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For Christians....Are we living at the end of the last days?

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
With all that has happened in the last year or so, things have intensified so much in the last few months, that the whole world has been plunged into a crisis that apparently no one saw coming....or at least not the average person in the street.

Just with the disasters that have occurred during the last year...fires, floods, earthquakes, destructive weather events and other "natural" disasters in unprecedented numbers globally, it looks as if we were set up for this virus to finish us off....both financially, socially and physically. Covid 19 is targeting the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Comparatively few young people and small children have been victims. Can someone tell us why?

Is there a time in history when we were more vulnerable? Even with all our technology and advanced medical science in this 21st century....we still cannot prevent another "plague" from decimating the world's population.

So in view of the "sign" that Jesus gave concerning "the time of the end" or the time when Jesus was to return to bring the world to an accounting, (Matthew 24:3-14; 37-39) how many "Christians" out there can really deny that this world system is in its death throes?....that we are seeing intensified events of which Jesus spoke, that are making many people very nervous about the immediate future?

Here is a list of the events that Jesus said would mark the "last days".....


Are there Christians who think "the end" is still a long way off? If so, what makes you think so?
 

leov

Well-Known Member
With all that has happened in the last year or so, things have intensified so much in the last few months, that the whole world has been plunged into a crisis that apparently no one saw coming....or at least not the average person in the street.

Just with the disasters that have occurred during the last year...fires, floods, earthquakes, destructive weather events and other "natural" disasters in unprecedented numbers globally, it looks as if we were set up for this virus to finish us off....both financially, socially and physically. Covid 19 is targeting the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Comparatively few young people and small children have been victims. Can someone tell us why?

Is there a time in history when we were more vulnerable? Even with all our technology and advanced medical science in this 21st century....we still cannot prevent another "plague" from decimating the world's population.

So in view of the "sign" that Jesus gave concerning "the time of the end" or the time when Jesus was to return to bring the world to an accounting, (Matthew 24:3-14; 37-39) how many "Christians" out there can really deny that this world system is in its death throes?....that we are seeing intensified events of which Jesus spoke, that are making many people very nervous about the immediate future?

Here is a list of the events that Jesus said would mark the "last days".....


Are there Christians who think "the end" is still a long way off? If so, what makes you think so?
it seems to be so.
 

epronovost

Well-Known Member
There has never been so little crime, wars and famine on the planet as we speak. Earthquakes and volcanic activity is fairly low compared to average. Epidemics hav never been less deadly and the current one while dangerous isn't of a particularly deadly virus. The main issue of COVID-19 is that it's very contagious and dangerous to elderly people and people with respitory issues. Family life haven't changed much though domestic violence and child abuse are in a downward spiral like most violent crimes despite being reported much more often. In other words, half of you signs of impending dooms aren't there. I personnaly don't give much authority on the "prophecies" of Ancient Hebrews.
 

leov

Well-Known Member
my understanding is that it us not a physical event but something that happens in human minds in the first place.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
There has never been so little crime, wars and famine on the planet as we speak. Earthquakes and volcanic activity is fairly low compared to average. Epidemics hav never been less deadly and the current one while dangerous isn't of a particularly deadly virus. The main issue of COVID-19 is that it's very contagious and dangerous to elderly people and people with respitory issues. Family life haven't changed much though domestic violence and child abuse are in a downward spiral like most violent crimes despite being reported much more often. In other words, half of you signs of impending dooms aren't there. I personnaly don't give much authority on the "prophecies" of Ancient Hebrews.

Since this thread is "for Christians" (it was included in the title) your comments are really irrelevant.....IOW...no one asked you....:rolleyes:

The Bible says that 'unbelievers' are never going to see the sign. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) You are looking through the wrong lens....in our opinion.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
my understanding is that it us not a physical event but something that happens in human minds in the first place.

If we look at all the apocalyptic and end times scriptures from all over the world, there are vast superficial differences and a focus on individual religions.

But if we focus on the commonality of all especially considering descriptions to be metaphorical and poetic, a different picture emerges.

Take "coming through the clouds". Some might take that as a literal appearance of Jesus descending through physical clouds in the sky.

Others can see that as the force of God coming through the clouds of our own limited awareness to manifest in our hearts.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
my understanding is that it us not a physical event but something that happens in human minds in the first place.

One has to be a believer to acknowledge the sign. Unbelievers, the Bible says are "blinded" by the god of this world.

Jesus told his followers when they asked why he used illustrations: “This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it; and toward them the prophecy of Isaiah is having fulfillment which says: ‘By hearing, you will hear but by no means get the sense of it; and, looking, you will look but by no means see. For the heart of this people has grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.’” (Matthew 13:13-15)

This originally applied to Israel, but in principle, it applies to all doubters.....unless the heart is responsive, they will never see what's coming.....until it hits them.
 

leov

Well-Known Member
If we look at all the apocalyptic and end times scriptures from all over the world, there are vast superficial differences and a focus on individual religions.

But if we focus on the commonality of all especially considering descriptions to be metaphorical and poetic, a different picture emerges.

Take "coming through the clouds". Some might take that as a literal appearance of Jesus descending through physical clouds in the sky.

Others can see that as the force of God coming through the clouds of our own limited awareness to manifest in our hearts.
literal understanding vs metaphorical. NT is Gnostic, Revelation is super Gnostic.
 

leov

Well-Known Member
One has to be a believer to acknowledge the sign. Unbelievers, the Bible says are "blinded" by the god of this world.

Jesus told his followers when they asked why he used illustrations: “This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it; and toward them the prophecy of Isaiah is having fulfillment which says: ‘By hearing, you will hear but by no means get the sense of it; and, looking, you will look but by no means see. For the heart of this people has grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.’” (Matthew 13:13-15)

This originally applied to Israel, but in principle, it applies to all doubters.....unless the heart is responsive, they will never see what's coming.....until it hits them.
it is all about spirit and truth way.
 

epronovost

Well-Known Member
Since this thread is "for Christians" (it was included in the title) your comments are really irrelevant.....IOW...no one asked you....:rolleyes:

The Bible says that 'unbelievers' are never going to see the sign. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) You are looking through the wrong lens....in our opinion.

Then you might want to ask a mod to move your thread in Christian only section. Meanwhile, I will give my opinion to whomever want it and display your ignorance of the world to all your peers if I can.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
If we look at all the apocalyptic and end times scriptures from all over the world, there are vast superficial differences and a focus on individual religions.

But if we focus on the commonality of all especially considering descriptions to be metaphorical and poetic, a different picture emerges.

Take "coming through the clouds". Some might take that as a literal appearance of Jesus descending through physical clouds in the sky.

Others can see that as the force of God coming through the clouds of our own limited awareness to manifest in our hearts.

It is difficult to see all of the signs and make them all metaphorical.

In the prophesy of Daniel in chapter two, Daniel has a vision of an immense image with its body parts made of different metals.

[ETA: It was actually King Nebuchadnezzar who was given the dream of the image, but Daniel was given the meaning of it by God].

Daniel (informed by God) says that the head of this image (gold) represents Babylon...the next part (silver) represents Medo-Persia who overthrew Babylon virtually without firing an arrow (as it was prophesied). Then came Greece (copper) followed by Rome pictured by the (iron) legs. The very last part of the image (the feet) is said to be "a mixture of iron and clay"....rather incompatible, not cohesive. This is the British/American alliance during these last days. It is partly strong and partly weak....how? Democracy is supposedly 'rule by the people', which in this time of the end, takes power away from all the democratic governments who are allied to these last rulers. Democracy is failing to deliver good government just like every other form of government that man has tried. He is proving that he cannot rule himself without God.

God's kingdom is to "come" in the rule of these last "kings"....IOW, in our day.
Daniel 2:44 says.....
“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever".

This is a true government by God that is poised (as we speak,) to crush all corrupt, inept human governments out of existence, and replace them with one rulership over all. This is the Kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for.....and its 'coming'...ready or not.
With the coming of God's Kingdom, his will can then be "done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10)

We cannot afford to be complacent, nor can we afford to misunderstand the gravity of what this will mean for all of earth's inhabitants. It also says in the Bible that the devil will try to mimic this kingdom government by implementing a "one world government" of his own under the auspices of the UN. It will utterly fail as it tries to take hard earned freedoms away from the people.

As Jesus said, it would be "just like the days of Noah"...conditions on earth are becoming worse, morally and spiritually.....people are becoming more secular and more selfish. There is an inordinate concentration on sex and violence both in the world and even in its favorite entertainments....just as it was in Noah's time.

There was only one ark, and the only ones who survived the flood, were on it.

1 Peter 3:18-21...
"For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 19 And in this state he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had formerly been disobedient when God was patiently waiting in Noah’s day, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."


Christian baptism is likened to Noah's ark. In what way? It isn't just the act of being immersed in the water, but what that actually symbolizes....it is a symbolic death and resurrection, dying to ones former life of selfishness, and being carried through the water, and raised up to a new beginning as a dedicated servant of God through faith in the blood of Christ.

There are many metaphorical things in the Bible, but the signs of the last days are very real.....as we are seeing them with our own eyes. The Bible say that we will get through this time of change and be given a false promise of "peace and security".....but it will be a short and hollow announcement, as chaos will then take us into the greatest tribulation this world has ever seen. (Matthew 24:21)

Who is ready?
 
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InChrist

Free4ever
It is difficult to see all of the signs and make them all metaphorical.

In the prophesy of Daniel in chapter two, Daniel has a vision of an immense image with its body parts made of different metals. Daniel (informed by God) says that the head of this image (gold) represents Babylon...the next part (silver) represents Medo-Persia who overthrew Babylon virtually without firing an arrow (as it was prophesied). Then came Greece (copper) followed by Rome pictured by the (iron) legs. The very last part of the image (the feet) is said to be "a mixture of iron and clay"....rather incompatible, not cohesive. This is the British/American alliance during these last days. It is partly strong and partly weak....how? Democracy is supposedly 'rule by the people', which in this time of the end, takes power away from all the democratic governments who are allied to these last rulers. Democracy is failing to deliver good government just like every other form of government that man has tried. He is proving that he cannot rule himself without God.

God's kingdom is to "come" in the rule of these last "kings"....IOW, in our day.
Daniel 2:44 says.....
“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever".

This is a true government by God that is poised (as we speak,) to crush all corrupt, inept human governments out of existence, and replace them with one rulership over all. This is the Kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for.....and its 'coming'...ready or not.
With the coming of God's Kingdom, his will can then be "done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10)

We cannot afford to be complacent, nor can we afford to misunderstand the gravity of what this will mean for all of earth's inhabitants. It also says in the Bible that the devil will try to mimic this kingdom government by implementing a "one world government" of his own under the auspices of the UN. It will utterly fail as it tries to take hard earned freedoms away from the people.

As Jesus said, it would be "just like the days of Noah"...conditions on earth are becoming worse, morally and spiritually.....people are becoming more secular and more selfish. There is an inordinate concentration on sex and violence both in the world and even in its favorite entertainments....just as it was in Noah's time.

There was only one ark, and the only ones who survived the flood, were on it.

1 Peter 3:18-21...
"For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 19 And in this state he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had formerly been disobedient when God was patiently waiting in Noah’s day, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."


Christian baptism is likened to Noah's ark. In what way? It isn't just the act of being immersed in the water, but what that actually symbolizes....it is a symbolic death and resurrection, dying to ones former life of selfishness, and being carried through the water, and raised up to a new beginning as a dedicated servant of God through faith in the blood of Christ.

There are many metaphorical things in the Bible, but the signs of the last days are very real.....as we are seeing them with our own eyes. The Bible say that we will get through this time of change and be given a false promise of "peace and security".....but it will be a short and hollow announcement, as chaos will then take us into the greatest tribulation this world has ever seen. (Matthew 24:21)

Who is ready?
I believe the things taking place are a clear indication that we are in the last days and getting very close to the coming of Christ to remove the church, all born again believers, from the earth before the final seven year period of Tribulation. This Covid-19 is a huge wake-up call, but as serious and global-impacting as it is, it will seem minor compared to the removal of millions from the earth in a instant and the chaos that follows.

I think those who know and trust Jesus alone as their Savior, those who are new creations in Christ, are as ready as they can be.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
I believe the things taking place are a clear indication that we are in the last days and getting very close to the coming of Christ to remove the church, all born again believers, from the earth before the final seven year period of Tribulation.

I have heard others speak of this 7 year tribulation but I have no reference for it in the Bible.
Christ will come to take his anointed to heaven and then the failed rulership of this world system under the devil's influence, will end. The sheep and the goats have been separated, and each will be given either their reward or punishment.

This Covid-19 is a huge wake-up call, but as serious and global-impacting as it is, it will seem minor compared to the removal of millions from the earth in a instant and the chaos that follows.

Unlike you, I am not expecting the removal of millions because I do not believe that all Christians are going to heaven.....why would they?
God created the Earth for us to enjoy forever...he did not create humans to go to heaven, but has chosen a select "few" to rule with his Christ in order to bring the faithful back into reconciliation with God.

I think those who know and trust Jesus alone as their Savior, those who are new creations in Christ, are as ready as they can be.

We are told to "keep on the watch" and those who recognize the sign of the times should be prepared for what is coming.....yet according to Jesus' words...maybe not. His words here are addressed to his followers.....

"Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

43 “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it."
(Matthew 24:42-44)

What do you think he meant?
 

Good-Ole-Rebel

Well-Known Member
I believe the things taking place are a clear indication that we are in the last days and getting very close to the coming of Christ to remove the church, all born again believers, from the earth before the final seven year period of Tribulation. This Covid-19 is a huge wake-up call, but as serious and global-impacting as it is, it will seem minor compared to the removal of millions from the earth in a instant and the chaos that follows.

I think those who know and trust Jesus alone as their Savior, those who are new creations in Christ, are as ready as they can be.

I agree with what you say.

I have wondered however if the Rapture will have as big an impact on the world as it has been led to believe. It will impact areas where Christians are in a majority for sure. But those are becoming less and less.

And, here is a thought. What if the Rapture took place during a total lock down of a country such as some states are in now? I don't think it will be perceived as that major an event.

But the Rapture will certainly have an impact. It is just that the world will not recognize it as something from God. As Christians, we live in interesting times.

Good-Ole-Rebel
 

InChrist

Free4ever
I agree with what you say.

I have wondered however if the Rapture will have as big an impact on the world as it has been led to believe. It will impact areas where Christians are in a majority for sure. But those are becoming less and less.

And, here is a thought. What if the Rapture took place during a total lock down of a country such as some states are in now? I don't think it will be perceived as that major an event.

But the Rapture will certainly have an impact. It is just that the world will not recognize it as something from God. As Christians, we live in interesting times.

Good-Ole-Rebel
You definitely make some good points. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I am just praying this global pandemic and the impact it’s having on everyone’s life will cause many to re-evaluate their priorities and turn their focus toward God and eternity.
 

InChrist

Free4ever
I have heard others speak of this 7 year tribulation but I have no reference for it in the Bible.
Christ will come to take his anointed to heaven and then the failed rulership of this world system under the devil's influence, will end. The sheep and the goats have been separated, and each will be given either their reward or punishment.



Unlike you, I am not expecting the removal of millions because I do not believe that all Christians are going to heaven.....why would they?
God created the Earth for us to enjoy forever...he did not create humans to go to heaven, but has chosen a select "few" to rule with his Christ in order to bring the faithful back into reconciliation with God.



We are told to "keep on the watch" and those who recognize the sign of the times should be prepared for what is coming.....yet according to Jesus' words...maybe not. His words here are addressed to his followers.....

"Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

43 “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it."
(Matthew 24:42-44)

What do you think he meant?
I think Jesus meant to be ready; all who belong to Him and serve Him are to be living with the expectation of His coming at any time, as the scriptures say. Most versions say this clearly, except the Watchtower NWT version which adds/ takes away words and makes changes throughout the Bible, in this case adds “you too prove yourselves” .

I understand you don’t see the removal of believers, the seven years of Tribulation, otherwise referred to as Jacob’s trouble, or fully understand the significance of the division between the sheep and the goats as Jesus mentioned. I believe this is because you let the Watchtower interpret the scriptures for you and the Watchtower does not rightly divide the Word of God, they do not comprehend the difference between the church/ body of Christ and Israel, therefore their interpretation of the prophetic scriptures and last day events are skewed and confused.

I do appreciate your sincerity, though and the point you are making about the significance of events we see happening in relation to the end of the age, along with the importance of watching.
 

Good-Ole-Rebel

Well-Known Member
You definitely make some good points. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I am just praying this global pandemic and the impact it’s having on everyone’s life will cause many to re-evaluate their priorities and turn their focus toward God and eternity.

I am hopeful in that direction also sister. Hopeful, in that our Lord uses this as a time to wake up many of His people. But, to those who are not, these things, nor any thing will ever matter. (Rev. 6:16-17)

Good-Ole-Rebel
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
I think Jesus meant to be ready; all who belong to Him and serve Him are to be living with the expectation of His coming at any time, as the scriptures say. Most versions say this clearly, except the Watchtower NWT version which adds/ takes away words and makes changes throughout the Bible, in this case adds “you too prove yourselves” .

Yes, “you too prove yourselves ready”......

Matthew 24:42-44 Mounce Interlinear....
“Therefore be alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come . But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming , he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into . For this reason you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect “

What has been added or taken away?

I understand you don’t see the removal of believers, the seven years of Tribulation, otherwise referred to as Jacob’s trouble, or fully understand the significance of the division between the sheep and the goats as Jesus mentioned. I believe this is because you let the Watchtower interpret the scriptures for you and the Watchtower does not rightly divide the Word of God, they do not comprehend the difference between the church/ body of Christ and Israel, therefore their interpretation of the prophetic scriptures and last day events are skewed and confused.

And you understand that from my perspective, someone who does not identify with any denomination has nothing to tell anyone because you all have your own version of Christianity, and your beliefs cannot be examined or contested.

We have people tell us they have their “own religion” all the time and sadly that is exactly what many of them mean.....it is their very own invention based on their own interpretation of the scriptures......is that how first century Christianity conducted itself?
There is “wheat” and there are “weeds”.....how do we tell the difference? The wheat are obeying Jesus’ teachings....all of them. Jesus knows who they are...and that is all that matters.

How do you know that your own interpretation is correct? Believing it is, won’t make it true. I have a global brotherhood who are guided and directed by those whom we believe are the”faithful and wise slave” appointed by Jesus. (Matthew 24:45) We collectively believe the same things, and are “fed” by that slave so that unity and peace is shared by us as one spiritual family, all that over the world.
One of the main features of the sign that Jesus gave was the ‘preaching of the good news of the kingdom’. (Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20)
How did Jesus do that work himself and how did he tell his disciples to do it? (Matthew 10:11-15)
Who are seen to have been doing this work for many decades?

I do appreciate your sincerity, though and the point you are making about the significance of events we see happening in relation to the end of the age, along with the importance of watching.

As I appreciate your sincerity....but if sincerity alone was enough, Jesus would never have personally converted Saul of Tarsus. Good intentions won’t save anyone.....actions speak louder than words....”doing” the will of the Father” is paramount, not just “talking” about it. (Matthew 7:21-23)

We have no time to stand and wonder....it’s decision time.
 
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