Declaration about Seventh-day Adventism and the Recent Announcements of the Second Coming of Jesus.
Some religious organizations have recently announced the Second coming of Jesus on specific days, based on subjectively applied and decrypted Biblical prophecies and calculations. The Mayan prophecy, which most people also know about, predicting that the end of the world will come next year, completes this picture.
Seventh-Day Adventists strongly believe in the Second Coming of Jesus, which is the main reason of their existence. But, as Bible students, they strongly believe the words spoken by Jesus : “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36. NIV)
Seventh-day Adventists anchor their hope in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and joyfully look forward to the consummation of that hope in the soon return of Jesus. Adventists base their faith on the teachings of Scripture and believe that the passage of time is significant inasmuch as it brings us closer to the most wonderful event that will ever be witnessed by human eyes. They eagerly expect the visible return of Christ. Yet they do not speculate about the precise historical moment when that event will take place. Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority" (Acts 1:7, NIV).
Consequently, Adventists do not attach religious significance to these supposed prophetic dates fixed consciously or unconsciously without regard to the directions given by Jesus Himself.
These kinds of announcements have a significant emotional impact on those who are particularly sensitive to the end of the world, living out their existence in concern, expectation, and even fear. While many people are apprehensive in the face of turmoil, the environment, and in society, our Lord says, "Do not let your heart be troubled" (John 14:1, NIV).
Seventh-day Adventists realize that the senseless announcement of these dates generates confusion and discredits the truth of the return of Jesus. They invite all people to carefully study the Biblical prophecies in this regard.
Thus, as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, they share the hope of a glorious future that will become a reality at God's appointed time.