Second Chance at the Second Coming?

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Commentary

What is it in the human psyche that causes us to deride and put down what we don’t understand? And when it comes to those of us who have the moxy to engage in predictive prophecy, well let’s just say that a level of criticism awaits you, that will make even the most stalwart personality wilt. Especially, should we miss an event regarding Christ’s return (e.g. May 31, at 9AM), count on some ribbing, versus being accorded honor as a sage of the ages.

Today’s post however, goes where even angels fear to tread by suggesting we may still be on for a meeting in the air this weekend. And in the process of doing so, we delight in keeping the blessed hope foremost in everyone’s thinking (especially those whose have a penchant for prognostication), as we dispel a few common misconceptions of friends and family.

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Criticism of “watchers” usually takes the form of incredulity from unbelievers who would label you a “prophet of doom,” even though this popular misconception is refuted in Scripture’s description of a world without end. And then there’s the “nominal” Christian’s qualm with the “loons” who interpret the Bible literally. Never mind that we’re rational adults who simply acknowledge that 25% of Scripture is devoted to the prophetic, and more than 50% of this has already come to pass. Last, even within evangelical circles, we'll also be branded “date setters,” or one who presumes to deduce what supposedly can’t be known, even though faithful servants will don crowns in eternity for peering into the mysteries of God, longing for discernment regarding the Lord’s return.

For example, one of the most compelling and widely held theories related to dating the rapture deals with the rebirth of Israel in our generation, as a necessary milestone for timing the start of Daniel’s 70th week (culminating in the Day of the Lord). And while exhausting all the possible permutations for timing can be tedious work, a simple method of estimate merely starts with the state of Israel’s founding in May of 1948, and then adds back the length of a generation (e.g. 70-years), to arrive at a not-to-exceed date (which in this case would be 2018). And once an end date is determined, it follows that a pre-tribulation rapture event simply precedes this by at least seven-years.



That said, many basis years and generational epochs could also be used for calculating potential fulfillment dates. But rather than ridicule estimates that have come and (uneventfully) gone, true watchmen and women of God instead gain encouragement, knowing that it’s through the process of elimination that subsequent estimates only gain more strength in terms of probability. And again, of particular interest this year was the brilliant confirmation that the day of Pentecost should be counted as part of a subsequent 7-day feast period, which this year culminates on June 7th.



So I ask, what harm comes from postulating end time theories, as long as they are based on sound exegesis and doctrine? Especially if it inspires a sense of urgency for the task of evangelism, or compels us to lead lives of personal holiness, why not look for the Lord’s appearing (daily)? As for me, prophecy was the proof that a hardened skeptic required, before I would surrender my life to Christ (at age 33). The notion that only God knows the end from the beginning, and that only the Bible contains predictive prophecy, are two of the means the Holy Spirit uses to illumine my faith today.

Rather than derision though, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who invest the sweat equity necessary to complete their due diligence. Clearly, this marks you as one of God’s faithful servants, and a crown of righteousness awaits all those who love His appearing. In the final analysis, we don’t need to be extended another chance at timing the second coming of Christ, because looking carries its own reward. And greater than second chances, is our need of a Savior. So keep looking for the return of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Roy Tanner