Has Jesus already returned (Revelation 22:20)?

Wondering if Jesus already returned is as old as the gospel itself. It was something the first-century Christians were concerned about. We have the record of Paul assuring the Thessalonians that Jesus had not yet returned (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). However, we also find Paul rendering a scathing condemnation to men that were teaching that Jesus already returned (2 Timothy 2:16-18).

With that backdrop, we find some today teaching that Jesus already returned. A movement called ‘Preterism‘, aka ‘AD70 doctrine’, teaches that Jesus already returned with the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD70. This teaching is conditioned on several false premises including a misunderstanding about the nature of the kingdom of God and when it was established. However, the central premise leading to the false conclusion that Jesus already returned seems to rest on several ‘timing’ statements made by New Testament writers.

How Scripture answers "Has Jesus already returned (Revelation 22:20)?"

Basing a conclusion that Jesus already returned in AD70 (or any other time) because of Jesus^1,4 and other New Testament writers’ statements^3,5,7,11 would be false for several reasons:

None of the New Testament writers knew when Jesus was returning². If no one knew the timing of “that day”, then these writers weren’t only being deceitful by offering something of which they knew nothing about, but they were testing God!
Every single time we see expressions of Jesus’ “imminent return”^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11}, it is coupled with or in the context of admonitions to remain strong or patient. In other words, the writer is not trying to proclaim the literal timing of Jesus’ return (again, something they knew nothing about^a). Rather, they want to convey urgency to the Christian living in ‘man’s time’ to not become complacent in their faith. As far as they or their listeners were concerned, Jesus could return at any time so they needed to be ready!
Isolating these as literal, definitive, ‘man’s time’ declarations is not consistent with the rest of Scripture. In light of the Bible pattern regarding God’s time in relation to man’s time, we must conclude that these are not literal, “man-time” statements.
If Jesus already returned, then what does the Christian do with Jesus’ admonition² and all the other inspired writers’ points to remain strong? Do we just disregard, and thus disregard the need to remain patient and vigilant in our faith^b? NO, because Jesus is “coming soon”¹!

No, Jesus has not already returned. Rather, it is His second coming⁸, not the third, that happens next. We don’t need to worry about it but only follow Him¹⁰ and remain strong^3,5,7,9,11. Will you be ready?

Further Study if you're interested...

Rather ironically with the Preterist’s position, within the very text⁴ that often plays into these types of ‘end times’ debates, Jesus warned there would be those claiming that Messiah returned (Mt 24:5). He even repeats the warning a little but further emphasizes, “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

And yet another irony exists with a second passage¹⁰ sometime quoted to “prove” Jesus has returned. The argument is that Jesus said He was returning in John’s lifetime. The obvious irony is that the same saying spread in the first century…which is why John bothers to squash that rumor and emphasize the point that Jesus was making. No doubt, John is just shaking his head at those that would continue, even today, to perpetuate that lie.

Yes

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3 1 Peter 4:7-9

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

What does it say?

Since the end of all things is present, we should be serious and disciplined in order to pray continually. Most of all, continue to love each other earnestly since loving actions keeps one from sin. Be hospitable to each other without complaining.

What is the context?

Peter’s first letter to the “elect exiles” (brethren) that were faced with “various trials” (1:6). He wrote to strengthen and encourage them since they could or likely would be tested by a “fiery trial” (vs 12). This could be a trial peculiar to this particular group of Christians, but it is more likely the general “tribulation” that all Christians are promised during their lives of faithfulness.

How does it apply here?

Peter’s reason for Christians to be serious and disciplined is because “the end” is here.

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Peter has already established that Jesus’ appearance was in the “last times” (1:20), so all that is left is “the end of all things.”

4

Matthew 24:29-31

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

What does it say?

After the tribulation of those days, the material elements of this world will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven causing all on earth mourn, seeing Him coming on the clouds in the sky with power and glory. He will send His angels with a loud trumpet and they will gather the saints from the all the earth.

What is the context?

This chapter (also recorded Mark 13 and Luke 21) documents a discussion between Jesus and his disciples. Upon leaving the temple, Jesus comments on its destruction (vs 2). Subsequently, they wanted to know about three things from Jesus: 1) the timing of the temple’s destruction, 2) the sign of His coming, and 3) the end of the age (vs 3).

Jesus begins His answer, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray.” (vs 4-5) He continues foretelling terrible natural events (e.g. wars, famine, etc.) but also a spiritual “tribulation” (persecution) where many saints will “fall away” (vs 10). Despite this, He warns again that “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (vs 13) and the “gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world” after which “the end will come” (vs 14).

The preceding seems to be an overview before beginning to speak about a specific “great tribulation” (vs 21) that they would experience. He refers to this as “the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel” (vs 15) and prays that their “flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath” (vs 20).

As is typical with prophecy, which this chapter is, sequencing is difficult as events and their timing (near-term/long-term) are very fluid. Remember, the disciples had asked about both the timing of the destruction of the temple and His return. Jesus shares events (vss 15-28) that will take place in their generation (vs 34) regarding the destruction of the temple (in fact, taking place about forty years later in 70AD). He then speaks about what will happen “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (vs 29), namely His return (vss 29-44), but it too is a mixed timeline.

Summary of sequence:

vss 4-14 – A broad review of events during the ‘end times’ (both near-term and long-term) when “lawlessness is increased”.
vss 15-28 – A near-term description of events that they would experience relating to the destruction of Jerusalem. Something that in fact, would happen about forty years later (70AD). Also indicative of this period is a time when some would claim the Christ has returned, but Jesus says don’t believe them (vs 23). Also recorded in Mark 13:14-23 and Luke 21:20-24.
vss 29-31 – A long-term description of the events of the second coming, the final judgment. Also recorded in Mark 13:24-27 and Luke 21:25-28.
vss 32-34 – The near-term timing that He relates and explains with a parable about the fig tree for how they would identify the occurrence of “these things” (vs 33) and says, “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (vs 34).
vss 35-44 The long-term timing, transitioned by contrasting things that will and won’t pass away (vs 34-35) and with “But…” (vs 36). This timing “no one knows” – not even Himself (vs 36).

How does it apply here?

Jesus, in what has to be ‘God’s time’ language, describes a sequence to follow “after the tribulation of those days” that leads up to “the Son of Man coming on the clouds” accompanied with “a loud trumpet” and a gathering of the “elect”.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

A literal interpretation of Matthew’s “immediately” withers a bit as Mark (13:24) records the transition simply as “after that tribulation” while Luke (21:25) has no transition and just says that “there will be signs”.

5 James 5:7-9

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

What does it say?

Brethren, patiently await the coming of the Lord. Learn from how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being nourished by both the early and late rains. Be patient like that, establishing your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Don’t grumble against each other, lest you yourself be judged by the Judge that is standing at the door.

What is the context?

James’ letter throughout is about encouraging and warning Christians to live out the “word of truth” (1:18) in their lives and gives many practical examples of what that looks like.

How does it apply here?

Much like Peter², James counsels that Christians have patience and pay attention to their conduct since the Lord’s return is what is to happen next^2,4.

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He goes on to give examples of the endurance of the prophets and Job.

6 Isaiah 26:20-21

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.

What does it say?

My people! Hide yourselves for a little while inside your homes and shut the doors behind you until the fury has passed. Behold, God is coming out from His abode to punish the wicked on the earth which will show all the bloodshed and no longer conceal her dead.

What is the context?

After several oracles/judgments on specific nations such as Cush, Egypt, Moab, Tyre, etc. in the preceding chapters 15-23, Isaiah seems to turn to a broader declaration of judgment on all mankind in chapter 24. This begins a particular concentration of “in/on that day” declarations that are dispersed throughout chapters 24-27. Often, but not always, these declarations are describing circumstances that are fulfilled in the first century and the coming of Christ and His kingdom.

How does it apply here?

God, through Isaiah, tells the people to hide “for a little while” for a devastating judgment on the wicked.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

God gives instruction regarding a judgment we still have yet to experience nearly 3,000 years later.

7

1 John 2:18

Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

What does it say?

Brothers, it is the last hour, and many antichrists have come just as you heard would happen. This is how we know it’s the last hour.

What is the context?

The Apostle John is writing to Christians to remain steadfast. After reminding them that they are “not of this world”, he calls to their attention those that are personally antagonistic to Jesus (“antichrist”) and His teaching. He marks those false teachers and implores his “children” to “let what you heard from the beginning abide in you” (vs 24).

How does it apply here?

John describes the “last hour”, just as Jesus had described the tribulation with many false Christs and false prophets⁴ (e.g. “antichrists).

8

Hebrews 9:27-28

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

What does it say?

Just as man’s appointment is to die and then face judgment, so also Christ has already been offered to bear the sins of many and will appear a second time not to deal with sin but to save those still waiting for His return.

What is the context?

The Hebrews writer is in the midst of his argument about why Jesus and the new covenant are better than the old – here specifically arguing about His superiority as a High Priest.

How does it apply here?

Jesus only comes twice – the first was to “deal with sin” and the second (e.g. “judgment”) will be to “save those who are eagerly waiting”.

9

Jude 1:14-15

Now Enoch, the seventh in descent beginning with Adam, even prophesied of them, saying, “Look! The Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

What does it say?

Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied about them saying, “Look! The Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

What is the context?

Jude is writing a brief, but stern letter of warning “to those who are called” (vs 1) to “contend for the faith” (vs 3) and remaining obedient. He also warns about false teachers (vs 4), but continues to give several examples from the Old Testament of those that did not remain faithful (for various reasons) and were condemned as a result.

It is these false teachers and generally those “following their own sinful desires” (vs 16) that Jude says Enoch was prophesying about in his statement of judgment for their “deeds of ungodliness” (vs 15).

How does it apply here?

Enoch, sometime approx. 5,000 years ago, told the people of his day to “Look! The Lord is coming…”.

10 John 21:22-23

Jesus said to him, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me! So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?

What does it say?

Jesus responded to him [Peter] that it was none of Peter’s concern whether or not it be His will that he [John] remain until His return. Peter only needs to follow Him. As a result, a rumor spread among the brethren that John was not going to die [before Jesus returned], but that’s not what Jesus had said. He had only said that it wasn’t Peter’s business whether or not it was His will for John to remain until He come.

What is the context?

The closing and final appearances of Jesus in John’s gospel account. Jesus has risen and demonstrated His complete bodily resurrection by having breakfast with them, where they all know it is the risen Lord (vs 12). After eating, Jesus is walking with Peter and questions him three times about if he loves Him, concluding with the command to “Follow me”. (vs 19) It’s after this that Peter sees John “following them” (vs 20) and asks Jesus the question, “What about this man?” (vs 21)

How does it apply here?

Jesus makes no statement here about when He might return or if it would be in John’s lifetime (probably because He didn’t know²). His only point to Peter was, “You follow Me!”

11 2 Timothy 4:1-2

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

What does it say?

By the authority of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by the His appearing and kingdom: preach the gospel, being ready at all times whether it’s popular or not to correct, confront, and encourage, instructing with all patience.

What is the context?

The closing comments of Paul’s second letter to the young evangelist Timothy. He feels that his death is imminent (vss 6-8) but is hopeful to see Timothy again (vs 9).

How does it apply here?

Paul really makes no claim here about the “imminent” or “immediate” return of Jesus. But true to form, his point is to urge Timothy to “be ready” and “patient” in his work.

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Paul goes on to say a “time is coming” (vs 3) for challenges and other plans he hopes that will happen.

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Has Jesus already returned (Revelation 22:20)?

How Scripture answers "Has Jesus already returned (Revelation 22:20)?"

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