End of the world fear

When Will the End of the World Be?

Fear, Skepticism and Confusion

From the fear of “the bomb” of the early 1950s, to the global warming scare today, that America is dying in a sea of pollution, “the end of the world” has concerned us since we were school children. Today, we continue to live in fear of nuclear annihilation, terrorism, epidemics, droughts, famine, tsunamis and earthquakes.

Many see a connection between today’s news and the ancient “end-time” prophecies recorded in scripture. Others have become skeptical because of the failed “end of the world” prophecies of self-styled prophets. Such skepticism has been driven by educators and theologians who question the accuracy and authority of scripture. Ordinary people, who say they believe in God, are confused about the future, because they haven’t a clue about what the Bible actually says.

Biblically Significant World Events

The Apostle John clearly declares that end-time prophecies, as they relate to current world events, are meant to be studied and understood, when he writes,

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. …Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy…” (Revelation 1: 1,3) [NKJV]

When Will These Things Be?

Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) [NKJV] He replied by listing a series of specific events that would immediately precede his return. Jesus told His disciples to look for an increase in the number of false teachers claiming to represent Him. He explained that religious confusion, wars, epidemics, droughts, famines and earthquakes will increase just before He comes back. (Matthew 24:3-10). Though the Bible does not give a specific date, Jesus said that when we see “all of these things” taking place we can know for sure we are the final generation living before the end of the age. (Mark 13: 29-30)

Third Temple Preparations Complete

Zechariah reveals that Jerusalem, the center of world attention, will become “a very heavy stone for all peoples…though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3) Jerusalem will be “trampled by Gentiles” for three-and-a-half years, (Revelation 11:1-2). Before this final three-and-a-half year Gentile-Israel sharing arrangement, the daily sacrifices are “taken away” (Daniel 8:11). This implies that the daily sacrifices had to have been already instituted. There have not been any animal sacrifices, and not even a Jewish temple in Jerusalem since 70 A.D. The Temple Faithful have already fabricated all the implements and clothing needed for resuming the daily sacrifice system, and there are descendants of the Temple priests and Levites currently being trained for service in the re-built Temple.

Holy Roman Empire Revived Today

A confederation of ten nations or groups of nations, with historical links to the ancient Holy Roman Empire, will arise in Europe just before the return of Jesus Christ (Daniel 2:40–43). On December 1, 2009, fireworks, music, and official speeches welcomed the new European Constitution in Lisbon. December 1st was called a “day of joy” for those who wanted to build a federal United States of Europe. This confederation of nations will surrender their sovereignty to a strong political leader called “the beast,” or Antichrist (Revelation 17:12–13).

One-world Religion Forming Now

The Antichrist will come to power with the help of a global religious leader, the false prophet. The false prophet will deceive the world with miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12). He will use interfaith activities in an effort to reassemble the fragmented “Christian” churches under his authority (see Isaiah 47:1–8). The Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009 met in Melbourne from December 3rd through December 10th. It was a gathering of approximately 5,000 religious leaders representing every major faith around the world, including Shintoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Paganism, Sikhism, Buddhism and the Australian aboriginal community to promote “peace, diversity and sustainability.”

Prophecy’s Shining Light

Jesus said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” (John 14:29) [NKJV] We are entering a dark time in human history, a time of great deception. While many live in fear of the “end of the world,” we have “the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place..” (2 Peter 1:19) [NKJV]

How do I become a Christian?

How does a person become a Christian? There are some popular misconceptions, such as the ideas that a Christian is a person who has joined a church, adopted a creed, or believed in God. The problem is, churches and creeds can be false, and even the demons believe in God (James 2:19). And none of these things addresses the sin problem.

Abundant Life

God wants to give us an abundant life, overflowing with joy and peace through a relationship with Him. (John 10:10). This gift is so good that there is no way we could ever be good enough to deserve it. The Bible says that all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). When anyone does something that God has not prescribed or is not of Him, that person has sinned. Sin causes a separation between us and God (Isaiah 59:2) and the result is death (Rom. 6:23) and wrath (Ephesians 2:3).

The Author of Our Salvation

Jesus purchased our salvation when He went to the cross of Calvary. His death was the sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God (1 John 4:10). The good news, the gospel, is that Jesus died for sinners on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The only way to be saved from wrath is to obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8). How do we obey the death, the burial, and the resurrection? If a person dies, is buried, and is raised again, that would be called being “born again.” So, Jesus authored the plan of salvation through His literal death, literal burial, and literal resurrection. However, now He says to us,

“…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:7)[NKJV].

Repentance

We don’t have to literally die, literally be buried, and literally rise again. He did that for us. We accept His death by dying to self, renouncing a self-serving life, and giving our life to Jesus Christ, saying, “I’m now giving my life to You. You’re my Savior, and You’re also my Lord.” Many want Jesus to be their Savior, but they don’t want Him to be their Lord. But we can’t get Him, unless we have both Lord and Savior, because that is what He is. Once we make the decision that, from this day forward, Jesus will be the Lord of our lives, that is the first step, repentance.

Baptism

Next, the Bible teaches that we are baptized into His name, and that’s when our sins are remitted. The Bible says,

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38) [NKJV].

That means that payment is being made for our sins. The Bible says that, “as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death…” (Romans 6:3) [NKJV]. When we go down in baptism by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ, His death is applied to pay our sin bill. We all sinned. Therefore, we all deserved to die. But He didn’t want us to die, so He came, and didn’t sin, and died in our place. When we are baptized in Jesus’ name, we are united into His burial. So, we experience a spiritual death in repentance. Then we experience a spiritual burial in baptism.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Finally, God has promised that, as we obey the death and burial of Jesus Christ by repentance and baptism in Jesus’ name, we can partake of the resurrection of Jesus through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues. We are able to worship in spirit and truth, set free to not only pray with the mind or understanding, but also with the spirit. This is what gives us the power to live a new life that is pleasing to God, set free from guilt and slavery to sin. No longer blind, weak and hopeless, we are “…fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” (Romans 12:11-12) [NKJV]

If you are not sure that you are a Christian, and want to be delivered from God’s righteous judgment, then put your trust in the One who died for the sins of the world (John 1:29). Turn from your sins, and obey the gospel through baptism in Jesus’ name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Remember, “You must be born again.”

What happen after I die?

It is no surprise to many people, that as many as 18 percent of those brought back to life after a heart attack have had near-death experiences. To others, the idea that the human consciousness and the body can exist distinctly from each other seems unscientific. However, if there is no existence beyond the grave, then millions of people throughout history, from the Pharaohs of Egypt to Jesus of Nazareth, have been deluded.

An Eternal Destination

Because death can’t be avoided by exercise and diet, meditation, pills, surgery, the next genetic discovery, or anything, many are uncertain and fearful about their eternal destination. Some people speculate that, because they haven’t murdered anyone or robbed banks, they are already good enough for heaven. Their own hearts are deceiving them. According to the Bible, the human heart is the most deceitful thing there is (Jeremiah 17:9). The sin problem must be dealt with. Romans 2:23 says that the entire human race has sinned and fails to measure up to God’s standards. Everyone has turned away from God and done what they wanted to do (Isaiah 53:6). There isn’t anyone who hasn’t sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20).

Eternal, Glorious Life

There really is life after death, an eternal, glorious life for those who love God (1 Corinthians 2:9). Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, took the punishment we deserved for our sins (Isaiah 53:5). He proved Himself victorious over death by rising from the grave three days later. Thousands witnessed Him alive, over a period of 40 days. Then He ascended to heaven. According to Romans 4:25, Jesus was, “…delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” [NKJV]

Jesus’ resurrection, a well-documented event, is the supreme proof of life after death. Just as Jesus’ body was raised from death, many live in the hope that their bodies will also be transformed when Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 6:14). However, everyone doesn’t automatically go to heaven. Each of us must make a choice that will determine our eternal destination. The Bible says that we die only once, and after that will come the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There is an eternal destination in hell for those who reject Jesus as Savior. (Matthew 25:46).

Obeying the Gospel

God doesn’t enjoy it when anyone dies in his sin, but wants them to turn around and start living for Him (Ezekiel 33:11). Life after death is eternal life in heaven with God, for believers. Life after death is eternity in the lake of fire, for unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15). How can we receive eternal life after death and avoid an eternity in the lake of fire? Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) [NKJV] We must obey the gospel, which states,

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures….” (1 Corinthians 15:3) [NKJV]

Death, Burial and Resurrection

We are born again when we participate in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We must die to ourselves, repent of our sins, be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ by immersion, and receive the gift of God’s spirit, the Holy Ghost. Jesus’ blood covers our sins at repentance, and the waters of baptism wash them away, making us clean for the spirit to come to live in our lives. While we still might have to deal with physical death, we can confront death without dread, knowing that it leads to eternal life in heaven. If you wonder about life after death, or just struggle to face living here on earth, you can have peace and hope by obeying the gospel. Remember, John 3:7 states, “You must be born again.”

When will the rapture take place?

We Shall All Be Changed

In the Bible, the book of 1st Corinthians describes our final victory:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) [NKJV]

Paul says this occurs at the last trump, which the Bible tells us is the seventh trump. 1 Corinthians 15 and Revelation 11 are referring to exactly the same thing. For the trumpet shall sound, the dead shall be raised, and we shall be changed.

Transformed Instantly

At the second coming of Jesus Christ, all born-again Christians will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). At the sound of the “last trumpet,” the dead who were born again during their lifetime will be resurrected from the dead. At the same time, those who are born again, and still alive on earth, will be transformed, instantly, from mortal beings to immortal beings. Romans 8:11 tell us that our mortal bodies will be made alive, if we have God’s spirit living in us.

It is often taught that, at the rapture, all of us will instantly disappear, but that is not what the Bible says. It says we will be changed in a moment and in the twinkling of an eye. When Jesus Christ was caught up, He was seen leaving the earth. Just as they were able to watch Jesus go, so will people be able to watch the church go.

Of That Day and Hour No One Knows

“But of that day and hour no one knows…,” Jesus said to His disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:36). In other words, some say, we cannot know the day and the hour when Jesus will return and gather His church to Himself. But others claim that Jesus was speaking only to people living in the first century, not to people living today. Actually, people living in the first century would not know the day and the hour of the second coming of Jesus.

The Times and Seasons

Just before He was caught up to heaven, Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6-7). Jesus replied specifically about what would happen “at this time.” In other words, His response was particularly directed to the first century generation in which they were living. He said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority (Acts 1:7) [NKJV] Will we also, then, be unable to know the times and the seasons?

The Sons of Light Will Know

The answer to this question is found in Matthew 24:34, in which Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.” [NKJV] “This generation” refers specifically to the people who live to see all of the of the terrifying events that Jesus had just listed as increasing immediately before His return, such as wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes in various places, widespread famine and disease, and the Antichrist’s rise to power. Paul validates this view, saying,

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5: 1-5) [NKJV]

We will know, according to Paul, the times and the seasons. If we pay attention, we will see the day of the Lord coming. This settles the controversy about knowing the times and the seasons, but what about knowing the day and hour?

Those In Darkness Are Surprised

1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and Matthew 24:42-43 contain a parable that teaches us that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. The master of the house will not know what hour the thief will come. The thief clearly represents the Lord. The master of the house was living in darkness and was not ready for the coming of the Lord. Unbelievers are the ones who will not know the hour of the Lord’s coming. Paul explicitly states that the coming of the Lord would only be a surprise to those living in darkness. 1st Thessalonians 5:4-5 indicates that, unlike the situation with unbelievers, the day of the Lord will not overtake His children of light as a thief in the night. If we keep studying the scriptures, and strive to understand current events in light of Bible prophecy, we will know the generation, and the times and seasons. And as the time draws nearer, we may also not only begin to understand the day of His return, but the hour also.

The Harvest of the Earth

In chapter 14 of Revelation, we see a vision of Christ reaping a harvest.

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14-16) [NKJV]

Jesus compares souls to a harvest in John 4:35. The reaping of the good harvest of the earth is the rapture of the church. This harvest that He reaps in chapter 14 of Revelation is immediately before verses 17 through 20, which describe the wrath of God. Thus, the rapture of the church occurs just prior to God’s wrath.

The harvest signals the end of this age, at which time Jesus Christ will come back for the rapture of His church and the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus prophesied of the harvest. We call it the “rapture,” although the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible. It is merely a word we use that means “the catching away”. 1st Thessalonians speaks of this “catching away”:

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) [NKJV]

Immediately After the Tribulation…

Those of us who have been taught of a pre-tribulation rapture cannot read chapter 24 of the book of Matthew carefully without concluding that Jesus placed the rapture immediately after the tribulation of those days.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31) [NKJV]

Not a Salvation Issue

The timing of the rapture seems to be the most controversial of all prophecy teachings. However, whether it will occur before, during, or after the tribulation has no bearing on your salvation. God can come for any one of us at any time. Jesus said in chapter 24 of Matthew,

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. (Matthew 24:42-43) [NKJV]

At Any Time

Whatever you believe about the timing of the rapture, or whether you even believe in Bible prophecy, if you were to die right now, you would be immediately removed from the earth to stand before your Creator for judgment. The Bible says, “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (2 Corinthians 5:11) [NKJV] and, “Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’” (1 Peter 4:18) [NKJV] This is not the time to emphasize only the parts of the Bible we like, to make us feel good. But it is time for us to make sure that our lives are in line with all the teachings of God’s word. If ever there were a time to walk closely to God, this is the time, as we see the day of the Lord drawing near.

Proof Jesus Was THE Messiah

There are many Old Testament prophecies that prove conclusively that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 says that the Messiah would be born by virgin birth; Genesis 49:10 prophesies that He would be from the tribe of Judah; Micah 5:2 states that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem; Isaiah 53:5-6 foretells that Messiah would be wounded for our transgressions and would be beaten with stripes for our healing; Psalms 22:16 prophesied that His death would be by crucifixion (they pierced my hands and my feet).

In Zechariah 11:12-13, the price of betrayal was revealed 500 years before it happened. It says that His price would be 30 pieces of silver. It also states that His price would be thrown to the potter in the house of the Lord. Judas threw the betrayal money on the floor of the temple. The priest then took the money and bought a potter’s field, perfectly fulfilling the prophecy.

There are many more messianic prophecies in the Old Testament than I can list here. But this last one is amazing. In Daniel 9:24-27, the famous prophecy of Daniel’s 70 Weeks is recorded. In verse 26, it explicitly states that the Messiah would come and be cut off before the city and the sanctuary were destroyed. We know the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. Thus the Messiah had to be here before 70 AD. Who was the Messiah that came prior to 70 AD, and was he cut off? This obviously speaks of Jesus.

Extracted from Endtime.com website.

FGJ

April 21, 2011