What other person has so influenced the thinking and conduct of so many millions of people? Think about it. So deep was the impression that Jesus made, that even time, is calculated by His coming to earth. Our calendars mark their beginning with the physical birth of Christ. Christ's earthly life is the standard by which we reckon time. This is a notable fact. No other being to ever walk the face of this earth has so shaped our existence.

    As God, Jesus possesses all authority (Matthew 28:18). This authority grants Him the right to command obedience and punish disobedience when such occurs (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). According to Hebrews 5:9, Jesus is the "author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him." The Bible says we "serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:24). He is both our Lord and our Master (John 13:14; Matthew 23:8,10). Jesus is also our Creator and Sustainer- [16]"By Him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all things and by Him all things consist" (Col. 1:16,17). We must respect the authority of our commander. We must honor and obey Him as our Maker and our Master. This service must be "without murmuring and complaining" (Philippians 2:14). It is to be carried out with good will. It is to be sincere and from the heart (Ephesians 6:5-7). Jesus "searches our minds and our hearts" (Revelation 2:23). Let us not think we can fool Him with feigned love or insincere service.

    "God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

    As long as men live, God grants repentance, unto life (Acts 11:18). Every extra day that God allows us to have, provides lost souls with extra time to believe, repent and obey the gospel. Of course, in order for men to believe and repent, they must first learn God's word. "Faith comes by hearing God's word" (Rom. 10:17), and repentance is not possible unless men have first learned the difference between right and wrong. This requires a "knowledge of truth" (1 Tim. 2:4). Every additional day provides sinners with opportunities to accept and obey the conditions of God's saving grace. The coming of Y2K reminds us of the graciousness of our God. Will you reject His grace? (2 Corinthians 6:1).

    The combination of religious hysteria coupled with concerns about a computer glitch, resulted in many announcements of doom and gloom.  Of course, the clock rolled over, and the transition took place with relative calm.  We are still here, and based upon what I have seen, people actually appear to be doing very well.

   Of course, some will continue to affirm that Jesus will most certainly come in Y2K. The Bible plainly states that men "know not the hour of the coming of the Son of man" (Matthew 24:42,44). He will return as "a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). One may faithfully teach the Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), for such is a biblical fact. However, predictions involving specific times and dates are entirely baseless. This information is securely locked away in the unsearchable mind of God (Romans 11:33). Let us act upon the information God has given us - believing the facts and obeying the commands (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 2:38), and let us leave God’s silence alone (Deut. 29:29).