THE DAY OF THE LORD IS IMMINENT?

It is taught that the second coming of Christ is imminent. That it could happen at any time. You know, “like a thief in the night”.

Some verses used for this are like from Revelation 22 “these words are faithful and true, the things which must shortly take place”, meaning immediately and without further notice. And “do not seal the prophecies of this book for the time is at hand”. Meaning imminent, or, right now. Or “behold I come quickly and my reward is with Me to give to each one according to their work”. Yes His reward is Himself. Then the last words from that chapter,  “surely I come quickly. Amen even so come Lord Jesus”. So what does “come quickly mean”? Or “must take place shortly”?

Here are some other verses using the same Greek words to help us understand. From the sermon on the mount, agree with your adversary quickly while you are on the way with him lest he deliver you up. After the resurrection “go quickly and tell the disciples”. They “went out quickly and fled the tomb”. And when Mary was grieving over the death of Lazarus. She heard Jesus was coming and “she arose quickly and came to Him”. In Luke 18.8 He will avenge them speedily” or quickly.

This is the same Greek word. Acts 17.15 “to come to him with all speed”. Of Judas at the betrayal “what thou doest do quickly. Also used are “suddenly, shortly, swift. You get the idea.

Now for the term “at hand”. It is also translated, draws nigh, know it is near even at the doors, he who betrays me is at hand, the tax collectors drew near to him to hear Him. Always used as really close, at hand. If we could un-shackle these words from human reasoning and apply them consistently in our understanding we could see what happens “quickly” and what is “at hand”.

It could be said that the flu spread rapidly, that it came so quickly that it caused an epidemic. You may not have it yet but it is close, it draws nigh, you could get it shortly, it is at hand. It is imminent. If you had a relative flying in for a visit who would be here soon, shortly, or quickly, and if they have arrived they could be at your door, at hand. You would never say that of someone who would be here in a month, next spring, a year, and certainly not for someone who is coming in 2000 years. You just broke the meaning of the words or phrases we are talking about. How could you then tell a sick loved one who is in hospital that you would be there shortly? That should mean without delay, or A.S.A.P. And this is what quickly and shortly means. So the nurse could tell them of you, they just checked in at the front desk and they should be right up, meaning shortly or quickly. And if she saw you walking up the hall she could say they are right here at the very door, even at hand.

This is the correct usage of the terms in question. The imminent coming of the Lord or Christ was not meant as a threat to keep you on good behavior. Like “your father could be home any minute” or quickly. That he is imminent. Isn’t that kind of what is portrayed when talking of the elusive 2nd coming? A term not found once in scripture. Of those with that mind set, it is as if you are in a building with the roof collapsing. Everyone does their part in girding it up. Standing on chairs and tables propping up the ceiling and pushing on rafters saying “hurry God, when are you coming?” Holding on by a strand you are doing the work of God and maintaining the image, doing church.

Well learn what this means from Danial 12 When the power of the holy people have been completely shattered all these things will be fulfilled.

You know the very thing you are looking for is really close. It happens quickly. I hate to break it to you but it also does not come with human observation. For they will say to you, look here or look there, but do not go after them. Why? Because they are carnal and the carnal mind is enmity against God. For they want to see with their eyes what needs to be seen in the spirit. “To those who have eyes to see!” You see it is close even at hand. It is in your heart and in your mouth that you may say it and do it. It is at your very doors. This is the word of faith in which WE preach. “Behold I stand at your door and knock. If you open up I will come in and dine with you and you with Me. Revelation 3.20