Bible Prophecy.

When I was young, that was something that some people talked about in Christian churches. There was a common joke in newspapers and magazines as we often saw comic pictures with a person holding up a sign. The protest sign had these words, or something similar “The end is near!” 

Do you remember those cartoons? They seem to have disappeared now, but like everything, an Internet search will bring up many examples. This includes Homer Simpson with one of those signs and his picture could make a fridge magnet.

Here is an example that is not Homer:

The End Is Near

So, is the end near, really, or is this just an old joke?

There is a strong trend to make end-time prophecy a part of modern politics. I read the news about Iran and the sudden war in the Middle East, and I hope it will end soon, peacefully. The news stories are getting scary.

This might be a good time to hold up a “The End is Near!” sign. Apparently, China and Russia are supporters of Iran, and we could have World War Three if they get directly involved in this new war. The potential for something like “The End” seems really close.

It all seems “Apocalyptic.”

There is a lot of religion in the news and it is easy to apply Bible prophecy, and make every story a sign of the end. For example. Have you heard of the “Sandy” incident? Sandy is a city in the state of Utah, and a suburb of Salt Lake City and you probably know that is a location famous for strong religious ideas. 

Apparently, shots were fired, and the target was a religious leader. The good news is, no-one was injured or killed, but it does seem scary and apocalyptic. If you want to know more, here is a news story:

We are living in a time when the news seems like it could explode, and become something much bigger. Maybe the end is near. And I hope the police catch the Sandy shooter soon, and find out what really happened.

In Bible prophecy, there are predictions of terrible wars, and the violence starting now could be interpreted as the beginning of the apocalyptic end:

I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia [Iran], Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes; many peoples are with you. (Ezekiel 38: 4, 5, and 6)

Note that “Persia” is “Iran” in modern times. I inserted the extra word in the Bible quotation.

So, are we at the end? 

According to Jesus Himself, NO, but we might be at the beginning of the end:

See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Matthew 24: 4 to 8)

Note that one clear sign of the end, according to Jesus, is people predicting the end … but they are wrong. Human struggles are a good illustration that we need God. We can’t mange without our creator, and we will destroy ourselves, if we don’t have help, from above.

The beginning of the Apocalypse is human corruption and incompetence. It will be very clear that we are lost, and we can’t save ourselves, and then God, in the person of Jesus, will come and save us from ourselves:

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have. (Reveleation 3: 10 and 11)

If we want to see the end, we should just look in a mirror. On our own, we are lost and we need to be rescued. When we see that truth, we see the beginning of the end.

That is an important lesson in life: