What does the Bible have to say about the future? How can we gain confidence concerning our destiny in these troubling and uncertain times.
Here are some things the Bible has to say about our future.
Some of this information was collected from Prophecy Central
http://www.bible-prophecy.com/
. Bible quotes from the New International Version.
“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.” Luke 21:12
Millions of Christians worship in secret in China and Indonesia. If caught they have been imprisoned, tortured and sent to forced labor camps. In the Sudan, black African Christians are being captured and sold as slaves by their Muslim brothers. In the west, the media and cultural elite constantly attack Christians. In San Francisco, Christian outreach groups are being prevented from getting sound permits because the content of their message is displeasing to some. The first amendment does not apply to Christians it seems in many communities.
Like many of these "signs," persecution will reach it's worst point during the Tribulation, but it should be expected to increase even before those terrible days. There are many examples of persecution of Christians today in China and in the Moslem world. Russian people, who now enjoy a measure of freedom, tell of great persecution during the Communist regime. Amazing as it may seem, Christians are now being persecuted to some degree even in Europe and in our own country. In a recent series on this subject, Dr. James Kennedy pointed out that "Christian- bashing" is the only kind of prejudice allowed in our country today. In current movies, almost any person who quotes Scripture will turn out to be a pervert, charlatan, or even a mass murderer. Michael Medved, a movie critic, who happens to be Jewish, has forcefully brought this to light. He shows that anti- Christian movies, such as "The Last Temptation of Christ," are financial failures, while wholesome, family-oriented movies are usually great box office successes. He concludes that the motivation behind Hollywood's Christian- bashing is not financial, but philosophical.
The media constantly characterizes evangelical Christians as the "Radical Right". They attempt to group Christians with the militia movement and other fringe groups. Many even associate fundamental Christianity with the radical Muslim movement and are willing to place blame on Christians for terrorists acts, even though it is contrary to the teachings of Christ.
Publication moguls, such as Time/Life, constantly publish articles derogatory to Christianity. It is rare to find an article that is complementary to evangelical Christians. Even when they cover a truly newsworthy movement such as Promise Keepers or the Christian Coalition, there is usually a negative undertone and the implication that such things may be dangerous.
The government is also guilty of producing a climate of anti-Christian thought by abolishing prayer in schools, disallowing the Ten Commandments on the walls of some public places, allowing abortion, homosexuality, and other practices which have always been considered non-Biblical in our nation until our generation.
There are also serious questions about the handling of the Branch Davidian affair. Was this a test with a group that does not have outside support to see how far public opinion will allow them to persecute "odd" groups?
When Christians do cross the legal lines, as in the case of the Operation Rescue group, punishment for their offense is much more severe than it has ever been for other groups when they resort to "civil disobedience."
The situation is serious enough that there are now several organizations which specialize in protecting Christians against discrimination. The Rutherford Institute, for instance is working to protect people whose children have been taken away without due process or good reason, simply because of their faith. Jay Seculow, and the American Center for Law and Justice handle numerous court cases for Christians whose First Amendment rights of freedom of religion have been violated in the public schools and workplaces of our nation.
“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
The rise of charismatic wackos who claim to be the Christ is on the rise. Sun Yung Moon, the chief moony of the Unification Church claims to be Christ. Charles Manson also makes that claim, as did Jim Jones. Maitreya, a mysterious leader promoted by new age guru Benjamin Creme also makes this claim. When the antichrist shows up, he will also claim to be the Christ.
Basic new-age teachings have replaced the gospel for a large number of Americans. The seven fundamental lies of the new-age are
1. Jesus was not and is not the only Christ, nor is he God.
2. "God" is impersonal, cosmic, a God of energy forces.
3. Man is himself God, for he consists of and is the creator of "the forces." Man already exercises the powers inherent in his divinity and needs only to awaken to this fact.
4. Man should seek and accept spiritual instruction and direction directly from the spirit world.
5. All religions and religious teachings lead to the same goal. All are equally of merit.
6. The "ancient wisdom" of Babylon, Egypt and Greece - not the Bible - is the basis of all truth.
7. Sin and evil do not exist. Peace and love are the ultimate realities.
When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away., Luke 21:9
People of all ages have been subjected to the horrors of war, but in our generation we have had an almost constant preoccupation with either war or "rumors of war" such as the Cold War with the former Soviet Union. There are usually several wars going on at various places in the world at the same time. There have been as many as forty at one time in our lifetime.
World War I was called "The War to end all war." It did not end war, it only taught us more about how to fight in a more deadly way, using the air to deliver death from the sky.
World War II brought the world to the brink of nuclear destruction, introducing the atomic bomb.
The Korean War and The Vietnam War were very disheartening because of the great loss of life without gaining a definite victory. The Viet Nam War was especially frustrating to Americans causing great internal strife at home as well as the loss of lives abroad.
Cold War has also been a sad reality in our generation. In 1985 a full page ad in the newspapers compared all the bombs of World War II, (a total of 3 megatons) with the nuclear firepower The United States and Soviet Union had. The two nations had enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world 56 times!
The Persian Gulf War brought us the ability to "be there" in the thick of the battle by way of television as bombs were dropped. This war also introduced the concept of "smart bombs" that could find their way to the exact buildings for which they were programmed.
Even now there are wars and skirmishes in many parts of the globe, including those in Bosnia, Israel, Haiti, Ireland and Somalia.
The Bosnia war has the potential for great involvement of the United States as leader of an international police force.
Instability is increased in the Middle East by constant acts of terrorism, by various militant Moslem groups who are trying to destroy the steps toward peace that have been taken in the area.
The War on Terrorism initiated by the disasterous attack on the New York World Trade Center is yet another war. This war may signal the final decline and judgement of God on the United States. Not that God approves of the terrorists, but his divine protection has been withdrawn, and the wisdom that he once gave to our leaders is now missing. This was most notably apparent in the highly corrupt Clinton administration, which waged war against Christian churches and believers in the United States, using the IRS as its chief weapon. The stage was set for this disaster, as the Clinton administration made it impossible to recruit spies and informants, due to the requirement of all CIA ‘employees’ satisfying various politically correct litmus tests.
At the time of this writing the United States has invaded Iraq as part of the 'War on Terror'. Since this has incensed most of the world against the United States, despite the obvious evil despotism of Saddam Hussein, we can surely expect more conflicts and interventions in the future directed agains the U.S.. The Bible clearly states that war must increase until the end.
Although one can not be overly dogmatic about the final interpretation of Biblical prophecy, especially since double fulfillments are often the norm in Biblical prophecy, it is the authors belief that the U.S. must be removed as a world power before the rise of the antichrist. The war on terrorism may trigger the final attack on the U.S. that removes her from her position of power. One possible prophetic reference to this can be found in Ezekiel 39:6 "I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands and they will know that I am the Lord".
Many biblical scholars believe that Magog is a reference to Russia and her allies. In Ezekiel 39 it is apparent that Magog attempts to invade Israel, which results in her destruction. Prior to this Magog might well invade and destroy "those who live in safety in the coastlands", the U.S, with 'fire', nuclear weapons. Indeed many 'prophets' in the christian church have been warning of an alliance between Russia and China that will invade and mostly destroy the U.S., with perhaps a remnant surviving.
Russia and China at this time have entered a military alliance, and Russia is supplying China with sophisticated military equipment. China now controls the Panama canal, moreover U.S. ranchers on the border of Mexico have been reporting troop movements of an Asian army, moving into the United States from Mexico. Additionally 1000 young men of military age have arrived in Chicago by plane, but later 'disappeared' before their cases could heard by immigration officials.
There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains (Mark 13:8)
The current World Almanac lists known earthquakes from ancient times until the present. Obviously, they do not list all earthquakes because there are hundreds of little ones every year, and there is not as much scientific or historical data for events in the past as there is now. Some earthquakes have been very devastating. One in 526 AD in Antioch of Syria resulted in approximately 250,000 deaths.
It is interesting that there has been a constant escalation of the number of large earthquakes during this whole century, and especially since the middle of the century. There were about as many major earthquakes listed from 1900 to 1950 as there was in the entire period of time from 1525 to 1900. Then, from 1950 to the present there are more quakes listed than all the years before that. Before 1900 there was an average gap of 15 or 20 years between major quakes, but now there are several major quakes every year.
Earthquakes are caused by continental shifts, or movement of huge tectonic plates that "float" on the molten core of the earth. The Bible predicts that there will be huge earthquakes during The Tribulation period, leading up to one final upheaval that will literally reshape the geography of the earth, shaking down all the mountains, and sinking all the islands (Revelation 16:17-20). It is reasonable to expect a continual increase in seismic activity in the years leading up to "the big one."
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:7)
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)
Famine is usually the result of changes in weather patterns or of war. Both of these are characteristic of our times. For most of our generation there have been great numbers of deaths, especially of the young because of famine. At times this problem reaches staggering proportions: 40,000 babies starve to death every day. (Time, 1/2/89, p. 66)
There have always been plagues, but they do seem to be increasing in our times. Cancer is an ever-growing threat, AIDS is a new disease or the most sobering proportions. So far there is no cure for this plague. Alzheimer's is a new, incurable ailment of the elderly. We are constantly hearing of serious outbreaks of such diseases as the Ebola Virus which can destroy whole towns. Terrifying reports are surfacing of a rare Flesh-eating Strep disease which disfigures or even kills its victims in a matter of hours. Resistant strains of "conquered diseases", such as tuberculosis are now appearing. Some people are even wondering if some of these problems are the result of genetic engineering. Moreover state sponsors of terror have highly active bio-weapons programs, involving such killers as smallpox and anthrax. It should be expected that disease as a result of these programs will cause pestilence. Pakistan for example suffers from an outbreak of an Ebola like killer virus.
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:11)
This prophecy will ultimately be fulfilled as the final day approaches. Nevertheless, recently there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the comet Hale Bopp, which has an enormous glowing companion whose movements seem to defy the laws of physics.
Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, to which they are gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land (Ezek. 37:21).
“I will bring back my exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant Israel in their own land never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God. (Amos 9:14-15)
“In that day the Root of Jesse (Messiah) will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people ....
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth” (Isaiah 11:10-12)
This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares: “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” (Zechariah 12:1-3)
After the Jews had been dispersed from their homeland twice, in 1948 they were restored for the second and last time exactly as prophesied in the Bible. Despite attempts from the surrounding hostile nations to wipe them out, the Jews miraculously survived. No nation has ever recovered from the type of exile the Jews experienced, yet they have done it twice, just as the Bible predicted. God punished the Jews for disobedience by exiling them from their homeland. Yet because of Gods promises to Israel, He brought them back. Now millions of Jews are emigrating to Israel from all corners of the globe to escape persecution, also as prophesied in the Bible. In the last days all of the nations of the earth will gather together to fight against Israel. They will fail. Their armies will ultimately be destroyed by the return of Jesus.
He (the angel) gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise , different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.’ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.’
(Daniel 7:23-25)
The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast-all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (Revelations 13:5-8)
There is a powerful movement to unite the world in a single government. In this century this movement started with the League of Nations, which is now called the United Nations. More power and sovereignty is granted to the UN every year. Our troops fight under the UN banner. The World Trade Organization and international treaties such as NAFTA and GATT govern our trade policy. All that remains to unite the world into a single world power is the rise of a charismatic leader.
It is well established in Biblical interpretation that the fourth beast spoken of by Daniel is the Roman empire. Significantly the antichrist will rule over a confederation of 10 nations arising from the ashes of the former Roman empire. It is therefore not a coincidence to see the rise of the European Union. It will increase in power significantly in the coming years and eventually become the head of a tyrannical one world government. A catalyst for the rise of Europe would be the removal of the United States as a significant world power.
“In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.” (Daniel 8:23-26).
The dragon (Satan) gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. Men worshipped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshipped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?” (Revelations 13:3-4)
There is already a cry for a great world leader to save us from our troubles. The new-age movement, Judaism and many other religions are promising the arrival of a great spiritual leader who will lead the world into a golden age. The Bible tells us that leader will come, but he will be energized by Satan. So all encompassing and destructive will be his power that only the return of Jesus will prevent the extinction of mankind.
He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead,
so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666. (Revelation 13: 16-18)
A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." (Revelation 14:9-11)
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)
Debit cards, point of sales transactions, and credit cards have made the cashless society a reality. Already the technology is available to implant numbers (e.g. social security numbers or national id numbers) and information into the human body. This technology is being used to identify pets and small children. It is a natural and logical extension to require everyone to eventually have bio-chip implants containing debit-card information. Think of the security and convenience advantages! Given the rise of global terrorism, this may be the ultimate biometric national I.D. card, used to weed out ‘undesirables’. The technology for the mark of the beast has only recently become possible, yet this economic system was predicted thousands of years ago by the power of God.
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats,” (Matthew 25:31-32)
Christ will return in great glory and destroy the antichrist and his minions. All the nations will be judged and all those who practice evil will be destroyed. Christ will then bring about a golden age, the utopia that man has always longed for but can never achieve by his own efforts.
“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18.
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:9.
Before you dismiss Jesus as just a ‘fairy tale’ examine the facts for yourself!
If the Bible could astoundingly predict the precise arrival of
Jesus 500 years in advance could it be wrong about the condition
of your soul? The ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy is in your hands. Choose Jesus and live forever or reject Him and face eternal judgement. Faith according to the Bible means trust in Jesus. If you trust Him you will obey him. You will get baptized, attend church, pray, read your Bible and follow His commandments. The Bible promises eternal life for all who trust in Jesus. Moreover God Himself will wipe away your sins and give you His promised Holy Spirit. The alternative is a fearful judgement in hell and separation from God forever.
For additional information see.
http://www.gotlife.org/intro.html