Throughout history, Christians have been eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, also known as the Parousia. This event, which is believed to mark the end of the world and the beginning of a new era, has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Unfortunately, many Christians have made the mistake of trying to predict the exact date of the Parousia, leading to disappointment and confusion.
Recently, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a controversial statement about several Christian leaders, claiming that they were trying to predict the date of the Parousia. In her hit piece, she accused these leaders of spreading fear and using the Parousia as a tool to control their followers. However, her words did not have the intended effect, as many Christians responded with pride and unity.
One of the leaders mentioned in Clinton’s statement was Pastor Greg Laurie, who responded by saying, “I’ve never been more proud to be a Christian.” This sentiment was echoed by many others, who saw Clinton’s attack as an opportunity to come together and reaffirm their faith.
The fact is, the Bible clearly states that no one knows the exact date of the Parousia except for God Himself. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This verse serves as a reminder that our focus should not be on trying to predict the end times, but rather on living our lives according to God’s will.
Unfortunately, throughout history, there have been many instances where individuals or groups have claimed to know the exact date of the Parousia. These false predictions have caused confusion and disappointment among believers, and have even led some to lose their faith. It is important for Christians to remember that our faith should not be based on speculation or fear, but on the truth of God’s word.
Furthermore, the Parousia should not be seen as a source of fear, but rather as a source of hope and comfort. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, it says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” This passage reminds us that the Parousia is a time of reunion with our loved ones and a time of eternal joy in the presence of God.
As Christians, our focus should not be on trying to predict the date of the Parousia, but on living our lives in a way that is pleasing to God. This means loving and serving others, spreading the message of God’s love, and living in anticipation of Christ’s return. We should not let fear or speculation distract us from our ultimate purpose as followers of Christ.
In conclusion, the Parousia is a significant event in the Christian faith, but it should not be a source of division or fear. Instead, it should serve as a reminder of our hope and faith in God’s promises. Let us not make the mistake of trying to predict the date of the Parousia, but rather focus on living our lives according to God’s will and spreading His love to others. As Pastor Greg Laurie said, let us be proud to be Christians and eagerly await the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
