Judgment for False Teachers

Like Jesus and Paul, Peter warned about false prophets.  In II Peter 1:21-2:2 he reminds us that God directed the prophets, but that false prophets teach contrary to what God said.  “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.  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

He prophesied that there will be false prophets in every organization, teaching things that go squarely against what God has said, even to the point of denying that Christ is God’s son, or that he is able to pay for man’s sin.  Unfortunately, they will draw away a lot of people and cause Christianity to be rejected both for their ungodly teachings and the constant fighting among the different groups.   As we look at modern Christianity, it easy to see how completely Peter and Paul’s prophecies have been fulfilled. 

Peter goes on to explain that to these false prophets Christianity is just a way of making money, playing on people’s emotions and lusts, not understanding that God’s judgment is coming, as II Peter 2:3-11.  “And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” 

We can look back in history and see where God Judged the entire world for their wickedness in Noah’s day, or Sodom and Gomorrah in Abraham’s day, while sparing Noah and Lot and their families.  He knows how to save the righteous and destroy the wicked, and will destroy those who just think they can do as they please.  Like a bunch of animals, they destroy things they don’t understand never realizing that their actions will cause their own deaths.  They are quite proud of their ability to fool real Christians and consider them as mugs to be taken advantage of, as II Peter 2:12-16 tells us.  “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.”

Like Balaam, they have gotten caught up in the earthly rewards and get involved in sexual sin, ripping people off, and deliberately misleading people.  Before long their wickedness is apparent to those around, like Balaam’s was to his donkey.  While they sound very spiritual and exciting, they have nothing of real value to offer the Christian, as II Peter 2:17-22 warns.  “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

While they make great promises about What God can do, and have been deeply involved with the church and gotten their lives straightened out for a time, there is no underlying change.  They revert to their old attitudes and behaviors when they get a chance.  Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” 

When they have been that involved, seeing God’s power so clearly, then turn their backs on it, never accepting God gift of salvation as good enough, there is nothing that will ever change their minds, and God will not make a special way of salvation for them.  Like Judas Iscariot, they have made their choice, and can’t even use ignorance as an excuse.  Other people still have the possibility of turning to God.    

Why Do The Prophecies Matter?

Death is a fact of life on earth.  The primary premise of Christianity is that God loves us, and has given us his son so that we might have eternal life, as John 3:16-18 tells us.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 

While we can see the things happening on earth right now, we cannot see into the future to understand what that eternal life will be like.  Prophecy gives us a glimpse of what we can look forward to in eternity, but it also warns us about things that will happen in this life and our role here on earth.  Paul prophetically warned Timothy of dangers of false prophets and modifying our teaching to fit the times, in I Timothy 4 and II Timothy 3-4.

Peter shared Paul’s concerns, reminding us that one day we will be rewarded for our service for God, in I Peter 5:1-7.  “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Those who are in leadership positions are responsible for seeing that their people are taught the principles God has laid down, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:20.  “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  If we will make that effort, we will please God, as Paul told Timothy in I Timothy 4:6.  “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”

Paul stressed the need to focus on the scriptures as being god’s word, in II Timothy 3-4. Peter makes a similar statement, in II Peter 1:16-18.  “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.” 

The Apostles message was not some story they made up, but was what they had observed for themselves.  They literally heard God say from Heaven that Jesus is God’s son.  They and countless others saw the miracles and heard what Jesus taught.  Matthew, John, Peter, James, and Paul were all Apostles.  Mark and Luke became Christians later, and their writings recount what other people who were there at the time told them.  While there are differences in their accounts, the basic story and teachings are the same.  The differences indicate that the various books were written independently, and were not copied from one another. 

Peter then went on to state that the prophecies are equally dependable, in II Peter 1:19-21.  “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 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.”

In II Timothy 3:16, Paul said all scripture, including the prophecies is given by inspiration of God.  While God is perfect, the human languages in which the scriptures are expressed are not.  As a result, we cannot interpret passages solely on what the passage itself says, but must compare it with other passages to be sure what it actually means.  As languages change over time and new versions of the Bible are printed this becomes increasingly important.  A proper understanding and that the prophecies are true is crucial, because as Paul said in I Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”  We have given up much that the world offers in the belief that we will earn greater rewards, and if it is not true, or if we have done the wrong things, we have wasted our time. 

Facing Changing Times

In Matthew 24:10-12, Jesus warned. “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Paul warned Timothy about the false prophets and how they would use traditions, satanic doctrines and distortions of scripture to mislead people in I Timothy 4, setting their own standards, and focusing on physical health and activities rather than on spiritual things.  In II Timothy, he warns him that over time the moral standards will change, and these changes will even creep into the church. 

II Timothy 3:1-7 describes the attitudes that will develop.  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

As Paul says, things will become dangerous because people become increasingly selfish, wanting what others have.  They will become proud, bragging about things and tearing down others to make themselves look better.  They will have little respect for their parents or appreciation for what they have.  They will be immoral and not develop natural relationships.  They will have little loyalty and think nothing of lying about people.  They will lack self-control, being cruel and hating those who have a moral standard.  They will betray those closest to them without hesitation, convinced they are smarter and more deserving.  Even those who are religious will place their own pleasure ahead of obedience to God.  They will practice religious traditions, but not actually believe them.  Unfortunately, these attitudes can seem very exciting and attractive to the immature and those who just go along with the crowd without thinking things through, bouncing from teacher to teacher and never really settling on what is true.

We need to avoid these popular attitudes and teachers, because they are standing against the truth, as Paul tells us in II Timothy 3:8-9.  “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”  Before long it will be obvious that they are not of God because as Matthew 7:20 tells us, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”  Just watch what they produce. 

Paul directed Timothy to compare what these people do with what he had done to see how things should be, in II Timothy 3:10-12.  “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”  Just because something is popular does not prove it is from God.   

Many will turn to other teachings, but we are not to let those attitudes and behaviors influence us, but are to stay true to the scriptures as II Timothy 3:13-4:3 instructs.  “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

It is critical we focus on the scriptures, because as Jesus said, in Matthew 24:12, “…because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”  II Timothy 4:3-4 warns, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

We must not allow ourselves to be drawn into the attitudes and beliefs of those around us, even when it leads to conflict with other people.  II Timothy 4:3 commands, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”  We still need to share the gospel and do the things God has commanded. 

Prophecy About False Teachers

Throughout the Old Testament, most of the prophecies were to warn people about what was coming, whether as a result of their sin, or to encourage them to remain faithful giving hope for the future.   The same is true of the prophecies in the New Testament.  While Jesus made numerous prophetic statement s about the future, most of them were warning about persecution they would face and that tere would be false teachers who tried to lead people away from the truth.  Only when asked specifically about where should they focus did he spend much time teaching about the end times so that future generations would understand what was going on. 

In I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 and 5 Paul used prophecy to encourage us that there is hope for the future even for those who die.  In II Thessalonians 2, he warned us to not get upset and distracted by prophetic teachings and forget to serve the Lord day by day, reminding us that the Lord’s coming would not happen until after the Antichrist sets up his empire.   

Timothy was young man, just starting as a minister, and Paul would use prophecy to warn him of the dangers of false prophets and his responsibility to warn his hearers of the danger they posed,  In I Timothy 4:1-8.  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.  But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.  For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

As he warned, there would be teachers in the future who would try to get them to accept satanic teachings, deliberately lying to them and encouraging immoral acts such as homosexuality, adultery, or abortion.  Others would forbid their followers to marry, insisting it was wrong even though God sanctioned it from the very beginning, in Genesis 2:21-24.  “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”   Still others would forbid their followers to eat pork, or adopt a Vegan life style, forbidding them to eat any animal products even though God had said they were all acceptable, in Genesis 9:3.  “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”

If a pastor is to do a proper job, he must teach the people not to be misled by such false teachings but to focus on what God actually said.  He must not get wrapped up in traditions or worldly philosophies, or even like the Greeks of his day, caught in sports and physical fitness.  Instead of teaching such things, we are to teach people what it means to be godly, to walk in the spirit, rather than trying to serve God in the flesh by keeping a bunch of rules.  Galatians 3:21-22 tells us that there are no rules that can make us righteous, saying, “…if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

Such teachings cause conflicts between different churches and groups, even when there seems to be some scriptural support for the practices such as those described in I Corinthians 10:1-11:16.  Romans 16:17-18 warns that those who are focused on these things are not serving God,.  “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” 

We need to keep our focus on God and his word rather than human ideas of what is right if we are to please God.  We must not allow false teachers to distort the gospel and distract us from the truth. 

Satan Cannot Come To Power Until God Allows It

For the Christian who is trying to serve god, prophecy ought to be a source of comfort as he sees the things that go on in this world and remembers that God warned about what is happening and that it is going according to his plan.  Unfortunately, prophecy teachers frequently misuse prophecy to manipulate people, whether through fear or pride.  For example, in the 1700’s, John Nelson Darby used the idea of the pre-tribulation rapture to convince thousands of Irish Catholics to join the Church of England so they wouldn’t have to go through the Tribulation.  Later, he split with the Church of England and helped start the Plymouth Brethren.   He developed the doctrine of Dispensationalism based on the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 to convince people to leave other churches and join the new group. 

Modern pastors and “evangelists” use these same doctrines and others to get people to give vast amounts of money or bring large numbers of people to their meetings.    Like John Nelson Darby, they focus on the horrors of the Tribulation period, creating fear in the hearts of Christians.  Paul addressed this problem in II Thessalonians 2:1-2.  “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. “  He says that we are not to allow such preaching to upset us regardless of the supposed qualifications of the preacher or evangelist. 

Politicians and “medical experts” have played on people’s fears during the Corona virus pandemic to cause conflicts, changing our culture and damaging our economy in ways that we may never recover, possibly even resulting in another depression or civil war.     Prophetic teaching that plays on people’s fears can have equally devastating effects on churches and the lives of individual Christians. With that in mind, II Thessalonians 2:3-5 tells us what has to happen before it takes place.  “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?” 

Paul was quite specific that the Lord will not return until after the Antichrist is revealed.  Jesus said we didn’t need to worry about it until the Antichrist was revealed, in Matthew 24:14-21.  “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Satan has been working throughout history to take over the world, but has been restrained and will be unable to take over until the proper time.  For all these centuries, God’s people have been protected from him.  He cannot bring the Antichrist to power until the being that holds him pack is taken away, as II Thessalonians 2:6-7 tells us.  “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”  Daniel 12:1 speaks of that event,  “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

When Michael the Archangel steps aside and stops restraining Satan, he will be free to set up his world government and under the Antichrist, and attack God’s people, as II Thessalonians 2:8-10 describes.  “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

The tribulation period is designed especially for Israel.  They will see the evil of the Antichrist’s kingdom and be forced to make a choice whether to serve God or Satan, as will the rest of the world.   The Gospel message of John 3:16-20 will be preached everywhere,  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

While many will come to Christ during that time, many others will not, preferring the evil Satan offers.  God will enable those who make that choice to  convince themselves that they are right even when Satan is losing control,  much like the Nazi’s who continued to believe they would rule the world right up until Hitler committed suicide.  II Thessalonians 2:11-12 describes this.  “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  Even seventy five years after World War II, former Nazi’s like George Soros, and their descendants still cling to those delusions. 

Knowing Satan cannot come to power until God allows it is comforting, especially as we see what is going on in the world around us. 

Prophecy As A source Of Comfort

Death is an integral part of life on earth.  While most religions have a belief in some kind of after life, there are some who believe we just cease to exist at death.  Ultimately, such a belief leads to the conclusion that life is without meaning and value.  Solomon addresses such an outlook in Ecclesiastes 1 and 2.  If that philosophy is true then it really doesn’t matter what we do while we are alive, because it is all frustrating and meaningless. 

Prophecy gives us assurance that our life here has meaning and value.  In I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul wrote, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: 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, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Here Paul repeats what he said in I Corinthians 15, about both those believers who have already died and those who are still alive being gathered together to meet the Lord in the air, with no preference for one group or the other, just as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the workers in the field in Matthew 20:1-16.  Believing the Lord is coming back and we will spend eternity with him provides a level of comfort those who do not believe do not have. 

At the same time, we need to understand that we have not been told when he will return because he wants to surprise those who do not take him seriously, as we see in I Thessalonians 5:1-3.  “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 

Knowing that the Lord will return, we can concentrate on what he has commanded us to do.  If we are obedient, we will be prepared whenever he comes and will not be caught goofing off, as I Thessalonians 5:4-8 tells us.  “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Too often, prophetic teaching has been used to try to get people out soul winning in a desperate effort to prove they’ve been doing the Lord’s work, while neglecting the last part of the great commission in Matthew 28:20.   “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  God wants us to do the whole job, so that there will be people serving him whenever he comes, not just if he happens to come when they predicted it. 

If we knew when Christ is coming, most of us would procrastinate until the last moment before getting busy, and as a result, the job would never get done.  By not telling us when he is coming, he encourages those who really believe him to be faithful so that he will be pleased when he returns   I Thessalonians 5:9-11 reminds us, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”  Not only are we to comfort each other with the promises God has made, but we are to strengthen and build up one another. 

A New, Eternal Body

If Christ was not resurrected, there is no point in being a Christian, as I Corinthians 15:29-32 points out.  “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?  And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” 

Why be baptized in the name of Christ if he is just another dead body and no one will be resurrected?  Why would anyone risk their lives to teach about Christ if they have no hope for the future?  Paul himself repeatedly risked his life in shipwrecks and robbers, besides being arrested and forced to fight animals in the Roman arena for his beliefs.  Why would he do that if he knew Christianity was not true?

Parents quickly learn that their children’s friends influence their attitudes and behavior.  Unfortunately, many adults do not realize how much their associates influence their attitudes and actions.  Association with teachers and religious leaders who question the accuracy of the scriptures may weaken the faith of even the most dedicated Christian, and lead them into sin, as I Corinthians 15:33 warns.  “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”  To avoid getting caught up in the attitudes and sin of those around us, we need to focus on what God has said, realizing that even some of those in the churches do not know the Lord as I Corinthians 15:34 states.  “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”

Those who do not believe will frequently challenge our beliefs with leading questions that are intended to make us look foolish and unsure of what we believe.  I Corinthians 15:35 illustrates one such question which is intended to make one question the Lord’s return.  “But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?”

Frequently, questions designed to entrap people are intentionally designed to be very impossible to answer in a straight forward manner, often implying the basic premise is false.  Paul pointed out that the question was foolish, overlooking obvious facts, in I Corinthians 15:36-41.  “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.  All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.” 

It is obvious that a seed is different than the plant which grows from it, and that different kinds of animals have different bodies.  Even the sun, the moon and the planets are different from one another, so the idea that one would be changed when they are resurrected seems obvious, as I Corinthians 15:42-50 tells us.  “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.   As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

Cells in our human body begin dying as soon as we are born, and eventually more cells are dying than are being reproduced, resulting in death.  To live eternally requires that the death rate can never exceed the creation of new cells, which will require major changes in our body.  Sin is the cause of that constant dying process, and must be changed if we are to survive in Heaven. 

Fortunately, God has made provision that even the bodies of those who are alive when he comes will have the necessary changes.  I Corinthians 15:51-57  is very clear about this.  “Behold, I show you a mystery; 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, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.   For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Old Testament Law called attention to mankind’s sin, so that it could not be discounted.  Fortunately, as  Romans 8:1-2 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”  That changed spirit is free from the old attitudes and practices of sin, and will not corrupt the new body.  As a result, we don’t have to worry about messing up and losing our salvation and missing out.   We can be sure that we will receive the rewards God has promised, as I Corinthians 15:58 declares.  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Prophecy And The Resurrection

What we really believe about Christ affects everything for the Christian.  For example, there have been those who did not believe in the resurrection since the very beginning.  The Jews claimed that the disciples just stole the body and lied about it,  Some so called  Bible Scholars” have claimed that the disciples just went to the wrong tomb and were mistaken about him being resurrected.  Paul’s statements in I Corinthians 15:3-8 makes both these positions untenable if we believe the Bible to be true.  “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

Other “scholars” have postulated that Jesus did not really die, but only passed out as a result of his suffering and later revived, rolling away the stone and coming out of the grave in his own power.  The reason the soldiers stuck the spear into his heart was to make sure he was dead, and the separation of the blood from the plasma indicates he had been dead for some time before they did so.  It seems incredible that person wounded so severely could recover so completely that three days later, without food or treatment, while still wrapped in grave clothes like a mummy, could recover sufficiently as to roll away a stone that a group of at least three women coming to the grave were not sure they could move. 

Despite the evidence, some have believed these so-called scholars, while others have accepted the resurrection as fact but doubt the prophecies that people will be resurrected.  Paul points out that the resurrection is central to the entire Christian  belief in I Corinthians 15:12-15.  “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.”  If the resurrection is not true, then all of Christianity is a fraud and those who claim to be Christians are misleading people.   While some may be deceived, those “scholars” who insist the resurrection if false while professing to be Christians are knowingly and deliberately promoting a fraud, promising those who believe an eternal hope they know to be a lie, as I Corinthians 15:16-19 states.   “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

Fortunately, we have evidence that Christ was raised from the dead, as Paul indicated earlier, giving assurance that we will have the eternal life we have been according to I Corinthians 15:20-22.  “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Our entire belief in the Second Coming hinges on Christ’s resurrection and his coming back for his people.  We need to understand that things must follow a prescribed order, as I Corinthians 15:23-28 explains.  “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

Christ was the first fruits, the first to be resurrected.  When he comes, he will raise his people from the dead and then establish his kingdom on earth.  When everything is completely under his control then he will relinquish control to God, much like a conquering general relinquishing control to his king or president.  Revelation 20:6-10 describes his reign and elimination of all opposition.  “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

According to Acts 17:31, Christ’s resurrection is the evidence that salvation is real and that we will be resurrected. “ Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Everyone To Be Judged

Jesus had just used two parables to show that what we have done in this life determines our situation in Heaven.  In the last part of Matthew 25, he goes into greater detail.  After the Lord comes back there will be great judgment as Matthew 25:31-33 describes.  “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.”

Revelation 14:14-18 describes the separation of the two groups.  “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.  And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.”

The first group to appear before God  will be his people. Matthew 25:34-40 describes why they will be rewarded.  “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

This first group is astounded because they don’t know what they are being rewarded for.  In Matthew 25:41-45, the second group doesn’t understand why they are not allowed into heaven.   Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.”

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Many in this second group have been very involved in religious activity, but Jesus said only those who are doing God’s will may enter heaven.  The big difference between the two groups is in their attitude.  Jesus said all the Law can be summed up in loving God and loving your neighbor, in Matthew 22:37-40.  “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.   On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 

The first group had cared about even the least noticed individuals, fulfilling God’s law.  The others had probably made great charitable donations but had not cared about the individuals enough to become personally involved.  They were just doing their duty.  Like the foolish virgins or the wicked servant, they didn’t really think what they did mattered and didn’t take his coming seriously.   That belief is crucial in obeying God, as John 6;28-29 points out.  “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”   Without it one will never please God, as Hebrews 11:6 tells us.  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  the second group did not believe, and as Matthew 25:46 tells us, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” 

Pay Day Is Coming

In Matthew 16:27, Jesus made another prophecy about his coming.   “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”  In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus uses another example to help us understand our responsibility before he returns.  “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.  After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.   His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Like the servants in the parable, we have been left to take care of the Lord’s business until he returns.  Understanding our differing abilities and skills he has given us different responsibilities.  Two of the servants went out and actively served their master, expanding his business as a result.    Fearing what others might do, the third man hid what his master had given him, making no effort to serve him. 

Even though their results were vastly different, the Lord was pleased with the efforts of both of those who had tried.   He was not pleased with the third man.  He knew his boss’ power and influence, and if he had made even the slightest effort it would have produced at least a little interest and his master would have been satisfied.  Because he made no effort whatsoever to serve his master, even hiding what his master had given him, his employer was very angry.  Ordering him to be treated just like those who were not his employees.  The Christian who makes no effort to serve God is like the person is hired to do a job but parks his company vehicle where it can’t be seen so he doesn’t have to do anything.  If he just parked where his vehicle could be seen somebody might ask him to do a job for them that would make money for his boss.  Best thing you can do is fire him and give his equipment to someone who will use it.

As Christians, we need to watch out that we don’t become complacent and neglect what we’ve been given to do.    II John 1:8 advises, “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.”

Your Destination Is Decided While You Are Alive

Jesus regularly used stories about everyday things to help us understand spiritual things.  In Matthew 25:1-13, he used a story about a wedding feast to illustrate what would be required for one to get into heaven.  “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Let’s explain this in modern terms.  A very rich man was planning his wedding, and had chartered a flight to take them to the place where it would be held.  Five of the girls had returned their confirmation letters, but the other five had not.  For several hours, they set in the waiting room, talking and napping until their flight was announced.  When the flight was announced, they all gathered their luggage and got their tickets ready.   Realizing their tickets had never been confirmed, the foolish ones asked the others to let them use their confirmation letters.  Fearing this would result in them not being allowed to go either, the wise ones refused, telling the foolish ones they needed to get their own.  After all, they had had plenty of time while they were waiting.    When they finally went they were too late and the flight had already departed.  The pilots couldn’t come back to get them. 

Jesus point was that people had had however long they lived on the earth to get right with God.  They would not be given another chance after the Lord came for them.  It is exactly the same point Jesus made in Matthew 16:19 when he told the disciples, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  The disciples could unlock the gate so people can get in, but whether they get to go into heaven or not depends on whether they get everything ready before their flight leaves, before the gate is closed.   Those who did not care enough to take care of their salvation while they had time, while they were yet alive will not get to cross over and decide whether they want to go to heaven or hell after they see what the judgement is like.

Speaking of the same time, II Thessalonians 2:8-12 tells us, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  John 3:18 tells us, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  there’s no changing your mind after death. 

What Should We Watch for?

In order to help the disciples to better understand what he meant, Jesus frequently used parables or stories about everyday things. The following parables were meant help them understand his earlier prophecies in Matthew 24.  He starts with a parable showing what he meant in Matthew  24:15-18.  “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.” 

In late winter and early spring. The days start getting longer, and the weather gradually gets warmer, although there may still be serious winter storms and late frosts.  You know summers is coming, but it’s not here yet.  It is like the period Jesus prophesied about in Matthew 24:3-14.  You know Christ is coming again, but you don’t know just when.  When you see the trees start putting out leaves, you know that summer is starting.  In Matthew 24:32-35 Jesus said, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

Some have said the fig tree represents Israel and this passage refers to the founding of modern Israel in 19:48.  Luke 21:29-31 records the same statement.  “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”  Clearly, Jesus’ emphasis was not on the fig tree, but on what is happening to the trees.  He told us what to watch for in Matthew 24:15.  “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place...”  Just as the leaves indicates the start of summer, when we see the Antichrist ban the worship of God in the Temple, will indicate the Tribulation period has begun.  Many people who are alive when that happens will live to see Christ’s return.  We know from Daniel 9 that the tribulation will only last seven years, and Daniel 11 tells us the Antichrist will not ban the sacrifices until the middle of the tribulation.  

Based on what Jesus said, I suspect people will not even be aware of the start of the Tribulation.  Matthew 24:36-39 tells us, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”  People will be going on about their lives, with no thought of what is happening right up until God takes out his people, as Matthew 24:40-41 states.  “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”

Christians know what God expects.  They need to focus on doing the job he has given them, because they do not know when Christ will return.  Those who are doing what he commanded will be rewarded when he returns, while those who are not will be punished for their sin, as Matthew 24:42-51 describes.  “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus warned that even before the Tribulation started many people would be led away by false prophets or get caught up in the sins of the world and turn away, in Matthew 24:11-12.  “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”  Once the Antichrist comes to power, this will become even more of a problem, as Matthew 24:24 tells us.  “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”  It would be easy to go along with the world, but we need to make the effort to stay true to Christ if we are to receive all the blessings he has for us.   Seeing these things happen should energize us to continue following Christ, because we know they mean his return is very close and they have to happen first.   

Jesus’ Prophecy About the Antichrist’s Reign

For many years there was a great deal of emphasis placed on signs such as wars and natural disasters as indicating the when the Lord will return.   Our modern media makes us aware of so many of these kinds of events that Christians have become overwhelmed and many say they are no longer looking for sigh, but are just waiting for the trumpet to sound.  As we saw in the previous post, the signs they were looking at indicated nothing about when Christ would return, but only reminded us how wicked this world is. 

Jesus did warn about one sign Christians should look for, in Matthew 24:15-22.  “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.” 

The event Jesus warned about is described in more detail in Daniel 9:26-27, when the Antichrist breaks the treaty with Israel and bans all worship of God.  Daniel 7:20-21, Daniel 8:23-25, and Daniel 11:31-39 all describe events during that period.  Although those who worship god, both Christians and Jews have been persecuted throughout history, Persecution in the Antichrist’s day will worse than ever before, and it will start in Jerusalem.  Those who are there will have no warning and will be forced to flee with just the clothes on their backs.   They will not have time to go home to get even minimal supplies so if it happens in winter or when they are away from home, they will be even more unprepared.  An infant or a baby born during this time will have little chance of survival. 

During the same period, Daniel 11:40-45 describes wars and political unrest, while Revelation 6-10 describes a series of plagues and natural disasters that wipe out half of the world’s population.  It will be so bad that in Matthew 24:22, Jesus said, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.”  If God didn’t intervene, all life on earth would be wiped out. 

People will panic as they see what is happening and be looking for anyone with answers. Just as we see right now with the Corona virus pandemic, and this will result in a great many experts claiming to have answers, hoping to capitalize on the panic.  Some of them will be unbelievably persuasive.  Christians must not allow themselves to be fooled, as Jesus warns in Matthew 24:23-26.  “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold, I have told you before.  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.”

When the Lord does come, it will not happen in a secret place, but will be obvious to everyone, as Matthew 24:27-28 describes.  “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” The very fact that it is being whispered in secret is a clear indication it is not real.  We need to remember that Jesus warned us about this. 

Jesus warned that the Antichrist’s ascension would be the beginning of extreme persecution for those who worship God, but as he said, God will intervene to prevent the end of all life.  Matthew 24:29-31 tells us a little about what will happen when he intervenes.  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

Revelation 14:14-16 gives a little more detail about the angels gathering God’s people.  “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.”