Are we close to the end times? Should we be checking to see if the times are for real? Maybe the question can best be answered with, what's the Bible's signs about the end of time?
There are two possible times to consider whenever you think about the end times. They are:
1. The beginning of the Church Era on the Day of Pentecost.
The church era begins the end of God's clock where mankind is concerned. When the Church era is over, the tribulation period begins. Therefore, from that perspective we are living in the end times. The church will not be cast into the Tribulation Period or the time of Jacob's Trouble.
Jesus says in Revelation 3:10, "Because you have kept the word of Mt perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth."
The word "from" in this verse is the Greek word ek. It means "out of" not from. A big difference in translation. This church type who has kept the word of Christ's perseverance will not go into the tribulation.
Another evidence of the church not being in the tribulation--John doesn't mention the church outside of the first three chapters. When the fire really gets hot from Chapter 4 to the end of the book, the church isn't mentioned one time.
Therefore, the Church Era will last until it is "raptured" or "caught up" to be with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The time of tribulation is the time that is unknown. Jesus says that He nor the angels know when this end times will take place.
Further, as an explanation of "end times", look what Jesus says in Matthew 24:6-7, "You will be hearing of rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes."
The Jews who heard this and have studied Jesus' "statement about "nation will rise against nation" took his words to mean world wars. It took two world wars to make Israel the owner of her country. Since America had saved Europe from destruction and takeover, She asked Britain to give the territory that is now Israel back to Israel. Britain did so in 1948. Therefore, since 1948, the possibilities of Christ's return for her bride, the Church, has been a distinct possibility.
Israel had to be a country before the end times could come. Daniel and other prophets in the Old Testament prove this. So for the first "end times" to close, the church has to be called out or raptured.
2. The Tribulation Period into Christ's 1000 year reign.
Temple
Another thing to look for before the end times come is a place to offer sacrifices or a temple. In 1987 the Temple Movement began according the the Jewish Voice at jewishvoice.org. Yes, there is a movement among Orthodox Jews to have the third temple built on the Mount Moriah site.
The rebuilding of the temple is more than the law or saying, "the temple is ours." Since the Muslims' Mosque sits on the site currently, it will take a major political movement for the temple to be built on the original site.
Actually, Daniel says in chapter 9 regarding the last week, that the Antichrist of Revelation 13 will cause the temple to be built. Then, the Jews can enjoy temple worship for a period of three-and-one-half years (31/2).
There must be a temple! Jesus says in Matthew 24:15, "Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)."
Who causes the temple to be built hasn't been determined, but according to Jesus' words, there will be a temple with a Holy Place. All the movement to build a temple is ready. They only await the government's official okay.
One thing further, when you see the temple being built, know that the end is near!
Time Is Short
Look at Jeremiah 33:14-18, "Behold, days are coming, 'declares the Lord,' when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the Lord is our righteousness.' For thus says the Lord, David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; and the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to prepare sacrifices continually."
It is this time that is growing shorter with each passing day. Some signs that indicate that the time is short are:
- Plagues or Pestilences
- Earthquakes
- Famines
- Love Grows Cold
Plagues and Pestilences
Do you realize how much Covid 19 has affected the world. If the Bible is right, and I believe it is, there will be more plagues and pestilences. Believers need to learn to walk by faith. It is your faith that will keep you from the ravishes of these diseases.
More and more people each year of dying of the flu. Flu strains are becoming more aggressive and have learned to tolerate our medications. Maybe your flu shot each year could be this. Sit down at your kitchen table. Look to heaven and say, "Father, I won't you to give me my flu shot for the year. I trust you to keep me safe from all plagues and pestilences. In the name of Jesus, amen."
Since this article is getting too long, I'm going to save the other three signs for the next post. These signs are mentioned in the Bible, and they are indicators of the end times being close.
This is Daniel's 70th week that he mentions in Daniel 9:24;27. We know that 69 of his heptads or sevens or 69 X 7 years. have been fulfilled. However, there remains one more heptad. The last seven years will be the Tribulation Period when the whole earth will be changed. Many people will die during these seven years.
There is so much more to write that I'm going to have to include another post in a few weeks. The information for the end times is so vast, even two posts can't really do justice to it. However, the two posts can give you enough information to begin doing some research on your own. For a full description of the end times, get a free copy of Why Revelation, Why Now! You can sign up for your copy here.
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Blessings,
Howard
Who You Are Isn't Based on Performance with God. Who You Are Should Have A Direct Bearing on How You Perform.
