There are many, and the number is growing as we speed toward Y2K, that believe that the second coming will occur soon.  From a premillenial standpoint they feel that Jesus will return to this earth and setup His kingdom (This is a false idea in and of itself because Jesus has established His kingdom already [the church-I Corinthians 4:17-21; Colossians 1:13], and he is already reigning in heaven [Hebrews 8:1; 12:2].  Why should He desire to reign on this earth again?).  This event has been forecasted numerous times, and yet what men have expected has not at all come to pass and the same is true for those who feel that Jesus will return in the year 2000.
    How do I know that he will not return then?  Matthew 24 teaches it!  That passage does not specifically say that Jesus will return on that day, but it does teach that men cannot know the day!
    There are two events contrasted in the chapter.  Jesus disciples have asked the question in verse 3, “Tell us, when shall these things be (described in verse 2-the destruction of the temple in AD 70-DFC)?  And what shall be the sign of thy coming , and of the end of the world?”  The disciples did not know, but they asked two distinct questions about two distinct events as we will see when we note an all important word in verse 36.
    First in verses 4-35 the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 is described.  Signs will accompany the event and those who recognize the signs will have opportunity to escape the city.  This answered their first question.  Jesus then begins to answer their second question.
    To answer the second (verses 36-51) he uses the important word we mentioned.  Jesus says, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man.”  Do you see the distinction?  The coming of Christ that will directly precede the judgement (note that Christ will not even set foot on the earth again, for the righteous will meet him in the air [I Thessalonians 4:17] and then the kingdom will be presented unto God [I Corinthians 15:24].) (II Timothy 4:1) will be an event that cannot be forecasted.  Men may guess but they can never be sure!  Verse 42 says, “Watch therefore:  For ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”  Watch?  Be prepared!  It doesn’t matter when He will come again if you are prepared.  If you are unprepared than you are like the foolish virgins of chapter 25 who will be shut out of the kingdom.
    Is the second coming imminent?  I cannot say that it is not, but no one can say that it is!