The Soon Coming Climax
Bible prophecy-proof the bible is true and we are now in the latter days - and how to be saved (A brief summary)
This message may be called a road sign of warning. Some may look at a sign that reads-THE BRIDGE IS OUT, and say, "Oh, someone is just trying to scare us into taking another road; let's go on the same way." They go on and plunge to their death. The sign was not meant to scare people, but to warn them of impending danger. The sign was put there, because someone cared and didn't want others to perish.
God wants you to know, WHEN YOU SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS (the prophecies from the Bible in this message), KNOW YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND-Lk 21:31.
- Will Russia and some Arab nations invade Israel and the U.S.A. become involved? Yes.
- Will 1/4th of the world's population die? Yes.
- Will there be a one-world system or global economy? Yes.
- Will diseases increase such as AIDS? Yes.
- Did you know the Bible tells us about what is happening?
WHAT IS GOING ON?
People have said the end was near many times in the past-true. But did you know the Bible shows us no prophecy of the latter days meant anything until Israel was reborn into a nation? Did you know God's Word indicates to us a generation would not pass from Israel's rebirth, till all be fulfilled (which includes the Rapture, the Tribulation, and Jesus Christ's return)? A Jewish generation can be figured from the age of 20.
Many people have been preaching about the latter days of the end times in churches, on radio, TV, and through books and magazines. Some include Billy Graham, Hal Lindsey, Ray Brubaker, John Hagee, David Breese, Zola Levitt, Jack Van Impe, Peter Lalonde, and Tim LaHaye just to mention a few. To those that understand the Bible, no explanation is needed. To those that are prideful, self-centered, that love this world, that despise God's correction, that are contentious or seeking the praise of men rather than of God, no explanation is possible-ref Dan 12:4, 10; Mt 24:37, 39.
It has been said that it is virtually impossible for anyone to make 11 straight predictions, 2000 years into the future. There is only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it that such a thing could be done. If such a set of predictions existed, it would have to be the Word of God.
Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist and certain nations that would be allied together, and the exact size of a nation's army. Include what the people and church would be like. Also include the names of actual cities and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist. Do eleven straight prophecies and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with absolute, perfect accuracy. If this is so, even the most skeptical person (that is truthful) would have to agree that there is indeed a God and the Bible has to be His Word. 2 Pet 1:20,21-KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust).
Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of
the last generation before Christ returns:
1. The return of the Jewish people
The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That's 1 out of 1.
Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn.
The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here.
Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not
believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God's
Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the
flood was coming in Noah's time, so people today willingly choose to disregard
the signs of the times.
2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once - Isa 66:8.
Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That's 2 out of 2.
Note: On Nov. 29,
1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the
establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine.
On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting
of the People's Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the
state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation
ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of
Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious
White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was
declared null and void. Members of the People's Council signed the
proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of
Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a
nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British
soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in
announcing U.S. recognition
of Israel.
The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the
Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces.
3. Israel would be brought forth "out of the nations"- Ezek 38:8.
Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That's 3 out of 3.
Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"-the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.
4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem -Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19.
This happened just as predicted in 1967. That's 4 out of 4.
Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel's rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel's rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel's rebirth and the signs of the times- that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?
5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus.
Prophecy fulfilled. That's 5 out of 5.
Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us-you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don't know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today's church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don't even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.
6. Prophecy regarding this generation
The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some:
- Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect.
- People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.
- People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials-"I do it for me"?
- People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2.
- People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.
- Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.
- People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?
- People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?-we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end.
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People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21.
The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals
or drugs. God's Word is 100% right on every one. That's 6 out of 6. How could
you have any doubts at this point?
Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.
7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20;Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12.
Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That's 7 out of 7.
Note: It is
estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA
and Russia
(as of the year 2002) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.
8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10.
This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8.
Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world.
9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16.
Incredible. That's 9 out of 9.
Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.
10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million.
This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That's 10 out of 10.
11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability.
This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That's 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible-11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago-with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.
About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL? (Note: The Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy has the complete list of 365 prophecies.)
What Happens Next? The Rapture and Tribulation
RAPTURE (the Biblical term is "caught up" or "translation") is a term used to describe the removal from the earth of all living people that have been born-again as evidenced by their fruits. Just prior to the Tribulation coming about, the Rapture will take place. The number that will be raptured will be far fewer than most people might think. The Bible unmistakably portrays the raptured saints in heaven before the throne of God, prior to the Antichrist coming forth and the Tribulation beginning. The Scripture tells us, in the twinkling of an eye, we shall be changed and be with Jesus in the air. 1 Cor 15:51,52-WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, BUT WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, IN A MOMENT IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMP: FOR THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND; 1 Thes 4:16,17-AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST, THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS. We may be asleep, immediately we will be with Jesus. All the unbelievers, the lukewarm Christians, and those that did not obey the Gospel will be left to face the dreadful Tribulation.
THE TRIBULATION is the worst time in history since man has been on the earth. Immediately following the Rapture, the man of sin (called the Antichrist) comes forth and assumes control of the EEC. He can be expected to be very charismatic and brilliant. He confirms a treaty with Israel and others, which begins the Tribulation.
It is a 7 year period, but the Lord may have shortened the first 3 1/2 years in some way -ref Mk 13:20; Ro 9:28. We are not setting a date; however, we are now living in that generation in which this will happen. Hate, murder, thefts, rape, and every imaginable form of evil will abound. During this horrible period of God's wrath, Russia, Iran, and other nations will come against Israel. The USA becomes involved. One-fourth of the world's population will die. Many of the dead will be from the USA, as well as Russia. One-third of trees are burned up. All green grass is burned up. One-third of the sea will become blood. One-third of the creatures in the sea will die. One-third of the ships are destroyed. One-third of the waters become wormwood (or poisoned, or radioactive). Massive famines, increased earthquakes, and more diseases will happen as birth pangs of a woman. Those left alive will have opportunities to receive Jesus through the preaching of 144,000 male, virgin Jews; however, death by decapitation lies ahead for most that put their trust in Jesus, unless they renounce their faith. There will also be many false Christs and false prophets. A one-world, false religion that God calls MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH will increase. This religion has existed for hundreds of years and exists today. The nations of the world have become intoxicated with her false teachings. The temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
About 3½ years from the end of the Tribulation, the Antichrist (also called the beast) is killed with a wound in the head by a weapon, but his deadly wound will be healed. He will come back to life. He then declares himself to be God and moves into the temple in Jerusalem. A false prophet appears that will do great wonders. The sacrifices at the temple will be stopped. The abomination of desolation occurs. An image of the Antichrist will be set on a wing of the temple. Those that refuse to worship it will be beheaded. The elect born-again Jews now flee for their lives to a place where God will hide them and take care of them during the last three and a half years. Power is given to the Antichrist over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. All that dwell on the earth shall worship the Antichrist, whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. During these last three and a half years (called the Great Tribulation), world conditions will continue to worsen. A one-world system will exist. The Antichrist shall make war against the saints and will overcome them. People will be required to take the mark of the Antichrist or the number of his name (666) in or on their forehead or right hand. If they, refuse they cannot buy or sell.
Two prophets of God will appear. One of them is Elijah. Their ministry lasts 1260 days. They warn people not to take the mark or worship the image. There is no forgiveness from God afterward for those that do. They will go to the eternal lake of fire. These two witnesses have the power to shut up heaven so that it does not rain. They have the power to bring all kinds of plagues on the earth. Multitudes will be slain for the Word of God. Some type of locusts will sting men with a sting like a scorpion. It will be so bad that men will seek death and shall not find it. There will be terrible sores upon men. The rivers and fountains will become blood. Men will be scorched with great heat. Earthquakes and diseases continue to get worse and worse. Two hundred million troops will march to Israel from the east and cross the dried up Euphrates River. One-third more of the earth's population will be killed. After the 1260 days, the two prophets of God will be killed. People will rejoice, but then after three and a half days, they will arise and ascend up to heaven as others watch. Great fear falls on those that see this. Men will be so terrified that their hearts will fail, as they consider what is about to happen. Multitudes will hide in the rocks and say, "FALL ON US AND HIDE US FROM...HIM (Jesus)...FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME; AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?"-Rev 6:16,17.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION of those days, the Battle of Armageddon explodes. It lasts one day. The kings and armies of the earth are gathered to make war against Jesus. Jesus Christ returns as the King of kings and Lord of lords with all His saints. If He had not returned exactly when He did, there should be no life left on earth. The Antichrist and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire. Satan is chained for one thousand years, so he can deceive the nations no longer till the thousand years be fulfilled. Every force of nature is likely to be unleashed at once, including killer tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves, lightning encircling the earth, and the biggest earthquake in mankind's history. The cities and the mountains of the world will crumble. The Bible tells that every island fled away. The mountains were not found. There is great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of 70 to l00 pounds. The earth will move out of its place. At the end of that one day, there are so few people left alive that a child could list them.
This may all sound like a fairy tale, but remember-from Israel's rebirth to the Tribulation, there are about 365 prophecies. Incredibly, nearly all have now been fulfilled. In addition, there are over 10,000 prophecies in the Bible and every one up to this time has come true without a single exception. THE FOOL HAS SAID IN HIS HEART THERE IS NO GOD-Ps 14:1.
ARE YOU READY TO MEET JESUS?
We have proven that the Bible is God's Word. Now you are faced with a decision. Will you ignore what you have learned, or will you surrender your life to Jesus? If you had a sudden heart attack or the Rapture came in the next five minutes, are you sure you are ready to meet God? You may say, "I believe I'm a good person. I sing in the choir. I attend church and give offerings." The Bible says all of your righteous deeds ARE AS FILTHY RAGS. You may be religious and go to church, but if you died right now-you would perish to hell. Why? Because you have not been born-again. You may say, "Well my church never preaches like this." Will you trust your religion or what the Bible says? If you choose not to accept God's way to enter heaven, then you are choosing eternal separation from God.
YOU MAY ASK, WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? FOUR THINGS.
1. You must admit that you are a sinner. The Bible tells us, ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.
2. Be willing to change, to forsake all sin, to humble yourself and live for Jesus. Repent. Be willing to ask God for His help to make that change. The Bible tells us, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD. Jesus tells us, HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME.
3. Believe in your heart Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son, God Who came to this earth in human form. Believe He died for your sins. It is written, THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED. If you are caught robbing a bank, you have to go to jail. Jesus never sinned. When He died on the cross, He did not die for the things He did. He died to pay your jail sentence.
4. Ask for forgiveness. Ask for God's mercy. By faith receive Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation. Afterwards, be willing to get baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Nicodemus was considered a very religious man in the Bible; however, in Jn 3:3, Jesus tells him it is not enough. You MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
I am going to ask you to make that decision for Jesus right now. You need to repent and ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Please kneel right where you are. Can you sense God calling you right now? Is your heart pounding? You may have been baptized or confirmed, but something inside you is saying, "Be sure." Perhaps you have strayed from God and need to rededicate your life to Jesus now. Would you rather go to be with God or the lake of fire? You have that choice right now. God wants you to receive the gift of eternal life. Are you sure there is not a sin, there is nothing that stands between you and God? But you may know there is. The Bible tells us THERE IS A WAY WHICH SEEMETH RIGHT UNTO A MAN, BUT THE END THEREOF ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH. Jesus wants you to KNOW HIM, to have a personal relationship with Him. It's not a matter of whether you think you know Jesus, but does Jesus know you?
Right now, kneel and pray this prayer out loud, and mean it with all your heart
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DEAR JESUS, I AM A SINNER. I BELIEVE YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD AND DIED FOR MY SINS ON THE CROSS. FORGIVE ALL OF MY SINS. JESUS, I REPENT. I ASK YOU TO HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER, AND COME INTO MY LIFE. GIVE ME YOUR SPIRIT AND YOUR POWER. HELP ME TO FOLLOW AND OBEY YOUR COMMANDMENTS, AND TO LIVE FOR YOU. JESUS, I GIVE YOU MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY PRAYER. THANK YOU FOR COMING INTO MY LIFE. I ASK IT IN THE NAME OF MY LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. AMEN. |
If You Just Said That Prayer and Meant It
We recommend you now read your Bible every day faithfully-5 or more chapters a day. Begin with the Gospel of John and read it through three times. Next go to Matthew and read the New Testament through three times. Then begin reading the entire Bible in order, beginning with Genesis. As God opens up His Word to you, obey it. Be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only, deceiving yourself-ref Ja 1:22. As you are faithful, God will open your understanding of His Word more and more.
Find a good Bible-teaching church that teaches God's Word, sound doctrine, Bible prophecy, the Revelation, not just stories about worldly things. They should also love and support Israel and the Jewish people. Attend often and get baptized. Tell others that Jesus is your only hope of salvation. If you've just said that prayer and committed your life to Jesus, please e-mail us and let us know. We would like to pray for you and send you some free literature. Please send your postal mailing address.
FINAL NOTE ON SALVATION
"After" we believe on Jesus Christ, "after" we have repented of our sins, we are commanded to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED-Mk 16:16. Note, believing on Jesus comes "before" water baptism. Infant baptism or any baptism prior to repenting and believing on Jesus has no meaning. You cannot be baptized into One on Whom you do not believe. It is written, FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST-Gal 3:27. Water baptism is by full immersion. As it is written, BURIED WITH HIM (with Jesus) IN BAPTISM (or buried in the water)-Col 2:12, ref Ro 6:4. Jesus commanded, GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU: AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD. AMEN-Mt 28:19,20.
Surrender means "you give up." You stop putting your will before God's will. You allow Jesus (God's Word) to reign over you. You submit to Jesus and let Him become the Lord of your life.
If you have not yet humbled yourself, and totally surrendered to Jesus, and become as a little child (ref Mt 18:3), and continued steadfast in the faith, I would suggest that NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION-2 Cor 6:2. Please submit to God, say the prayer, and mean it with all of your heart. God loves YOU and cares.
I CALL HEAVEN AND EARTH TO RECORD THIS DAY AGAINST YOU, THAT I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT...THOU...MAY LIVE-Deut 30:19.
