Since the first century, Christians have anticipated the return of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have already heard someone express that hope for 1997. It may be that you have also heard someone question the possibility or likelihood of such an event. The Apostle Peter foretold such doubts when he wrote, "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation" (II Peter 3:3, 4). Peter seems right up to date, doesn't he?
But God works on an eternal schedule and does not need to hurry His plan. Peter again speaks to our point, "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:8, 9).
The important consideration for you, dear sceptic, is not whether the Lord will come back, but whether you will be ready when He does come back. Christ has delayed His coming that you might have yet one more opportunity to hear the Gospel of God's grace, repent of your sins, and believe on Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
This is indeed an important consideration. If you are yet an unbeliever when Jesus returns, the Bible says that there is nothing for you but a "fearful looking for of judgment." But Peter has told you that such judgment is not God's preference for you. He wants to save you and prepare you for His return and for the Heaven He is preparing for the redeemed.
When the Philippian jailor asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved, they replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). To believe on Him means to accept all that God says about His Son in the Bible, trust Him and Him alone as the means of your salvation and rest in that trust. Believe on Him today while there is yet time. Don't delay your decision. Jesus may come today and then will come judgment.