He put so much of it in the
Bible.
Although prophecy constitutes a large part of the Bible,
its importance is constantly downplayed by those who
dismiss it as having no practical significance, that it can't be understood, or
by those who object to it on the grounds that it is a "fad" that takes people's
eyes off Jesus.
You cannot study Scripture without studying prophecy.
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Every fourth verse in the Scripture deals with prophecy. |
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The coming of the Lord is a truth of such importance that it is mentioned 318 times in the 260 chapters of the NT (on an average of once every 25 verses). |
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The only subject mentioned more frequently than the second coming is the subject of salvation. |
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Paul mentioned the communion ordinance only twice in his 13 epistles and baptism only 13 times, but he mentions the return of our Lord 50 times! |
Jesus Christ Is Coming
It was prophecy that really began the process leading up to the very first Christmas, since it was an angel that appeared to Mary to tell her that she was going to have a son. After Jesus was born, it was angels who appeared to the shepherds in the fields, announcing the good news of the coming of the Messiah. And an angel also came to the wise men that had travelled to see the baby Jesus, warning them to go home by another route. Angels have always been known in the Holy Bible as God’s messengers who reside with God in heaven when they are not doing his bidding on earth. It makes sense that a character that is so prevalent throughout biblical history would find a place in the Christmas celebrations of today.
Jesus Christ Is Coming Again
The Bible stands as a witness to the events unfolding before our
eyes. Instead of trying to understand it all or finding rational explanations,
you only need to rest at the Savior's feet and allow the Holy Spirit to speak
to your heart.
The last book of the Bible (Revelation) describes
His return in graphic detail and the next to the last verse says, "Yes, I am
coming soon."
Wake Up!
Is God Now Judging Our Nation?
In the wake of violent
weather, natural disasters, and other calamities befalling mankind, some might
ask, "What does it all mean?" Many of the signs of His soon return we are
witnessing today are designed to wake us from our slumber. He is trying to get
our attention.
God does not pour out His wrath without
first warning us.
God wants us to know He will return. God's seeming delay in bringing about the consummation of all things is a result not of indifference but of patience in waiting for all who will come to repentance. God is giving us every chance to repent of our sin and return to Him. He is being patient with us because He wants everyone to come to repentance.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [2Peter 3:9]
The delay of Christ's return is also related to the preaching of the
gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. God wants everyone to hear the gospel
and does not desire anyone to perish eternally (1Tim. 2:4).
This does
not mean that all will be saved, for if a person rejects God's grace and
salvation, then he or she remains lost.
Spirit of Lawlessness
There is a pattern of lawlessness and increase of wickedness dominating our society today that throughout history was found in civilizations in the process of decline. It is a pattern evident in nations that rejected God's Word as ultimate authority in their lives and is a pattern prevailing in many Americans today. This too, is a sign of His soon return!
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of
most will grow cold.
- [Matthew 24:12]
