What is delaying Jesus' return?

The Certainty of His Return

Scripture affirms that the return of Jesus is a guaranteed event. As Paul writes, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God…” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This promise is not optional or metaphorical; it is woven throughout the biblical narrative in both Old and New Testament passages. The question, then, is not if He will return, but why the fulfillment of this promise seems delayed.

In the early centuries of the church, believers anticipated the imminent return of Christ. Historical Christian writings such as those by Ignatius of Antioch (early 2nd century) and Justin Martyr (2nd century) testify that many expected His arrival in their own lifetimes. Yet despite these ardent expectations, centuries have passed. Understanding the biblical and theological rationale behind this timing can illuminate why history continues as we know it.

God’s Unique Perspective on Time

Scripture stresses that God stands outside of human limitations when it comes to time. Second Peter 3:8–9 states, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.”

From a finite perspective, a few decades or centuries may seem like a long delay, yet the Bible underscores that the Creator views time differently. Genesis 1:1 portrays God as the initiator of all creation. Geological analyses, such as those employed by certain intelligent design researchers, show evidence that the Earth and universe exhibit complexity that reflects careful crafting rather than a random or drawn-out process. This highlights that God transcends natural processes, and He is not bound by human timelines. Thus, what appears like a long wait to humanity serves a greater redemptive purpose in God’s plan.

The Fulfillment of All Prophecies

Numerous Old Testament prophecies pointed to Christ’s first coming, accurately fulfilled in Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. Archaeological findings (for instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls) confirm the ancient texts we have today, demonstrating that the prophetic words were written prior to Christ’s earthly life. Because these earlier predictions were fulfilled precisely, the promises concerning the Second Coming warrant equal trust.

Yet Scripture also indicates events that must unfold before the Second Coming. Second Thessalonians 2:3 speaks of a “man of lawlessness” who will be revealed prior to Christ’s second advent. In Matthew 24, Jesus Himself speaks of “wars and rumors of wars,” “earthquakes in various places,” and a global proclamation of the gospel (see Matthew 24:14). While it may be tempting to assign every new conflict or calamity as an immediate sign, the biblical record indicates that a sequence of events must be accomplished, ensuring God’s meticulous plan is ultimately upheld.

Mercy and the Gathering of the Nations

The perceived “delay” also testifies to divine mercy. First Timothy 2:4 clarifies God’s desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This perspective is linked to God’s patience, as He prolongs the current era so that the gospel can spread to every nation, tribe, and tongue (Revelation 7:9). Jesus states in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

This highlights an ongoing mission for believers to communicate the message of redemption worldwide. Modern evangelistic and missionary efforts—often recorded in works tracking the growth of Christianity in places once considered unreachable—confirm that while the gospel has expanded significantly, the task is still underway. Many see this as the continuation of God’s mercy, providing time for individuals to respond to the truth.

The Great Commission and Global Evangelism

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Contemporary data from mission organizations (including global research networks) suggest that while numerous languages have received Scripture translations, there are still people groups awaiting full access to the Bible.

The reliability of translated manuscripts has grown stronger with modern scholarship. Documents such as the early Papyri, the Codex Sinaiticus, and the Codex Vaticanus, studied thoroughly by textual critics, demonstrate that the messages and teachings of Christ remain intact across millennia. This evidential certainty empowers current missionary endeavors, showing that the same gospel proclaimed by the apostles is still the gospel preached today.

The Testing and Purification of Believers

Scripture teaches that God uses the passage of time, even times of trial, to refine those who follow Him. First Peter 1:6–7 explains that various trials test the genuineness of faith. These refining seasons throughout church history—times of persecution, revival, or doctrinal challenges—shape believers and the community of faith, aligning them more closely with the principles of God’s kingdom.

Furthermore, passages like Revelation 2–3 reveal messages to specific churches, evaluating their faithfulness and perseverance. Tribulations and delays encourage introspection, repentance, and an ever-deepening commitment to the teachings of Christ. In this sense, believers are being prepared as a “bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2), ready for His return.

Ongoing Evidence Supporting Scripture’s Reliability

Even as we await Jesus’ return, we find myriad lines of evidence supporting biblical claims:

• Historical Writings: Ancient sources like Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger reference events correlating to Christ’s life, death, and the rapid expansion of the early church.

• Archaeological Finds: Excavations at sites such as Jericho, the City of David, and the Pool of Bethesda validate biblical narratives with geographical and structural details that match scriptural accounts.

• Manuscript Evidence: Tens of thousands of New Testament and Old Testament manuscripts (including fragments, codices, and translations) demonstrate remarkable consistency over centuries. Scholars specializing in textual criticism confirm that no core doctrine or salvific teaching of Scripture has been compromised.

• Scientific Observations: Intelligent design proponents note the highly complex information encoded in DNA, the fine-tuning of universal constants, and the sudden appearance of life forms in the fossil record. These point to a Creator rather than random processes. For those holding a younger-earth perspective, the genealogical record of Scripture from Adam to Christ (cf. Luke 3:23–38) is treated as literal, supporting a historical framework for human events.

All these evidences serve as reminders that the biblical narrative has proven itself accurate and trustworthy across disciplines, reinforcing that the promised Second Coming remains firmly anchored in credible revelation.

A Day Known Only to the Father

Although Scripture offers clear signs, it also stresses that the exact day and hour of Christ’s return remain concealed. Jesus affirms, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). This emphasis on God’s sovereignty underscores that no earthly figure can pinpoint the precise end.

This humble acceptance of divine mystery is a hallmark of Christian faith, ensuring constant vigilance rather than complacency. Instead of setting dates, believers are called to remain watchful: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).

The Purpose in the Delay

There are several theological and practical reasons for the current period:

1. God’s Mercy in Allowing More to Repent (2 Peter 3:9).

2. Completion of the Global Proclamation of the Gospel (Matthew 24:14).

3. Fulfillment of Prophetic Events (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

4. Purification and Maturing of Believers (1 Peter 1:6–7).

5. Display of God’s Sovereign Timing (Matthew 24:36).

Rather than seeing the delay as a broken promise, it should be viewed as part of a grander design encompassing redemption, relationship, and renewal.

Living in Expectation and Obedience

Believers are admonished to live in expectancy: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). This posture influences moral conduct, evangelistic outreach, and worship. Practically, expecting His return prompts:

• Ongoing Repentance: Staying aligned with God requires continual heart checks and spiritual growth.

• Service to Others: The calling to love one’s neighbor, support those in need, and share the gospel takes on greater urgency with the knowledge that time is finite.

• Endurance in Trials: Difficulties gain perspective in light of future glory. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Such readiness does not adopt a posture of fear or endless speculation; rather, it fosters hope and a deeper connection to God’s redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The question “What is delaying Jesus’ return?” can be answered by recognizing the harmony of Scripture’s teaching: God’s perspective on time transcends human limits, the gospel is spreading to all nations, prophecies must be fulfilled, and divine patience allows for greater mercy toward humanity. Throughout history, believers have stood firm on this sure promise, sustained by the testimony of biblical manuscripts, corroborating archaeological discoveries, and the compelling evidence of the resurrection.

Though the exact hour remains unknown, Scripture’s overarching message—from Genesis to Revelation—provides the assurance that the return of Jesus stands as an inescapable and momentous event. Far from indicating absence or forgetfulness, the delay underscores God’s benevolent desire that more would turn and live, culminating in a final day when all promises are brought to completion.