Many Christians - even Jewish people and atheists, are asking that question - especially as World conditions indicate "the time of the end" draws near.
Answering is simple; although, implications are complex and even ominous.
"Catching Away" of True Christian Believers, indwelt of the Holy Spirit, "to meet the Lord in the air" is a date that Jesus said would be unknown to those of us who eagerly and lovingly are expecting Him.
Jesus answered that same query from His Disciples with the familiar Scriptural quote from Matthew 25:11-13, immediately following His parable of the "ten virgins.
" He warned against being in the same predicament as those virgins who lacked "oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) in their lamps" - "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
" Paul states, in I Cor.
15:52, it will happen "in the twinkling of an eye" -- "sometime" before Antichrist is revealed.
Paul teaches in I Thess.
5:1-2, immediately following his dramatic picturing of the "Rapture," that this "taking away" event would come: "as a thief in the night.
" - "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
" God will permit The Evil One (Antichrist) to emerge from virtual obscurity, having WORLDWIDE POWER to forge a seven year "peace covenant" with Israel.
Jesus' Disciples "nagged" Jesus to divulge "the signs" of His Coming.
Of course, He said there would be increased "wars and rebellions" and increased earthquake activity in "diverse places" - increased "famines and pestilence," etc.
Today we see ever increasing "onset" of such events taking place almost daily.
Jesus described the onset of these "signs" as "the beginnings of sorrows," indicating much more severe "sorrows" would follow.
But, dating Jesus' Coming for His "Church" (Believers) remains known ONLY to The Father.
(Mark 13:32) Believers will be "caught up" even from their graves and from all over the Earth.
Those taken at that time will leave behind everything they did not bring when they entered this world.
Clothing and other "worldly" articles will be deposited at their departure points, as were the grave cloths and the "napkin" at Jesus' Tomb after He was risen.
Nevertheless, those who were "left behind" and will belatedly come to believe Scripture, actually will be able to mark the date for Jesus Coming - to follow seven years of Tribulation, Judging the Earth prior to His Coming.
Scriptural basis provides reliable calculation, supported by precedent-substantiated application, establishing an approximate, albeit "close," estimation dating three events during those seven years.
The fourth date is Jesus' actual arrival at the Mount of Olives.
-- "Approximate" because there have been some calendar errors and because as always, in man's interpretation of Scripture, "we see through a glass darkly.
" - We cannot be certain of accuracy in this.
These dates are calculated from prophecies of Hosea 5:15 - 6:1-2, where God says: "I will go back to My Place" and will return after "two days" = 2000 "Jewish" years, each consisting of only 360 days.
Daniel's prophecies also contribute to the solution.
The "Rapture" could happen any second .
.
.
.
before I finish typing this.
Nevertheless, as soon as the next listed event occurs, those "new" believers who were "left behind" actually will be able to mark on their calendars the "approximate" dates to follow: Calculating "two (Jewish) days" starting from 70 C.
E.
-- when God's Divine Presence departed His Temple - going "back to His Place" comes to about 2033 C.
E.
at Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
- Antichrist makes a seven year "covenant" with Israel, beginning The Tribulation, a period of suffering and devastation such as never has been, nor will ever occur again.
Judaism resumes Temple worship rites, sacrifices, etc.
Scripture says 2160 days later (2037 C.
E.
at Passover) - Antichrist stands in the Jewish Holy Place of worship and proclaims himself as God.
The Jewish people recognize and discredit this as a false claim.
Antichrist will then hunt them down and persecute them as never before in their tragic history.
Talmud Rabbis confirm this.
Similar fate will befall those newly converted Christians, who will in fact be beheaded.
2040 C.
E.
- Rosh HaShanah - All righteous Jewish people, living or dead, will be "Raptured" to Jerusalem, preparing to greet Messiah 10 days later at Yom Kippur.
2040 C.
E.
- Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement - 2160 days following that Passover, 2037 C.
E.
, Messiah arrives, conquering Jews' attackers at Jerusalem.
Five days later, Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth), Messiah establishes His 1000 year Kingdom on Earth.
It is plain from Scripture that "no man knoweth the day nor the hour" of the "Rapture.
" However, we have shown a Biblical summary of the events that follow the "Rapture" or "taking up" of the True Believers of the Christian faith to be with the Lord, Jesus, For Ever..
All these dates, events and conditions are described and explained in much more specific detail, including Scriptural and other supporting sources, in the book referenced, following.