What Are The Signs of Christ’s Second Coming?
Many are looking for signs that mark the return of Christ, when in fact there will be no sign given. Matthew 24:42 says, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Much of the controversy arises over the misunderstanding of Matthew 24. This chapter begins with Jesus and His disciples leaving the city of Jerusalem. Having earlier spoken of the temple, Jesus said that not one stone would be left upon another (Matthew 23:34-24:2). His disciples said, “. . . (1) Tell us, when will these things be, and (2) what will be the sign of your coming and (3) of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3. The remainder of chapters 24 and 25 give an answer to these questions.
First, He answers the question concerning the temple being torn down in verses 4-35. Numerous signs were given for the disciples to look for. Jesus says in v.34, “This generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D. by the Romans in the same generation when they destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The “signs” were given concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, not the end of the world.
Second, beginning in verse 36, Jesus begins to answer the questions concerning His second coming and the end of the world. There is a definite contrast here: “ “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” whereas in v. 29 He uses the words “those days.” Speaking of the end of time He uses the singular “that day” and speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem he uses the plural “those days”. In verse 42 we read, “do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Just as the flood came upon the people of Noah’s day unexpectedly, so will Christ come unexpectedly (v.37). Just as a thief comes in the night, so shall Christ come – when least expected (v.43).
No one knows the time, season, or even generation in which the Lord will come again and there are no “signs” given to alert us to His coming. We are simply commanded “to be ready” (v.44). If we are always ready, then we never have to worry about signs. The parable of the virgins and talents of chapter 25 further illustrate the fact of there being no signs. Friend, are you ready? Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38