Is it possible that Jesus Christ could return in our lifetime?

When Jesus spoke to His disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection, He also promised to return and bring about a new era. Naturally, the disciples asked how they would know when this would happen. His answer was clear—no one would be unsure of His return. Jesus provided several signs that would take place before His coming.

How can we interpret these signs?

Here are the words of Jesus, found in the Bible in Matthew 24:4-14 (New Living Translation). Other biblical passages also cover similar topics.

Jesus said, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.” We’ve already seen false messiahs come and go, and many more may appear.

“You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. These things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” War is now a daily reality. In 2017, for instance, Wikipedia listed 59 ongoing conflicts, four of which saw over 10,000 deaths that year alone.

“There will be famines…” OXFAM reported in 2017 that the world was on the verge of four major famines affecting 26 million people.

“…and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” Earthquakes happen frequently, with at least one significant disaster every month.

“But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” These signs are just the beginning.

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated worldwide because of your allegiance to me.” The Open Doors organization reports that, each month, over 300 Christians are killed for their faith, more than 200 churches are attacked, and at least 700 violent acts are committed against Christians globally.

“And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.” We see rising levels of hate, with random acts of violence such as bombings and mass shootings becoming more common.

“Many false prophets will appear and will deceive many.” Jesus warned against those who would claim new revelations. His teachings are final, and no one with greater authority is coming after Him.

“Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” The moral fabric of societies that once based their laws on biblical principles has frayed, and we see increasing rejection of God’s ways. While faith may be declining in places like Europe, the global Christian population continues to grow as predicted in the Bible.

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” This gives Christians hope and peace.

“And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the world, so that all nations will hear it…” Thanks to modern technology like the internet, the message of Jesus can now reach people in the most isolated areas. People from nearly every nation travel or live abroad, discovering the Gospel and bringing it back to their communities.

“…and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:4-14 NLT)

(The Bible contains numerous teachings about Jesus Christ’s return, written by different authors over many centuries. The consistency of these accounts is one reason believers view the Bible as divinely inspired.)

Be Prepared!

Although Jesus said that no one, not even He, knows the exact time of His return, He urged us to always be ready.

The best way to prepare is to follow Jesus now, become part of an active church, study the Bible (God’s message to us), and pray. At Bethany Family Worship Centre, we are here to support you on this journey—but don’t wait. The end may be closer than you think!

Don’t Fear—Be Expectant!

For Christians, Jesus’ return is the start of an incredible adventure. It will lead to the union of Christ and His followers (the Church) and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin, decay, sickness, and death. This isn’t a threat; it’s a beautiful promise!