When I refer here to end time events, I mean the rise of the antichrist and his coalition of nations, the tribulation, Israel in the last days, and the return of Christ. All of these things tie together, and collide in the end of days.
There are many different reasons people give for avoiding the study of end time events. Fear is probably on the top of the list. Topics like the tribulation carry an element of fear, and many individuals avoid it because of this. Others dread the return of Christ, they are not ready to meet Him. That was my fear growing up before I was born again. I would avoid anything having to do with the second coming.
Others are intimidated by the topic. They feel it is too hard to understand, too many symbols, so they avoid it for that reason. Or perhaps it has been put on the shelf like all the "Left Behind" books because the thrill is gone. No one cares anymore because it just doesn't entertain like it used to. You can only make a sequel and another sequel so many times before you have sequeled something to death.
I don't mean to sound harsh and offend anyone, but I must ask an honest question. Are we ready for what is coming?
We read in Revelation 3:3, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Instead of avoiding this book and the subject that it presents we should jump in and study. Our goal is not to gain a head full of knowledge, but to be prepared. And ultimately this book reveals Jesus. He is the one whom we as believers are supposed to know and follow. While this world grows darker and darker everyday it also is rushing toward the consumption of all things, the day when Christ rules and creation is restored to its perfect state.
It will get darker before it gets better, and we need to be aware so that we are not taken by surprise. In John 16:1-4 Jesus warns his disciples of coming persecution. His intent was to make them aware, so that when hardship came they would not stumble.
We have the scriptures to guide and prepare us for what lies ahead. Revelation is not the only place where endtimes prophecy can be found. It is found everywhere throughout our Bibles. In fact the book of Revelation draws heavily from multiple old testament passages. What is presented there is not necessarily "new revelation", but a summing up of what has already been revealed. When studied as a whole the pieces of a complex puzzle get put into place and the overall picture becomes clear. I have always said that scripture interprets scripture.
In closing I want to encourage you to dive in. Learn, be encouraged, and become prepared. Don't rely on every book or teacher you hear. There are good teachers and study materials out there, but there is also a lot of error being presented too. Back it all up with the word of God. Be open the what the Bible actually teaches, even if it runs contrary to what your favorite author or teacher is presenting. Deception will intensify as the time daws near, and Revelation closes with a warning to those who would alter its message (Rev 22:18)
"And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."
Revelation 22:7 NASB
No comments:
Post a Comment