Will there really be an end of time?
The Bible says yes, there will be.
But, what did Jesus say about the end of time?
Christ explains to His disciples in these passages from Mark the way things will happen in the end.
We need to listen, pray, and be watchful for His return.
Just Another Sunday School Lesson?
The end of time — A subject for discussion on Sunday and every other day of the week; especially these days.
There are numerous movies and books published on the subject. Dr. David Jeremiah talks about end times in his video, The Prophetic Times.
But, let’s go straight to the authority, Jesus Christ, to see the truth of the end times and the fall of Jerusalem.
So, What Did Jesus Say about the End of Time? Mark 13: Jesus Tells the Future of the Jerusalem Temple
As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”
And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.”
As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”
And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.
Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many.
When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.
For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines.
These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
“But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.
The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat.
But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
But pray that it may not happen in the winter.
For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will.
Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. ~ Mark 13:1-23 NASB
What Christ Says about the Future of the Jerusalem Temple and the End Times
The temple in Jerusalem did not stand very long. It was completed around the year 64 AD and was completely destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
So, when will the end of times come?
There have been numerous points in history with “prophets” and self-appointed doom sayers claiming to know the exact time and date of the end of time.
However, no one has guessed right yet — and no one ever will.
Jesus will return when God gives the word, not before. No amount of prediction or guessing will change this.
Christ will come on His own terms; not ours.
The ones who come before Him will fool many in our society.
What about Christians? Can We Be Deceived?
According to Christ in verse 22, the deceivers will do their best to fool us. They will do miraculous acts to prove their claim.
This is why we need to be alert — and prepared!
I found 5 questions in my study Bible we can ask to help assure us of the truth. We can ask:
- Are predictions of these “prophets” coming true? Do they revise them to “fit in” with what’s happening around us?
- Do they use one line verses from the Bible to prove their point? Many times the Bible can be twisted unless you read the complete passage – and put it into proper perspective.
- Do the predictors contradict the Bible in any way? (Remember the 95% truth rule Satan often uses.)
- Do their “sermons” glorify Christ — or themselves?
- And finally, are the teachings hostile toward other Christians?
Yes, these are definitely questions to consider when listening to those who claim to be great teachers of the Gospel.
Lastly, when in doubt, Pray! God will give you the truth in every case. We can be tempted but the Holy Spirit will save us.
In John 10:28, Jesus made a promise to us. It simply says;
“and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.“
With that said, be careful not to follow the “obvious” returning of Jesus. If we live our lives and try to follow Christ’s teachings; that is:
- to love God,
- love each other,
- and make new disciples of Christ,
we will know when the time comes.
Until Then – Don’t Worry
Our role in this big picture is to live our lives the best we can as Christians so we can be prepared if the end times happens in our lifetime.
If it doesn’t, we are still saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Let’s treat today and every day as if it were the last chance we have to please God.
It could be..
Love in Christ
– Bob
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