Imminent - The Nearness of God's Kingdom and Christ's Return
Imminent describes something that is about to occur at any moment, something pending and ready to take place. In biblical and theological contexts, imminence refers to the expectation that significant spiritual events—particularly Christ's return—could happen suddenly and without warning. This concept of nearness has profound implications for how believers understand their faith, live their daily lives, and approach the future with both urgency and hope.
Imminent refers to timing (not to be confused with immanence, which is God's presence everywhere).
Biblical Foundation
Immediately before He called the first followers who became disciples, Jesus proclaimed, "The Kingdom of God is near [at hand, soon to happen]. Repent and believe the good news" (Mk 1:15). Soon after He spoke those words, He began actively ushering in the Kingdom of God through His words and actions. This sense of immediacy characterized His ministry, as He often spoke of the Kingdom being "at hand" and the urgent need for repentance and faith.
Paul similarly recognized the closeness of significant spiritual transitions when he said, "…the time has come for my departure…" (2 Tim 4:6). He knew his time on earth was about to end, demonstrating how believers throughout Scripture understood the concept of imminence in their own contexts. This awareness shaped their priorities and urgency in ministry.
End Times Imminence
The rapture, when the true Christians will vanish from the earth and be united with Christ, is pending (Mt 24:41). There is a growing awareness that "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here…The end of all things is near" (Rom 13:12; 1 Pet 4:7). This world as we know it is rapidly approaching its sudden finale and destruction, with all humanity either admitted to heaven or doomed to everlasting torment because of their acceptance or rejection of the gift of salvation through Jesus.
Am I prepared?
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that believers should live with an awareness of Christ's imminent return. Jesus taught that no one knows the day or hour of His coming (Mt 24:36), yet He instructed His followers to be watchful and prepared at all times. This tension between uncertainty about timing and certainty of the event itself characterizes biblical teaching on end times imminence.
Living with Imminence
The doctrine of imminence is not meant to produce fear or speculation but rather to inspire holy living and urgent evangelism. When believers understand that Christ's return could happen at any moment, it transforms how they approach daily life, relationships, and stewardship of resources. The apostle John wrote, "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming" (1 Jn 2:28).
Living with imminence means maintaining an eternal perspective while faithfully engaging in present responsibilities. It involves balancing the urgency of the gospel message with the patience required for long-term ministry. Jesus warned against becoming distracted by the cares of life or caught off guard by His return, using the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the importance of constant readiness (Mt 25:1-13).
Reflection and Application:
- Do I live each day with the awareness that Christ could return at any moment?
- How does the doctrine of imminence affect my priorities and daily decisions?
- Am I actively sharing the gospel with those who have not yet accepted Christ?
- What adjustments might God be calling me to make in light of His imminent return?