Is the return of Christ truly imminent?

TL;DR:

Christ’s imminent return means that it can happen at any moment—not that it will happen immediately. In light of Christ’s imminent return, we must live in readiness, trusting in Him, living holy lives, and sharing the gospel.

what does the bible say?

Christ’s return is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment, though the exact timing is unknown. Jesus and the apostles urged believers to live in constant readiness, as He will return just as He ascended (John 14:3; Acts 1:11). Because Christ could return at any time, we are called to trust in Him now, to live holy lives that reflect Him to others, and to share the gospel (2 Peter 3:9, 14; Matthew 28:19–20). Christ has not yet returned because His patience in returning allows more people to repent, but one day, the opportunity will end, so we must not delay in following Him and helping others do the same.

from the old testament

Christ’s imminent return is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

When Jesus prepared to leave this world, He spoke of His return. However, He also stated He did not know "that day or that hour" (Mark 13:32). Instead, His followers were to live prepared because He could return at any time.
In John 14:3, Jesus taught, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." Jesus will return just as He ascended, coming back for His people (Acts 1:11).
First Corinthians 15:51–52 states, "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." Paul clearly believed and taught that some believers will be alive when Jesus returns. In a "moment," we will be changed.
Paul believed he could be among those who would be taken alive with Christ into heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). He did not know the time, but he lived as if Christ could return any moment.

implications for today

Imminence does not mean immediacy. It does not mean that it will happen right away. Instead, it means that it could happen at any moment. In light of Christ’s imminent return, we are to make sure we know Christ. If Christ will return at any moment, we cannot wait to believe; we are called to do so today. Second Peter 3:9 teaches, "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." He has not returned yet, so many can continue turning to Him, but this will come to an end one day.

We are also called to live holy lives, in light of His imminent return. Second Peter 3:14 shares, "Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace." If a mother goes away for a few hours and tells her child to clean the house before she comes home, the right response is for the child to clean the house. Waiting until she is almost home or wasting time with video games and eating snacks is a foolish way of spending time. What if she returns sooner than expected?

Lastly, we are called to share Christ with others. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19–20). The Bible both teaches that Jesus will return any time and instructs us regarding how to live as a result.

understand

Christ’s return is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment, and we are called to live ready in light of it.
The exact timing of Christ’s imminent return is unknown.
Christ’s delay allows more people to repent, but the opportunity will eventually end: He is coming back.

reflect

If Christ were to return today, would He find you living in readiness? What areas of your life need to align more with His calling of how we are to live?
How does the reality of Christ’s imminent return shape the way you prioritize your time, relationships, and goals?
How are you actively sharing the gospel, knowing that time is limited for others to come to Christ?

engage

How does understanding that Christ’s return is imminent, but not immediate, impact the way we live as believers?
What are some practical ways we can encourage one another to remain spiritually vigilant as we await Christ’s return?
How does knowing God’s return will come in His perfect timing impact the way we share the gospel?