In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus warned against being deceived by false messiahs while pointing to broader patterns: wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, increasing lawlessness, and love growing cold. He also gave a positive sign of hope: the gospel being preached to the whole world as a witness before the end comes. These signs are meant to prepare hearts rather than fuel date-setting or fear; Jesus repeatedly emphasized watching, staying spiritually awake, and living faithfully rather than trying to calculate an exact time.
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.