Are we living in the biblical end times?

“The New Testament leaves us with the anticipation that Jesus could come at any time.”

Those are the words of Dr. Ed Hindson, spoken at a stirring “Global Warning Prophecy Conference” hosted by Thomas Road Baptist Church last week. The conference also included Drs. Tim LaHaye and Gary Frazier.

In Luke 21:25, we read that there will be signs all around us prior to the return of Christ. Stating that we must discern the signs of Jesus’ Second Coming, Dr. Hindson noted six modern developments indicating that the stage is being set for the return of Christ. They are:

1. Israel returned to the Promised Land (1948);
2. Increase of Islamic opposition;
3. Extremists threatening the world;
4. The political unification of Europe;
5. Failure of peace attempts in the Middle East;
6. The worldwide threat of nuclear weapons.

To some, these signs may prove alarming. But as Dr. Hindson noted in the conference, “Biblical prophecy is not designed to scare us, but to prepare us.” The rapture of the saints at the return of Christ is a message of comfort. As Titus 2:13 tells us, we must be “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The most important thing to remember in terms of these last days prior to the impending return of Christ is this: God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV).

This means that Christians are on earth by design, with a specific purpose to communicate the Gospel of Christ to the nations. As I’ve noted in past columns, this is not a popular objective in our modern society that rejects the absolute truths of God’s Word in favor of a collective of “truths.” But we – those who have placed their faith in the Christ of the Bible – are nevertheless compelled to reach out in love to all with the Gospel.

I want to answer two prominent questions regarding Christianity.

1) Why do Christians believe that Jesus will come again? Because the promise of Jesus’ first coming was wondrously fulfilled when He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. There is evidence and verification of His life, His death and His resurrection. The early disciples were eyewitnesses to the fact of the resurrection. We do not follow Christ in blind faith, nor are we following a pipedream. Not only did Jesus literally conquer the tomb, He promised to return again.

2) Why is it important that Christians evangelize? Because after Jesus Christ calls believers (the church) to Himself when He returns, this earth will subsequently go through a period of lawlessness and chaos, the likes of which we have never seen. This tribulation period will see the antichrist rise to power, promising peace but bringing about only corruption and death. War, “eclipsing the holocaust,” as Dr. Hindson described it in our conference, will break out across the world. We, as Christians, do not want anyone to have to live through such an awful period. Further, we do not wish for any soul to perish and face an eternity apart from God.

I believe the promised return of Christ is as sure as the daily sunrise – and I long to see Him!

If you know Christ as your Savior, join me in looking for that glorious appearing every day. However, if you do not know Christ as your Savior, I urge you to visit our church’s website and click on “Who is Christ?” to learn how you can know Jesus Christ as your Savior.

NOTE: Christians wishing to investigate these last days are encouraged to pick up a copy of Drs. Hindson and LaHaye’s “Global Warning: Are We on the Verge of World War III?” This book is an excellent survey of the final signs that will serve as God’s global warning to the people regarding His return.

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