I read a blog on the Internet the other day that claimed Jesus was going to come back to earth on a certain date. How did they know? They were selling a book that explained it, but I didn't buy it. — G.B.

I suspect you were wise not to waste your money on this book, because the Bible clearly says that only God knows exactly when Christ will come again. Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32).

This doesn't mean you should ignore what the Bible says about Jesus' second coming or dismiss it from your mind—not at all. The Bible repeatedly tells us that someday Christ will return—not in weakness, the way He came the first time, but with power and glory, and with great authority. The Bible says, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory" (Matthew 25:31).

Why is the second coming of Christ important? First, it gives us hope—hope that someday all the sin and evil of this world will be banished, and peace and justice will rule. The Bible says, "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).

Second, the fact of Christ's coming is a warning—a warning that someday our opportunity to repent and turn to Christ will be over. Are you ready for that day (or for your death, if it should come first)? You can be, by committing your life to Christ without delay. Open your heart to Him today.