But we should know the Times and the Seasons. A lot has to happen yet.
Are we in the birthing pains before Tribulation? Possibly....time will tell
“we should know the Times and the Seasons”
A popular misconception.
“we SHOULD know the times and the seasons (1 Thess. 5:1). The signs are everywhere that the Lord’s return is imminent.”
Paul was telling the Thessalonians that they already knew, in relation to times and seasons, the Day of the Lord and return of Christ will happen suddenly and surprisingly. But it will not be a surprise to those who expect Him and watch for Him.
I’ve heard great Bible teachers say, “We can know the times and seasons,” but it’s still an error. Read the scriptures:
Acts 1:7 (NKJV)
And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”
Further, Christ’s return is NOT imminent in the sense He may return at any moment. Since the early Church, it is true that Christ could have returned within any generation. It is in that sense that His return will happen quickly.
If He could come at any moment, there would be no requisite “signs” to watch for. But Hebrews tells us we can “see the Day approaching.” We do not “know the times and seasons,” but we can know the signs. They are found in the Olivet Discourse.
Christ’s return will only become imminent and “at any moment” when ALL of the signs of His appearing have happened. Only then are we told to look up:
Acts 1:10-11 (NKJV)
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Luke 21:28 (NKJV)
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
It is only when the celestial signs of Christ’s return happen that we know He is about to appear. These include a simultaneous solar and lunar eclipse, which has never happened and will only happen once in human history.
This sign will mark the end of the Great Tribulation and the imminent arrival of the Day of the Lord.