Anyone who cannot see and feel all the changes that have taken place since the last major election has either been in solitary confinement with no media available whatsoever, or has been in a coma. Luke 21:28 actually took place a year or two before our current president took office. “Now, when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (ESV all emphasis mine)
The “things” that are listed in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are well past the beginning stage, which should put a spirit of anticipation on the hearts of all who have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior. The attitudes given by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-7 are all present and are becoming more in the open than ever before.
Matthew states that these events are the “beginning of birth pains,” and many will fall away from the faith as lawlessness increases. Does anyone truly believe that everything is as it has been from the beginning, with no changes whatsoever? Those would be the “scoffers” as given in 2 Peter 3:3-4.
Matthew and Luke speak of many false prophets and antichrists being present, as does 1 John 2 through 5. There will be wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Watching what is taking place between Israel and the nations and groups that hate them tells us the Ezekiel 38 war is very near. Even though the emphasis right now is between Iran and Israel, the other members of the coalition given in Ezekiel – Turkey and Russia – are nearby. Each of the three countries has their reasons to look upon Israel as a resolution to their issues. At the present time, the American government is made up of those who would not vote to assist Israel when they are attacked. Antisemitism is just about worldwide.
We are witnessing earthquakes in numerous places with varying degrees of intensity. Several of the sites are primed for a major eruption, with an unprecedented amount of damage taking place if one of the “quakes” hits just right. Adding famines and pestilences in several areas and then witnessing the hate toward anything to do with our Savior adds to the signs of the end of this age. Ironically, believers in Jesus are being labeled as “haters” because we don’t condone sins that God listed as abominations, even though we love all people for their eternal souls.
In 1 John 2, he tells us of antichrists that were present even in the first century. All through history since then, they have been among us but not as bold and out in the open as now. False prophets are giving unbiblical messages from evangelical pulpits to try and deceive all who follow Jesus. One verse, 1 John 2:23, speaks volumes; “No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.” It’s an either/or situation with no third option.
Referencing pestilences, everyone has heard of a virus called COVID. The issue here is the “virus” mutates continuously, and each time it comes with a different strength requiring more and more “jabs,” as the injections have been labeled. One message on a news broadcast recently stated that the new COVID, OMICRON, is so contagious that even those who are supposed to be immune can catch it.
Evil around the globe is gaining ground in volume and intensity. It’s becoming apparent that 2 Thessalonians 2 is very close. Verses 3-4 tells of a “rebellion” followed by the appearing of the man of lawlessness. People are being “programmed” to follow whatever orders the “governments” demand.
Before the man of lawlessness can be revealed, the Force that now restrains him has to be removed (2 Thessalonians 2:6-9). When a person receives and accepts Jesus as their Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells them. When the Holy Spirit is removed, all true believers will have to be removed as well, to keep God’s promise of our not going through the Tribulation/Wrath. That will be the “Harpazo,” “Rapture,” or the “taking up” of all of the Savior’s flock.
We’re told of a “strong delusion” from God in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 being given to those who will not accept the Savior so that they will believe all the false issues. They will be condemned for taking pleasure in unrighteousness.
Rioting and mayhem are being reported in various places daily. In some parts of the world, Christians are being martyred just for believing in Christ. When the ultimate antichrist appears, all who do not worship him but who claim Jesus as their Savior will be subject to being killed.
God promises in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10 that those who are “in Christ” will not be here to go through the worst 7-year period of earth’s history. We will be removed according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. After that, it will still be possible for people to call on Jesus, but the cost will be significant, as given above. Revelation 20:4-6 speaks of the “tribulation martyrs” being brought back to life to reign with Jesus for the Millennial period, and from the emphasis given, there will be many of them.
God is allowing the evil progression to continue to fulfill Biblical Prophecy. This age we are now in is rapidly coming to an end, and the next stage will start soon. Meanwhile, God is providing time for people to call out and be saved (Romans 10:9-13). He doesn’t want anyone to be condemned (2 Peter 3:9) but eventually will send Jesus to take his “church” Home.
Keeping up with what the prophecy experts are saying, it becomes obvious even to a novice such as I that we are in line for a major change very soon. Now is not the time to put off planning for your eternity. If, for some reason, you have been delaying until later to call on Jesus to save you, that “later” is here right now. He could be calling His flock Home at any moment now. All who delay past that point will soon realize how big a mistake they have made.
Satan knows his time is getting short, yet he still wants to pull as many souls away from the Lord as possible. It’s very likely he’s just vain enough to believe that somehow he might win. However, Revelation 19:20 gives us the fate of the ultimate antichrist and false prophet, and Revelation 20:10 the fate of Satan himself.
Our Heavenly Father did not give us His Holy Word just to take up our time with myths and legends. He truly wants us to know Him better and for us to spend forever with Him. He can only speak the truth (Titus 1:2), and He gave us His only Son as the pathway to be with Him forever (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Heaven or hell, the decision is up to each and every individual. Please choose wisely as eternity is a long time to not get it right. Hope to see you at the feet of Jesus.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus.
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