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In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 Jesus gives vital instruction about His return. It is important to understand the basic facts concerning His arrival so that we cannot be deceived. Indeed, the very purpose of Jesus' message in these passages of scripture is to protect us against the deception of false Christs and false prophets. Read Jesus' warnings about being deceived (Matthew 24:4-5, 10-11, 23-26; Mark 13:5-6, 22-23; Luke 21:8).

If it is possible to be deceived regarding Jesus' return, then just how are we to know when He truly does arrive? Among other information, Jesus gave us two essential facts concerning His return which will keep us from being deceived.
 

Unknown

Contrary to the false notions many false teachers have circulated in the past and, no doubt, will in the future, the return of Jesus Christ will be at a time when all but his watchful followers do not expect Him. Faithful Christians will watch for Him (Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:35; Luke 21:36), be prepared for His return (Matthew 24:45-51; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 21:34), and know when His return is soon (Matthew 24:32-33; Mark 13:28-29; Luke 21:29-31). However, no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return except God the Father (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-33). Remember that--no one knows except God the Father. That means that if anyone specifies a date or time for the return of Jesus, then you can be certain that they are wrong and are attempting to deceive you. Do not believe it. Jesus warned us. Listen to Him! The specific day and hour of Christ's return is unknown.
 

Unmistakable

Believe it or not, some false prophets have already claimed that Jesus secretly returned. More than one false religion has been founded on this lie. And Jesus warned us this would happen. No doubt, this lie will continue to be used in one fashion or another in the future. In fact, there's currently a popular false doctrine being taught of a future "secret rapture" to occur in which all of the Christians will vanish from the earth leaving non-Christians wondering where they went and why. This is a lie. Do not believe it.

Jesus told us how His return would be. Review the following facts concerning Jesus' return:

• His return will be visible like lightning (Matthew 24:27)
• The sun will be darkened (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24)
• The moon will not give its light (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24)
• The stars will fall from the sky (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25)
• The heavenly bodies will be shaken (Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25; Luke 21:26)
• The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky (Matthew 24:30)
• All the nations of the earth will mourn (Matthew 24:30)
• Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea (Luke 21:25)
• All nations will see Him coming on the clouds of the sky with great power and glory (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27)
• He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27)
• His elect will be gathered from one end of the heavens to the other (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27)

Conclusion

Don't be deceived about Jesus' return. He is coming back. We don't know exactly when, but we know that we are to watch. We will see the growing number of signs He told us about (Matthew 24:4-29; Mark 13:5-25; Luke 21:8-28) and realize the time for His return is growing closer. We must remain prepared at all times, since we don't know the day or hour of His return. And, beyond the shadow of any doubt, we will know when He arrives. While the timing of Jesus' return is unknown, it will be unmistakable!