If the world is going to get worse and worse just before Jesus comes again, then why will His coming be such a surprise? It seems to me like He'll be giving us ample warning, since He's already told us what the world will be like before His return, hasn't He? — P.N.

Yes, Jesus has told us that certain things must happen before He returns, and that these will be like signposts pointing to His coming. For example, the Bible says that in the last days before Jesus comes "evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13).

Why, then, will most people ignore these signs or not realize they are pointing to Jesus' return? One reason is ignorance; many people simply don't know that Jesus has promised to come back someday. They will be like the people of Noah's generation, who were oblivious to God's coming judgment and continued living as they always had: "For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" (Matthew 24:38).

Another reason people will ignore the signs of Christ's coming is because they don't want to admit that what they're doing is wrong, or face the reality of God's coming judgment. But someday, the Bible says, Christ will come "to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly" (Jude 1:15).

But listen: If we know Christ, we don't have to fear that day! The reason is because He has taken away all our sins, and we belong to Him forever. Is your hope and faith in Christ? Make sure of your salvation, by giving your life to Christ today.