Is Jesus coming soon?

TL;DR:

The term “soon” reveals certainty that Jesus will return, but His timing differs from popular understanding of the word. While we wait for Jesus to come back, we are called to live faithfully and ready for His return, living out the values of His kingdom in our relationships and actions.

what does the bible say?

Jesus' return is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation, where He says, "Surely I am coming soon" (Revelation 22:20). The Greek word for "soon" (tachy) suggests that Jesus will come "without unnecessary delay.” It does not mean that He will come back according to our use of the word “soon,” often meaning “immediately.” The apostles have referred to us as living in the "last days" since Christ ascended, and they encourage believers to be ready for Christ’s return at any time (1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 Peter 1:20). This helps us recognize that they were emphasizing the need to be ready for His return, knowing it could happen at any time. While we eagerly await Jesus' return, the Bible reminds us that God’s timeline is different from ours, as "with the Lord one day is as a thousand years" (2 Peter 3:8). While we may feel like He has delayed His return, it is because He is patiently waiting for more to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9–13). We are called to live lives that are ready for His return, living out the values of His kingdom in our relationships and actions. Our readiness is not about knowing when, but about faithfully living in light of the fact that He will return without unnecessary delay.

from the old testament

Jesus coming soon is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

Jesus said He is coming soon in the book of Revelation: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon'" (Revelation 22:20). In this verse, the Greek word translated as "soon" is tachy, and its definition is "without delay." This leaves a lot of space for "soon" to be a relative term, and it shows us that we cannot translate "soon" to fit our own timeline preference or definition of what "soon" should mean.
The word tachy is used throughout the New Testament, but its primary use is in the book of Revelation when Jesus is speaking (Revelation 2:16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7, 12, 20). Jesus' use of this word shows us that things move on His timeline and they will happen when they are meant to happen. We do not know when it will be, but we can have confidence in the fact that He has the plan in motion.
The apostles often refer to it being the "last days" in their epistles and they exhort believers to be ready for Christ's return (1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20).
Jesus told His followers to be ready for His return (Mark 13:33; Luke 12:40; 21:34–36).
The Bible makes it clear that we should always be anticipating the rapture, for Christ could return at any time, but no one knows exactly when that day will be (see Matthew 24:36).

implications for today

Sometimes it is tempting for us to doubt God's timeline, because it feels like what He has promised should have happened by now. We see all of the pain, suffering, and injustice in the world and desire Jesus' return. The apostle Peter offers some valuable insight: "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:8–9). While we are left on earth, feeling impatient, God is patiently waiting in order to give as many people as possible the opportunity to repent and turn to Him. Jesus said He is coming soon, but He did not say when. This seemingly vague timing is for a purpose; Jesus wants each person and each generation to live with the understanding that He may return at any moment. It is up to us to be ready for Him (Luke 12:38). We can say with confidence that Jesus is coming soon, because we know that He is coming "without unnecessary delay."

understand

Jesus' return is certain but His timing differs from our understanding of "soon.”
“Soon” means that there will be no unnecessary delays for His return.
We are living in the "last days" as we await His return.

reflect

How does the understanding that Jesus' return could happen at any time affect how you live each day?
In what areas of your life do you struggle with impatience as you wait for Christ's return?
How can you live out the values of God's kingdom in your relationships and actions while you await His return?

engage

Why has Jesus allowed so much time to pass since His promise of returning, and how can we use this waiting period wisely?
How can we encourage one another to look forward to Jesus’ return?
What are some ways we can prepare ourselves and others for Christ’s return?