The Meaning of “Soon” in the Context of Jesus’ Return
When an infallible spokesman for Jesus Christ, such as an apostle, says that Jesus is coming “soon,” what does it mean? This question has puzzled many Christians, especially since Jesus himself said that no one knows the day or hour of his return (Matt. 24:36). In this article, we will explore three possible meanings of “soon” in the context of Jesus’ return.
Potentially Near
One possible meaning of “soon” is that Jesus is potentially near. This means that his return is imminent, but not necessarily immediate. The apostles may have used this language to convey a sense of urgency and to encourage believers to be prepared for Jesus’ return at any moment. This interpretation is supported by Jesus’ illustration of the second coming in Matthew 24:45-51, where he warns against presumption and encourages believers to be vigilant.
Holistically Near
Another possible meaning of “soon” is that Jesus is holistically near. This means that his return is part of a larger, unified vision of the end times that has already begun. The apostles may have seen the end times as a single, undivided whole, with Jesus’ first and second comings being two parts of the same event. This interpretation is supported by passages such as 1 Peter 1:20-21 and Hebrews 1:2, which suggest that the “last days” began with Jesus’ first coming.
Divinely Near
A third possible meaning of “soon” is that Jesus is divinely near. This means that his return is near from God’s perspective, even if it seems distant from a human perspective. The apostle Peter suggests this interpretation in 2 Peter 3:8-9, where he writes that “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” This passage reminds us that God’s relation to time is mysterious and that our understanding of time is limited.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the meaning of “soon” in the context of Jesus’ return is complex and multifaceted. It may refer to the potential nearness of Jesus’ return, the holistic nearness of the end times, or the divine nearness of God’s perspective. Ultimately, the exact timing of Jesus’ return remains a mystery, but these interpretations encourage us to be vigilant, prepared, and humble in our anticipation of his coming.
Reflection Questions
- What does the phrase “Jesus is coming soon” mean to you?
- How do you prepare for Jesus’ return in your daily life?
- How do you balance the need to be vigilant with the uncertainty of Jesus’ return?
Further Reading
- Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ by John Piper
- The Book of Revelation by Nancy Guthrie
- Endure Suffering with Patience until Jesus Returns by Nancy Guthrie
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