THE DAY AND THE HOUR

Every time someone writes about the "signs of the times," indicating the events of the last days are right around the corner, someone has to remind us that the person saying that is a false prophet.  They quote Mark 13:32-33, which says, "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." 

Well, I am going to risk being labeled as such, because I believe those verses are being taken out of context!  It is true that the exact day, and the exact hour were unknown to human beings, but the Word of God says nothing about the week, the month, the season, or the year.  In fact, the context would indicate that believers should be watching for signs.  Look at these excerpts from the verses which precede Mark 13:32-33: 

"For many shall come in My name. . . ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. . . nation shall rise against nation. . . there shall be earthquakes in divers places. . . there shall be famines and troubles. . . they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten. . . the gospel must first be published among all nations. . . ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake. . . ye shall see the abomination of desolation. . . For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce. . . the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. . . the stars of heaven shall fall" (Mk. 13:6-27).

Jesus even used a simile involving the annual cycle of the fig tree, to encourage His disciples to be vigilant.  He said, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:  so ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors" (Mk. 13:28-29).
 
In addition, what was true in Mark's day, is not necessarily true today.  The passage is not referring to the Rapture of the Church, so that event still remains a mystery until it occurs.  The passage is about the Second Coming, and those who are alive during the Tribulation, will know exactly when He is returning:  seven years from the time the Antichrist confirms the peace covenant with Israel, and three and a half years from the time he commits the Abomination of Desolation (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 19; etc.)!

The Church does not need to know when the Rapture will occur.

We do need to observe the signs of His Second Coming and warn the lost!