Have you ever heard someone say he or she knows the exact date of the Lord’s return? In the last days, false prophecy and predictions about His return will increase. The Bible says that one of the key indications that we are in the season of Jesus’ return is that there will be an increase of false prophets and prophetic declarations. When we hear these things, we should not become fearful, but rather look to the Bible for guidance and direction. When we know what the Word of God has to say, we have nothing to be afraid of.
No man knows the exact day or hour of the Lord’s return, so when we hear someone proclaim a particular date or time, we can automatically write it off as a false prophecy. It is important, however, to be aware of the signs of the times by examining the Scriptures. Jesus gave very clear sign posts that signal that the time of His return is drawing near.
Matthew Chapter 24 provides a very concise outline of events that will lead up to Jesus’ return. Considering that the words of this chapter are by Jesus Himself, we know they will come to pass. His disciples asked the same questions that many of us ask today: What are the signs of His coming, and how will we know the end of the world, as we know it, is near?
The first thing Jesus said in response to their questions was,"Take heed that no man deceive you." This was a clear warning that the season of His return would be marked by an increase in deception. He goes on to say that many will come in His name, claiming to be the Christ and deceive many people (Matthew 24:5). When we hear of someone claiming to be Jesus Christ, or His representative, but he or she is not speaking the truth of God’s Word it reveals that he or she is a deceiver.
Jesus also said that the last days will be marked by wars, rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, global crises, and an increase of earthquakes in many places. If you pay attention to the things that are going on in the world, you will notice that all of these things are happening with a frequency and intensity that has not been seen before. Foreign relations issues between countries are becoming tense in many regions, and political unrest is the norm. He also mentions that many Believers will fall away from the faith. In verse 11, He again mentions the rise of false prophets who will deceive many people.
It is amazing to see that the headlines of today’s newspapers line up with Matthew 24 almost to the letter. As things continue to progress, everything Jesus mentioned in this chapter will increase, ultimately culminating in His return.
Being able to read the signs of the times is critical because it alerts us to where we are on God’s time clock. When we know what the Bible says about the future, we are empowered to prepare ourselves for it by staying in a continual state of readiness. And when we stay ready, we don’t have to get ready. By obeying God’s Word, praying, walking in love, and living by faith. We stay ready. No man knows the day or the hour, but by making His Word our final authority, we can live every moment in confident expectation of His return.
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