We’ve had a lot of strange things happening in our world. The rise of religious persecution, the outbreak of the Ebola virus, and the violence of ISIS cause us to ask some serious questions.
In Matthew 24, Luke 21, the Book of Revelation and elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus Christ, His apostles and the Hebrew prophets warn that in the end times we will see the rise of wars, natural disasters and diseases, and conflict in the Middle East. Jesus said in Matthew 24:33, “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” In verse 42, He commands, “Therefore, be on the alert.” In verse 43, He again tells His followers to ‘be on the alert.’ In verse 44, He says, ‘You must also be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.’
Some people try to predict the return of Christ and the end of the world.
What does the Bible say? Can we know when Jesus will return? Well, the Bible says we can’t know precisely when Jesus will return.
Matthew 25:13 says, ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.’
Matthew 24:36 reads, ‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.’ Mark 13:32 says, ‘But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.’
Though we cannot know exactly when He will return, Jesus said that the time just before his return to the earth would be marked by great distress and the widespread feeling among the nations of being trapped by circumstances and having “no way out.” Other Bible prophecies speak of developments before Christ’s return as being like the labor pains of a woman about to give birth, meaning that they would be increasingly intense as the time drew closer, with less and less time between the episodes of distress.
I think the rise of terror, wickedness, flooding, earthquakes, and wars and rumors of war are a sign that He could return soon. Though we cannot predict when He will return, we need to make sure we are ready at any time for His return. How can we be ready?
Here are five good questions to ask yourself to make sure you are ready…
1. Are you part of God’s family? Have you forsaken your sin and are you trusting in Jesus Christ only for forgiveness of sin and salvation?
2. Are your relationships with others right? Whether you were the one wrong or another, we are to make every attempt to reconcile with others.
3. Are you harboring any ongoing sin? Are there habits in your life that hinder your Christian walk? What about bitterness, unforgiveness, or hatred?
4. Have you shared the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ with those you know? If the only way to Heaven is Jesus, what’s keeping you from sharing this good news? Don’t wait too late.
5. Are you serving for eternal rewards or temporary benefits? We’re going to spend our time, money and talent on something. Will your investment continue into eternity?
Are you ready for Jesus to return?
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