Another End-Time Date and the Stress Again
Every time a new date is mentioned for the return of Christ, now again September 23, I receive questions: “Do you believe this? What should we do? I am scared.”
Honestly, I am tired of it. It seems like we keep pouring energy into speculations about the end times and the so-called “rapture,” while the Bible clearly says that no one knows the day or hour:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matthew 24:36)
And yet the news keeps spreading, people keep worrying, and some are genuinely afraid. Meanwhile, that energy could be much better used for what really matters: sharing the gospel, NOW. As Scripture reminds us:
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…” (2 Peter 3:9-10)
That is the real urgency. People are called to repentance, not to fixate on a date. If you truly believe that Jesus is coming soon, then spend your time on what truly counts: reaching souls, showing love, and proclaiming the gospel.
And let’s be honest. The Bible also warns us about these kinds of predictions. If something does not happen, it is clear that it does not come from God:
“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, and the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)
So what are we really talking about? Either we truly believe this and go all out to save what can still be saved, or we recognize that this is yet another failed prediction. It’s time to focus our energy on what God really asks of us.
And suppose that date is correct and Christ really returns. What will your answer be when God asks you what you did with that knowledge? Did you try to save people, show love, and share the gospel? For everyone will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
So it comes down to this: either you believe the time is short and you act NOW, regardless of the date, or you do nothing. What did you do today? Ultimately, we all will face this question from 2 Corinthians 5:10.
And one more thought: if you are a believer in Christ, why should you be afraid at all? Think about it. Afraid of what? Going to heaven and the new earth? That is good news! So if you feel fear about Christ’s return, what is really behind that fear? What is occupying your heart and mind that makes you anxious rather than joyful?
