I have overlooked that will alter my view.
If you believe I am in error, please reach out to me through the contact form, but be prepared to substantiate your view with Scripture. In this book, I have made a conscious effort to avoid targeting individuals by name. However, I have not hesitated to use Scripture to address erroneous teachings. My intention in authoring this book is rooted in love and concern, and I hope that those who read it will respond in kind, refraining from personal attacks and engaging in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.
Three Theories About Jesus’ Return
Pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation rapture?
One rapture, or two?
Three different theories about the Lord’s return related to the seven-year period before Jesus returns will be examined in detail considering Scripture in this book. One theory is that the Lord returns at the start of the seven years for His saints, and then comes again a second time at the end of the seven-year period. Those who subscribe to this first theory also hold to the belief that during the seven-year period, many who were initially “left behind” in the first rapture will repent and become believers in Christ. As a result, these will be included in the kingdom of God when, they believe, Jesus comes again a second time at the end of the seven years and raptures those new believers who were left behind the first time.
Another theory holds that He comes somewhere in the middle of this period, and the last teaches that the Lord will return for His followers near the conclusion of the seven-year period. In all three theories, it is acknowledged that there are saints on the earth during at least some portion of the seven years. Likewise, all acknowledge that the final three and a half years will be a time containing great difficulties for those on earth. However, referring to the final three and a half years as a time when “great difficulties” are in store is a significant understatement of the gravity and magnitude of what is to come. If our Lord’s return is really as close as ten years away, we will soon discover one way or another which of these theories about the rapture of the saints is correct. My interpretation of the prophecies about Christ’s return aligns with the third theory, but we will examine Scriptures which are used to support each one.