Pastor Hammond

Recently, I was asked to explain my understanding of Jesus' statement in which he indicated that only the Father knows when Christ will return:

Mt 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

This is difficult because we understand that Christ is God the son and that he therefore has perfect knowledge (omniscience). How may we reconcile his omniscience with his claim that he doesn't know when he will return?

Here's a short answer: Christ has always possessed his divine nature. He did not become less divine when he took on a human nature at his incarnation. However, when he came, he chose not to fully exercise all of his divine attributes. This would include his omniscience – in terms of his knowledge of when he would return.

This answer is consistent with the idea is expressed in Philippians 2:6-8:

Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

You may be wondering why Christ evidently chose to not possess knowledge of the timing of his return.

First, note that the verses that follow Mat 24:36-37 appear to address the need for people in the Tribulation to maintain a state of readiness for the return of Christ -- not knowing exactly when he will return. No one in the Tribulation will know exactly when he is coming (Not even Christ!) -- and so all should take great care to get ready and maintain a state of readiness.

Secondly, Christ's choice to not know the time of his return may be intended to communicate his submission to the plan of the Father and his reliance upon the Spirit of God. If correct, this is a wonderful example for us!