I have been asked by many Christian friends and family if I think that this is a sign the end is near. Many of my closest Christian friends are beginning to think so. I have tried to look at this from a few angles and the best thing I can say in response to that is, "God will watch over his children."
There are a few different schools of thought on "the end days". One idea is that all the souls listed in the book of life will be raptured before the beginning of the end times. For those who are saved, know the Lord, accepted Christ as their personal Savior, and repent of their sins, then this is reassuring. Those left after the rapture will be left with the horrifying realization that they have not lived a Christian life and did not accept Christ. Those who do not believe will think this is just a weird occurrence of nature and be led like lambs to the slaughter by the Anti-Christ. Their fate is sealed.
Another idea is that there is no rapture, and we (Christians) will all be martyred. This is not as appealing to most. Suffering is not something anyone likes to go through. Christ suffered horribly and most Christians, while willing to die for our faith, do not desire to end their life in such a savage way. If anyone is not familiar with the way Jesus Christ dies, just rent "The Passion of the Christ". That is not the way I want to go, but as a Christian, if I am called to go that way, then I have no choice than to obey.
We have had a lot of disasters, anti-Christian bias, and rampant displays of hedonism over the past 25 years or so. We live in a society that loves to think for the minute, not worrying about tomorrow. It would be easy to see why some who study the books of Daniel and Revelations in the bible are concerned. We have a reason to be concerned, but no reason to panic. No matter which end times scenario plays out, we know the end of the story. Devil ,YOU LOSE.
Al I can say is, if you are concerned about end times and think it may be upon us, then be sensible and start conserving: water, fuel, money, non-perishable food, clothing, etc...just like you would for a camping trip, only longer. Pray with all you heart for discernment, open your homes to other Christians. Fellowship and share your concerns/fears. The last thing we need is a panic. As I said, we know how the story ends. We just do not know how many pages are in the book.
1 comment:
The way I look at it is that the end will come someday, we just don't know when and it isn't our business to know exactly when. The Lord has given us signs to tell us when it is near, but there is no need to "freak out." Only He knows when He will come in judgment; even the angels don't know. All we have to do is live our life in the best way possible.
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