End Time Prophecy
The whole purpose of end time prophecy is that we may know the nearness of the coming of the Lord so that we may be ready. God doesn’t want us to be in the dark so He gave us the signs of the end. He said, “when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33). But Christ did not intend that we should know with exactitude when He would return. The signs He gave would only testify to the closeness of His coming, but, He declared clearly the “day and hour” of that event “no one knows” (Matthew 24:36).
Studying prophecy is very important because it helps Christians to distinguish between the “great signs and wonders” of the false prophets (Matthew 24:24), and the true signs mentioned by Jesus. It helps them differentiate between those things which Jesus foretold would mark “the beginning of sorrows” (verse 8) at a time when “the end is not yet” (verse 6), and the signs that would show that His return “is near, even at the doors” (verse 33).
Jesus added, “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe” (John 14:29). Jesus knew that the events of the immediate future would throw the disciples into great confusion, as would the trials they would face in their later ministry. Hence, He sought to forewarn them, that they might be ready (John 13:19). In like manner, God gave us end time prophecies not to alarm us but to prepare us for what is coming so that we would remain calm, active, and set our priorities straight.
Concerning the last generation, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:34,35). Today, it is the privilege and duty of every Christian to study prophecy and remain alert, to watch for the signs of His return, and to know when His coming is near (verse 33).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
