THE END TIMES

For those who consider themselves a student of eschatology, the study of prophecy and end times, then the current state of our world has probably not taken you by surprise. Those with no Christian faith may begin by asking, “What makes Christianity and Biblical prophecy any more credible than those found in other religions? Quite simply, the fact that no other “religious” book other than the Bible has proven to be infallibly true. Whether you point to the prophesies in Daniel chapter 2 of the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek and Roman empires which would rise and fall (given as he interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream), or the predictions given in Isaiah 23 and Ezekiel 36 about the rebirth of Israel as a nation (which was fulfilled over 2500 years later on May 14, 1948), the Bible time and time again has proven to be true. In Matthew 24 Jesus gave us specific signs to indicate when his return for his church was drawing near. He told us “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world… and many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.”

Today as I post this article, the country of New Zealand just experienced a 6.3 sized quake, and 4 countries in the middle east are currently experience serious revolts – with Egypt having just overturned its government. Certainly many false prophets have appeared and led millions astray through false religions, and famines continue to claims millions of lives in the continents of Asia and Africa. The moral decline of our nation has been obvious and dramatic, with Biblical principles being pushed out by lobbyists and politicians, and the concept of “relative morality” becoming the norm in our society today. The formation of the European Union and United Nations have demonstrated the feasibility of a one world government, and the economic instability of the American dollar and the Euro creates a case for the concept of an international currency solution – a final solidification of the global marketplace. So with all of this calamity taking place and prophesies being fulfilled , what is the church called to do? What should our response be? The answer that Christ gave to us in Matthew 24 is clear and to the point; keep watch, be ready, and faithfully serve the Lord each day! Share his truth and show his love in a practical way to those around you, and live each day with eternity in mind.

No one except God the Father knows when Jesus the Son will return, but as we see the signs of the times, we can be confident that we are truly living in the end times – the last days before the second coming of Christ. He is returning to judge the earth and establish his reign with those who faithfully follow him (II Peter 3, Revelation 19-21). It is up to us to apply the instruction found in Colossians 3:23, and live “whole heartily, as unto the Lord.” Jesus is coming soon – are you ready for his return?