With the increase of wars, hurricanes, disease, and earthquakes this past century, it would be a good idea to list the many other signs and events that have taken place or will take place just before the return of Christ. The following is taken from the book "Studies in Timothy" by N.W. Hutchings.
" The things that Jesus said the last generation should look for are all prophecies from Matthew 24:5-34. He introduced these prophecies with the words, "...Take heed that no man deceive you" (Matt. 24:4). Jesus indicated quite plainly that all these prophecies were not to come to pass in a day, a month, a year, or seven years. They were to be fulfilled over a period of a generation.
Jesus also said in Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads: for your redemption draweth nigh." Again our lord said that the prophecy that would herald His coming again could not be fulfilled in a day, a month, a year, or seven years. This truth is also explained in Luke 21:31-32, "So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled." Again we see the time period set forth by Jesus - a generation. Inasmuch as we believe the Bible indicates the church will be raptured just seven years before Christ's return, Christians living in the last days will witness the fulfillment of many prophecies that precede the coming of the Lord. Prophetic signs that Christians can discern and relate to the return of Jesus Christ for His church are as follows:
• Increase of knowledge (Dan. 12:4).
• Rise in the speed of travel and communications (Dan. 12:4).
• The rise of Russia as a great power which will invade Israel (Ezek. 38).
• The development of weapons capable of destroying entire nations in an hour (Ezek. 29:9-12; Rev. 8:7).
• Signs in the heavens (Isa. 30:26; Joel 2:30-31; Matt. 24:29; Rev. 8:12).
• The re-establishment of Israel as a nation (Isa. 43:5-6; Hos. 8:8-10; Amos 9:11-15; Luke 24:24; Acts 15:16).
• Increase in earthquakes (Matt. 24:7).
• Wars of worldwide proportions (Matt 24:7).
• The rise of false messiahs and false prophets (Matt. 24:24).
• Fear of mass destruction (Luke 24:26).
• The rebuilding of Babylon (Jer. 51:52; Isa. 13:19-20; Rev. 18).
• Increase of lawlessness (Matt. 24:12; 2 Thess. 2:7; 2 Tim. 3:1-9).
• Apostasy within the church (1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 4:3; Rev. 3:14-18).
• Preparations for the restoration of Jewish sacrificial worship (Dan. 12:11; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-4).
There are many other prophecies, though not given specifically to the church. Christians can know from developments leading to their fulfillment that these prophecies are also near fulfillment. In Revelation 6:6, world inflation is indicated, and in Revelation 13, a new economic order is revealed where everyone will be commanded to work, buy, and sell, using code marks and numbers. Also, in Zechariah 14:2, Daniel 12:1, and Revelation 19, it is prophesied that before the Lord returns, all nations will be against Israel. Christians can see the evidence of these prophecies being fulfilled within the next few years."
Just about all of the pre-return of Christ prophecies listed above have come to pass, with the exception of the rebuilding of Babylon and Jewish sacrificial worship (and they could happen after the rapture). Are you ready?
By George Konig
October 30, 2005
www.georgekonig.org
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