Acts 1:11 ‘.. This same Jesus, Who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’

We live in a world that seems to get more violent and Godless every day.  Acts of terrorism and barbaric cruelty have become the order of the day, and respect for human life is at an all time low.  Morality and respect for authority seem to be things of the past.  Church attendance is declining at a record rate, with the effect that many churches are no longer financially viable and have to close their doors.  It all leads one to question – just when Christ will return in fulfilment of His promises in John 14:3 and Acts 1:11?  While it is improper for anyone to set dates for the Lord’s return, we have been told that we will see signs that indicate His return is near.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 we are told that a ‘falling away’ from the faith is a sign of Christ’s soon return.  There is no doubt that this sign is evident today.  John 16:2 says ‘They shall put you out of the synagogues: yes, the time will come that whoever kills you will think that he is doing God a service.’  That prophecy too has become a reality in many parts of the world today.

Matthew 24:37 states that ‘as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’  Before the great flood, the days of Noah were described as a world where ‘the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.’ (Genesis 6:10)  Is this not an appropriate description of our world today?

The twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew  describes many of the events which will occur before Christ’s return. Israel and the history of its people have been characterized as God’s timepiece for world events; in the Bible, the nation of Israel has also been referred to as a fig tree.  Matthew 24:32-34 speaks of a parable of the fig tree, with an obvious reference to Israel and its re-formation in 1948.  Verse 34 states that ‘this generation shall not pass until all these things are fulfilled,’  Although the definition of a generation is not clearly defined, the generation which was present during the time of Israel’s establishment must be nearing its end.

There are many other signs mentioned in the Bible regarding the return of Christ, such as the frequency of earthquakes, a return to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, a world government, a world pseudo-Christian church, and others which are prevalent in today’s world.  As the day of Christ’s returning nears, we will not only see the signs appearing, but the frequency and intensity of them will also become more evident.  Again, we are warned not to set dates, but the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy should be seen as clear evidence that Christ could return for His church at any time.  The most important decision any person can make is to receive Christ as Saviour and Lord, and be ready for His return.

Are YOU falling away?

Do You now Jesus as Saviour and Lord?