Christians have expected Jesus to return many times – The Great Millenial Panic of 1000AD & other returns up to the Present…

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[Christians have believed that Jesus would come back many times. Interestingly the Jehovahs Witnesses believe he returned invisibly in 1914. Jan]

Here’s a list of the major times when Christians believed Jesus would return:-

Christians have expected the imminent return of Jesus many times throughout history—often with large groups firmly convinced "this time it’s real." These movements span nearly every century since the early church. Here are notable examples where significant numbers truly believed Christ’s Second Coming was imminent:

1000 AD — Millennial Panic
As the year 1000 approached, millennial fears spread across Europe.

Many believed the world would end and Christ would return.

Reports include people giving up possessions or heading to Jerusalem.

14th Century — Black Death & Apocalyptic Fear
The Black Plague (1347–1351) killed 1/3 of Europe.

Many Christians believed this was the tribulation, expecting Christ’s return.

16th–17th Centuries — Protestant Reformation & Radical Movements
Reformers like Martin Luther sometimes hinted they believed the end was near.

Radical groups like the Anabaptists in Münster (1534) seized a city, declaring it the New Jerusalem, awaiting Jesus’ return.

1844 — The Millerites (USA)
Led by William Miller, tens of thousands of Americans believed Jesus would return on October 22, 1844.

Known as the "Great Disappointment" when He didn’t appear.

Some followers later founded the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

1914 — Jehovah’s Witnesses
Originally predicted Jesus’ physical return in 1914.

After it didn’t happen visibly, they taught He returned invisibly that year.

Millions of followers continue to see 1914 as pivotal.

1970s–1980s — Hal Lindsey & End-Times Culture
"The Late Great Planet Earth" (1970) predicted Jesus’ return by the 1980s.

Millions read it; popularized the belief that Israel’s founding in 1948 began a prophetic clock.

Strong evangelical interest in the Rapture and Antichrist grew.

1994 — Harold Camping’s Prediction #1
Predicted Jesus would return September 6, 1994.

Many followers prepared; sold homes, quit jobs.

Nothing happened.

2011 — Harold Camping’s Prediction #2
Camping tried again: May 21, 2011 was Judgment Day, with the end of the world in October.

Many billboards were erected worldwide.

Another failed prediction.

21st Century — Ongoing Expectations
Some evangelical groups still teach Christ’s return is “imminent” due to:

Middle East conflicts
Natural disasters
COVID-19