This is in response to William LaRochelle’s letter, “It appears we’re in the end times” (Jan. 2). In it, he said, “If Jesus Christ was God incarnate, then he was truth incarnate … But the undeniable fact is, he was mistaken in prophesying that his second coming was imminent — an inseparable message from the Gospel message.”

But LaRochelle’s own message is a mixed one because of his own premise. What? Jesus Christ, if God incarnate, then truth incarnate, but mistaken? Even as he rejects the Gospel “as fiction” in his letter, how can he logically state that God and truth, by their very own definitions, can be mistaken?

After the end times or death comes, there’s no turning back to make things right. Will LaRochelle still be so self-assured as to stand before the all-knowing God and inform him that he made a mistake? Jesus said, “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak” (Matthew 12:36, AMP).

“Imminent” in the Gospels carries more weight than how the world defines it. While it means “about to happen,” it can also mean “at any time, and unexpectedly.” His return will happen, whether it’s soon or 100 years from now. That’s why, for 2,000 years, believers have been exhorted to be ready as though he is coming soon, even today.

David Theriault, Rumford