Why Hasn’t Jesus Returned Yet?

Christians look forward to the day that Jesus will return to take them to be with Him, when He will rule and reign for a thousand years. It will be a time of rejoicing for people who put their faith in Him. During the Millennium Reign, “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:5-6).

Even the early church, mere decades after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, were looking for His imminent return to bring forth this wonderful kingdom. But today, it still hasn’t happened. Given all the pain and suffering in the world, why does Jesus still tarry in returning for His church, judging evil, and beginning His earthly reign?

While the Bible does not outline it explicitly, Scripture is clear that God is merciful, longsuffering, and wants as many people to turn to Him as possible. Because once the end of days begins, many people will be cut off from eternal life.

What Does the Bible Say about Jesus’ Return?

While many of the details about Jesus’ return are hidden in mystery and prophecy, there are insights the Bible gives its readers. The Scriptures below give us insight into what this day will entail.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:34-36).

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).

“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed” (2 Peter 3:10).

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen” (Revelation 1:7).

Jesus will return, and it will be sudden. He will redeem His church, and He will rule over the earth for a thousand years. Believers should conduct themselves with sobriety, knowing His return could be imminent. Meanwhile, people who don’t have assurance of salvation and eternal life should start a relationship while they can. These are truths all Christians agree on.

While the Bible does give readers insight into the events surrounding the return of Jesus Christ, it is silent on God’s motives for His timing. Just as the Bible does not tell people specific reasons why God chose to create the world and humanity, it also doesn’t specifically outline His plan for the End Times. What it does say is that God wants everyone to come to a saving relationship with Him.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 says that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving, are “good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God waits for the church to spread the Gospel as far as possible, so that no one will have an excuse and everyone will have an opportunity to repent of their sins and put their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Can We Know When Jesus Is Coming?

One of the certainties of the Lord’s return is that no one knows when it will be. While there will be signs that ramp up as the date approaches, “concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). People may look for signs and try to interpret them, but no amount of interpretation will yield the correct answer.

One of the most powerful tools cults and false prophets have in their arsenal to convert and control people is claiming to have the answer to the question of when Jesus will return. For centuries, people have set dates for when the Lord would return, ushering in the end of days. In fact, it goes as far back as 500 AD, when different thinkers made predictions based on estimates on the age of the earth or the dimensions of the ark. There are predictions that have come and gone, and some that are still lined up to happen in the near or distant future. But none of these predictions are in alignment with Scripture, because Jesus Himself said no one can know. Paul warned the church at Thessalonica about such false prophecies:

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Christians should beware of anyone who claims to know the exact date of Jesus’ return, since it contradicts the truth Jesus spoke.

What Should We Do While We Wait?

When considering what is going on in the world, what should Christians do until He returns? They should obey His commands. There is a great deal of God’s business to be done. There are many people-groups who have not heard the Gospel, particularly in parts of southern Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Even in areas where people have heard the Gospel, many are unbelievers. Witchcraft is becoming more popular in western countries. But there are humanitarian actions Christians can do to bless their fellow man and show the love of Christ.