Introduction
Talking about the “last days” or the “end time” is really important because we need to pay attention to it instead of getting caught up in things that distract us in the world. The Bible has a lot of Prophecies that tell us about the signs and situations that will happen during this time. In this conversation, we’ll explore five (5) Prophecies and see if our time right now matches what the last days are supposed to be like.
Signs of the Last Days:- Deception and False Prophets
One of the sign mentioned by Jesus is the rise of deception and false prophets. He cautioned the believers, “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” (Matthew 24:4-5).
He warned the believers to be careful and not be led astray. He said that many people would come claiming to be the Messiah and would mislead many others. This means that we are living in the end times because we see false prophets all around us today. They make false promises and try to make us believe things that are not true. As Christians, we need to be cautious because nobody knows when the end will come. Given the presence of false prophets today, it is even more important to be careful and not easily believe everything we hear.
In our generation, there are many people who call themselves “men of God” and claim to speak for God when they actually haven’t heard anything from Him. They may tell their followers to do strange things or make false miracles happen. This is why we need to be cautious and not blindly follow these so-called prophets. We are living in a time where false prophets are common, so we must be careful in so called prophets we listing to.
It’s important to remember that we can’t trust everything these false prophets say. We should rely on the teachings of the Bible and seek guidance from trusted sources. By being skeptical and discerning, we can protect ourselves from being misled by false prophets.
- Moral Decay and Lawlessness
The increase in moral decay and lawlessness is a significant sign that the end times are near.
There will be difficult times in the last days. People will become self-centered, obsessed with money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy (2 Timothy 3:1-2).
This decline in values and ethics clearly indicates that the end times are approaching. In our present generation, there are people who claim that God is not concerned about how we live our lives, as long as our hearts are in the right place. They suggest that God only cares about our inner intentions and not our outward behavior. However, this is a false teaching. Our character, actions, and desires reflect what is truly in our hearts. Therefore, if anyone, especially those who claim to be men of God, tells you that God is only interested in your heart and not your behavior or how you present yourself, they are not preaching the true gospel.
It is important to understand that God cares about every aspect of our lives, including our character, actions, and appearance. He desires us to live in a way that reflects His values and principles. Our outward behavior and choices are a manifestation of our inner beliefs and intentions. Therefore, we should be cautious of teachings that downplay the importance of living a righteous and moral life.
The increase in moral decay and lawlessness is a clear indication that we are living in the end times. Paul’s description of the difficult times to come highlights the deterioration of values and ethics in society. We should be aware of teachings that diminish the significance of living a godly and virtuous life. Instead, we should strive to align our character, actions, and appearance with the principles and teachings of God.
Read also: What are the Characters of truth Christian
- Famine and Disease
Famine and disease are among the signs that the Bible highlights as indicators of the end times.
Jesus himself warned about food shortages, stating in Matthew 24:7, (Luke 21:11) “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines…”
In our present generation, we can witness the reality of famine and food scarcity in various parts of the world. People in those regions face the daily struggle of obtaining enough food to survive. The lack of access to nutritious meals and sufficient resources can lead to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and ultimately, death. It is a heartbreaking reality that many individuals and communities are grappling with the devastating consequences of food shortages.
As believers, we must be attentive to these signs of the end times and consider how they shape our perspectives and actions. The presence of famine and its impact on human lives should serve as a reminder for us to be grateful for the abundance we have and to extend a helping hand to those in need. It is an opportunity for us to embody compassion and actively seek solutions to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in our world.
Moreover, the mention of “pestilences” or epidemics in the Bible also carries relevance in our current times. Throughout history, mankind has faced various disease outbreaks that have caused immense suffering and loss of life. In recent years, we have witnessed the global impact of diseases such as Ebola, Zika, and most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have disrupted societies, claimed countless lives, and revealed vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems.
The occurrence of such epidemics serves as a reminder of our shared vulnerability and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect ourselves and others. It prompts us to prioritize public health, follow recommended guidelines, and support scientific advancements in disease prevention and treatment.
- Persecution of Believers
The Bible tells us that during the end times, believers will face persecution and hostility. Jesus warned the believers that they would be mistreated and even killed because of their faith. People from all nations will hate them because they follow Jesus (Matthew 24:9).
In our generation, we can see that believers around the world are being persecuted. They are treated badly and sometimes even harmed or killed because of their beliefs. This shows us that we are living in the end times. We need to be aware of this sign and be careful not to lose our faith because of it.
Persecution tests our faith and commitment to Jesus. It challenges us to stay strong even when we face difficulties and opposition. As believers, we must remember this and not give up on our faith when we encounter persecution.
We need to be prepared and watchful for signs of persecution. We should rely on God and His Word to help us stay strong in the face of adversity. It is also important for us to support and encourage other believers who are facing persecution. We should stand together and help each other through these difficult times.
It is not only our responsibility to be strong in our faith, but also to help those who are suffering because of their beliefs. We should speak out against religious discrimination and work towards promoting freedom and equality. We can raise awareness about the struggles of persecuted believers and provide assistance and support to them.
- War and Conflict
War and conflict are significant signs of the end times, as prophesied in the Bible. Jesus Himself predicted that nations would rise against each other and kingdoms would engage in war (Matthew 24:7).
This suggests a widespread occurrence of armed conflicts and unrest on a global scale. In our present generation, we can observe the prevalence of war and conflict in various parts of the world. Many regions are experiencing ongoing conflicts that seem to have no end in sight. The devastating consequences of war, such as loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of infrastructure, are evident.
The persistence of war and conflict serves as a reminder that we are indeed living in the last days. It calls for believers to be mindful of the current state of the world and to live in a way that reflects the urgency of the times. The final moments of history could unfold suddenly, without warning, and it is essential for believers to be prepared and ready at all times.
In the face of war and conflict, believers must strive to maintain a Christlike way of life. This includes promoting peace, reconciliation, and justice. We are called to be peacemakers, seeking to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and advocating for the well-being of all people.
Furthermore, as believers, we should not be consumed by fear or despair in the midst of war and conflict. Instead, we should place our trust in God who is sovereign over all things. We can find solace and hope in His promises and draw strength from our faith in Him.
It is also crucial for believers to actively engage in prayer for peace and for the well-being of those affected by war and conflict. Prayer has the power to bring about transformation and healing in the midst of chaos and turmoil. We should intercede for nations, leaders, and individuals impacted by violence, asking God to bring about reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.
Read also: When will God stop evil?
Conclusion
The signs of the end times outlined in the Bible provide valuable insights into the significant period that will mark the climax of human history. As believers, it is essential to study and understand these signs while maintaining a posture of faith, hope, and readiness. While we cannot predict the exact timeframe or day, the signs serve as reminders to live with purpose, integrity, and a deepening relationship with God. Let us be vigilant, discerning, and committed to spreading the message of hope and salvation amid the signs of the end times. May God Almighty help us to finish well in Jesus name.
