It is a well-known fact, yet somewhat sad, that Christians, being the fallible human beings that we still are, even after our conversion, disagree amongst ourselves about a whole lot of things. But there is one very important thing that we do agree about. That is that Jesus Christ will return.
Yes, for about 2000 years now, Christians have believed in the imminent return of our Lord. This has caused us some difficulty throughout the years as skeptics scoff at our, as yet, unfulfilled expectations. But we continue to take Jesus Christ at His word regarding His literal, physical, bodily return to Earth.
Christians today, as in the past, do ask questions regarding this belief. Questions such as, “How do we know for sure that Christ is going to return?” “When is Jesus going to return?” “How can I get ready for His return?” “What am I to do between now and when Jesus returns?” All of these are very good questions, indeed.
Let’s take a look in God’s Word to find some answers. But, take heed. Most times when Christians begin to examine the advent of Christ’s return, many people focus on the wrong issues. Jesus gives us a clear warning that “no one except the Father knows the day or the hour of His return!” Yet, some Christians still try to set a specific date. They have done so almost from the moment Jesus left Earth at His Ascension. Then, when the date comes and goes and Jesus does not return, the date-setters get disappointed, discouraged, defensive and even sometimes angry. We need to leave those things that are pure speculation and focus on those things that we know for certain. What are those things we know for sure?
Yes, there are difficult and trying times ahead, but God has always, and will always, sustain those who are faithful to Him! We know that we will ultimately reign with Him in Heaven, forever. But for now, it is clear that Satan is alive and well on planet Earth. While there has been an increase in economic and educational well being in the last 30 to 40 years, there has also been a rapid rise in satanic activities in our society. Satan is worshipped openly, and there has been evidence of sacrifices made to Satan from time to time, even human sacrifices. Movies and television shows feature witches, thinly veiled satanic activities, unbridled rage, hate and violence, and all in the name of “entertainment”.
Our young people are bombarded with this stuff and, tragically, some of them have acted out the violence they see in the movies and created terror and horror within our schools. The media, and now even our schools and legislatures, promote immorality and the homosexual lifestyle to our children as young as five years old!
Even our religious institutions are not immune to Satan’s attacks and activities. In the last 20 years or so, there has been a blurring of the lines between eastern and western religions, to the point of “anything” and “everything” goes. In the so-called “New Age Movement” all religions are blended into one “one size fits all” belief system. Teachings that clearly go against the Word of God are routinely put forth as truth. Some textbooks across this country teach our children about spirits living in trees and plants, and even about praying to witches.
In the corporate world, companies encourage their employees to take innocent sounding courses like “Stress Management”, “Personal Meditation” or “Take Your Course in Miracles”. But if you examine these closely, you will indeed find that they are thinly veiled attempts by Satan to bring this world to a point where it is ripe for the picking by a false prophet to come and unite and rule the world under a one-world religion.
This should not come as a surprise though. We are told all about this gradual degeneration toward evil and darkness throughout the Bible. Daniel, in the Old Testament, parts of the Gospels, and the Book of Revelation, all speak of the disintegration of Godly morals, the turning away from God by humanity and the destruction that will come upon the Earth as a result of God’s judgment and punishment of mankind’s sin.
The storm clouds are growing thick. Many want to know how to prepare for weather and escape the coming trials. Let’s see what instructions God has for us. The first step toward preparing for the future is to accept Jesus Christ as your very own, personal Savior. No one can claim the promise of eternal life in Heaven unless they have confessed and repented of their sin and accepted what Christ did for them on the cross.
In the Book of Revelation we are told of a time, after God has inflicted judgment on the wicked, where He calls a sort of “time-out”. It is as if God is telling the people on Earth at that time that since they have experienced and seen the payment for sin, that those remaining should realize that it is time to obey, repent, and change their ways. It is during this time of restraint, when the angels are holding back the winds of God’s wrath, that God is giving the people a chance to turn to Him. God has done this time and again in the Bible.
You know that a lot of people, even within the Church, are offended when we speak of the Blood of Christ. But know this. Their offense pales in comparison to the offense God experiences when we sin against Him and deny His Son, Jesus Christ. It is only possible to live in the presence of God by accepting the work of Christ on the cross for us, the blood He shed for us, in our place. Ask yourself now, “Am I washed clean in the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ?” If the answer is “yes”, hallelujah! But if the answer is “no” or “I am not sure”, then I implore you to take a moment and make that decision, right now. Ask Jesus Christ to be your personal Savior and Lord. Ask Him to forgive your sin, and He will do it. Be cleansed in His blood as only He can provide.
Time grows short. None of us knows how long we have. Either He will come to us, or we will go to Him. But know this. All of us will one day stand before Him and acknowledge that He is Lord. The decision is yours. You can either stand before Him and call Him “Lord” with joy, or you will stand before Him and call Him “Lord” with fear and trembling. Make your decision today. It will last for all eternity. Amen.
Next Sunday, in Part 2, we will explore how we can live with a peaceful spirit until Christ returns.