The Qur'an teaches that Muslims do not need to question when God's judgement will take place. There will be an event prior to God's judgement which will clearly proclaim the judgement is near, namely the return of Jesus to earth again. When Jesus comes back, then people should expect the judgement to come very soon. (Sura 43:61)
Christians also believe that Jesus will return to the earth. The Bible, in which I put my trust, gives a very vivid description of Jesus' return.
"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." (Luke 21:25-27)
In another section of the Bible we read:
"The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens." (Mark 13:24a-27)
No living person nor any dead prophet, has ever known the date of Jesus' return. Jesus himself teaches that believers are to live in active anticipation of his coming. They are to be ready, alert, prepared and deeply desiring the coming of that great day. They are to hope for that day because at that time the righteous of the earth will be honored and vindicated. Yes, it will be the beginning of sorrow, separation from God, judgement and condemnation for all who have lived sinful lives, but the start of victory for the faithful. For those who love God, this is the culmination of all their dreams and hopes. This is fulfillment. This is the purpose of history.
Of all the great prophets God could have chosen, God decided that Jesus would be the one chosen to return to earth as a sign that the end has come. Muslims and Christians should rejoice that God has honored Jesus in this exquisite, unique way.
How can we be sure we will recognize Jesus when he comes? We should learn as much about him as we can so that imposters and false Christs do not deceive us. Jesus warned that many false prophets would come before he returns. Some of these false teachers will have great miraculous powers and will lead many people away from the truth. However, if we already know the character and personality of Jesus, we will not be deceived by false teachers.
Surely we echo the cry in the Bible:
"He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)
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