During his earthly ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ was asked when the end of the world would be. His answer was very clear. He said,“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). The Bible repeatedly warns us about trying to set a date for the return of Christ (Mark 13:32-33; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10). We are not to speculate when Jesus will return. Rather, we are to be ready at all times for His return (Matthew 24:33, 42-44; Luke 21:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).
What are Christians to be doing as the Lord’s return approaches?
God wants all people to come to believe and trust in His Son for their salvation and to lead holy lives in service to Him, eagerly awaiting with patience and perseverance His return on the last day (Romans 13:12-14; Titus 2:1-13; 1 Peter 1:13-15; 2 Peter 3:11-12; 1 John 3:2-3; 1 Timothy 6:14; Matthew 25:14-30).
Our Lord says to us: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). This is a constant theme in Scripture. St. Paul writes,“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled”(1 Thessalonians 5:6).
The Apostle Peter describes what Christians are to be doing: “In keeping with his promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him”(2 Peter 3:13-14).
As the end of the world draws closer, each day the Lord gives us is one more day to serve Him and to be a part of the great effort to proclaim the Gospel. This is the great mission Christ has given His church: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”(Matthew 28:19-20). Our Lord promises to be with us until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20), as we continue to tell the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:35).
Finally, our Lord wants us to be watchful for His coming. We have the assurance that because of His death and resurrection for us, we have the full and free forgiveness of our sins.We may not know all the details about the end of the world, but we do not need to be anxious about them. Nor should we get all caught up in speculation about the end times. We live in the great period of the“now”and the“not yet.” We have salvation in Christ right now. But we do not yet have the final blessing of our salvation: life forever with the Lord in heaven.
Though we do not know when our Lord will return, we are able to look forward to His return with confident hope and joy (Revelation 22:20): “ ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Dr. A.L. Barry’s “What About the New Millennium?”
Trinity Lutheran Church 
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