It is no secret that the world is going to be judged. Those that will not fall under judgment are the righteous, the repentant, the children of the Lord. There will be a series of judgments, each one worse than the next. This is a chance to seek repentance and to accept the Holy One, if you still don't believe. It will be terrible to come under judgment, for people will mourn when they see Jesus in the sky and they are left behind. This is why it is so important to live now, to live later in heaven with Jesus Christ. (live: meaning live repentant lives). So why is God judging the world? Because first of all He created us and He created us for His own good purpose. He created us out of love, and our wickedness has turned it's back on love and therefore, God's purpose for creating us. The judgments are to cleanse the earth from all unrighteousness. In doing that, it is an initiation into heaven. But to be initiated one must be righteous and repentant. To be these two things, you must first accept the Lord as the only savior. (This is repeated throughout this whole website to express how important it is.) Please refer to Leviticus 26 in your Bible for reading on judgments and time to repent.You might be wondering what happens to those that are righteous... They are not included in the judgments. The "elect" are given spiritual guidance and protection during the end times.
Read in Jeremiah 20:7-18, where he was complaining to the Lord because he knew the things which were to occur through prophecy but the people would not hear it. They were mocking him and persecuting him for talking of such things during a time of prosperity. The people were watching him and waiting for him to fall so that they could take their revenge on his lies. He was going through a wrestling match with his spirit. This is how it will be during the end times. The righteous will speak of the Good News and know the signs of the second coming of Christ. They will prophesy. (Some of the signs are already in place today.) When the time comes there will be many who will not listen and many who will persecute them and even kill them. But when the unrighteous see Jesus come in the sky they will mourn because they did not listen and they did not accept His love and repent. They will not be ready. They will not be guided through the end times, and therefore, will be deceived by the Antichrist and his followers. There will be a great spiritual battle like with Jeremiah. Some believers will fall away from their faith and will denounce the Lord. Keep in mind, Jesus is the only way to life, and if you don't accept Him, know for sure that when the time comes and the judgments fall and you still don't repent, the road only leads to death. There will be no second chance to accept Jesus when it's over, and that time could be sooner than you think!
The coming time is for the disobedience of the nation to be judged and brought to justice and the righteousness to be shown in the light and rewarded. It is often coined the "great and terrible time". In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it says "and my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This is where the power of prayer will be fully demonstrated. The righteous will unite from all over the world in prayer. All praying for the same things. And the prayer will be heard and answered. In Revelation 6:9-10 the martyrs are crying out to the Lord for when they will be avenged for keeping their testimony and faith against the injustice and unrighteousness.
The reason many do not understand this time as being great is because where it is most revealed (the book of Revelation) it's misunderstood. Most think this book is speaking in a symbolical way. They try and relate it to other things. Revelation is meant to be understood, and understood in a literal way. When the scripture is meant to be taken symbolically it will note that. We will explore what the Bible reveals about the end times, and begin preparing now.
We will use the book of Revelation for the most part of our study on the end time topic but may explore other scripture as well. The structure of Revelation is really broken down into 4 parts. Part one would be described as John's calling to prophesy about the end times. He was chosen to carry the vision and extend it's contents onto the rest of the nations. (Chapter 1). Part two would be where Jesus sends the 7 letters to the 7 churches. These 7 letters are meant to prepare the praying church. (Chapters 2-3). Part three is where Jesus takes the scroll, thus He is given the authority in the heavens and earth. (Chapters 4-5). And part four is the plan according to the great purpose. This is where the judgments for disobedience and rewards for faithfulness occur. (Chapters 6-22)
Lets review these chapters more in depth. Chapter 6 contains the seven seal judgments. This is the first set of the three sets of judgments. What are they?
THE SEVEN SEALS
The rider of the horse carried a bow and was given a crown to go out and conquer.
The rider of this horse was given a sword to take peace from the earth, so brother would slay brother.
The rider of this horse carries a scale and was instructed on measuring the amount of food.
The rider of this horse was granted to take 1/4 of the earths population with the sword, famine, disease, and wild beasts.
The martyrs were crying out to the Lord of how long they were to wait until their blood was avenged. They were told to wait a little longer until the number of their brothers to be killed was complete.
There will be a great earthquake, the sun becomes black, and the moon like blood. The stars fall from the sky, islands and mountains are moved from their place while the kings and the rich cry out and hide from the wrath.
Into Revelation 7, the angels are instructed not to harm the earth until the bond-servants are sealed. The number sealed is 144,000, people from every nation and language praising the Lord.
Revelation 8....
Heaven is silent, the 7 angels are given 7 trumpets. One of the angels was given a golden censor and incense. The smoke and the prayers of the saints went up before God, and the angel takes the censer and fire and throws it to the earth. There is thunder and lightening and an earthquake as the angels take their 7 trumpets about to sound them.
THE SEVEN TRUMPETS
The First Trumpet -- Food Supply
Hail and fire consumes 1/3 of the earths vegetation.
The Second Trumpet -- Food Supply
1/3 of the sea becomes blood and 1/3 of all creatures in the sea die along with 1/3 of the ships being destroyed.
The Third Trumpet -- Water Supply
1/3 of all the rivers and springs turn bitter.
The Fourth Trumpet -- Light and Darkness
1/3 of the sun, moon and stars are struck and would not shine for a third of the day and a third of the night.
Revelation 9....
The Fifth Trumpet -- Torment of the Bottomless Pit
The bottomless pit is opened and locusts are freed upon the earth and instructed not to hurt nature, just the ones who did not have the seal of God. They are not to kill anyone, just torment them for five months.
The Sixth Trumpet -- Death
1/3 of mankind is killed.
Revelation 10....
John is told to eat the scroll and prophesy for all the nations and all the languages that there is no more delay. Jesus Christ is coming!
Revelation 11....
2 witnesses are appointed to prophesy for 42 months. They will not be harmed, and for those that try will be killed. They will have the power to stop the rain, turn water to blood, and bring on plagues.At the finish of their testimony, the beast will kill them. They will lay in the street for 3.5 days and then rise again and ascend into heaven.
The Seventh Trumpet-- Christ Returns
Jesus will come to reclaim the throne on earth.
We jump to Revelation 15 and 16
THE SEVEN BOWLS
The seven angels are given each a golden bowl of God's wrath.
The First Bowl -- Sores
The ones who had taken the mark of the beast are inflicted with malignant sores.
The Second Bowl -- Food Supply
The sea becomes blood and all life in it die.
The Third Bowl -- Water Supply
The springs and rivers become blood. There is no more fresh water.
The Fourth Bowl -- Scorching Sun
People are affected by the burning heat of the sun.
The Fifth Bowl -- Darkness
The Antichrist's kingdom is darkened and the people curse God for the pain and plagues.
The Sixth Bowl -- Armageddon Ready
The Euphrates is dried up in preparation for the battle of Armageddon.
The Seventh Bowl -- "It is done" Rev. 16:17
There is the greatest earthquake that has ever been and 100 pound hailstones fall.
Now that we know the judgments, we should consider how we can be prepared for this coming. Many wonder what are the signs of the times? These are descriptive in several parts of the Bible. For instance, take a look at Mark chapter13. This is a chapter specifically dedicated to telling the events to take place in the end times. At the end of the chapter in verse 37 Jesus tells us to "watch" and "be on alert". He says this because we will not know the exact time He is coming, however we are told of the signs of His coming and are supposed to keep our eyes up and WATCH, and be prepared.
He first says the temple will be destroyed. Then that many will come in His name, claiming to be Him, but are deceivers. There will be wars, as nation will rise against nation. He spoke of earthquakes and famines to come. Jesus says His people will be brought to the courts for keeping His testimony, but the gospel has to be preached to all nations, and when that time comes we shouldn't worry what we will say because the Holy Spirit will do the talking for us. Family will rise up against family and betray one another. Those faithful will be hated, but shall be saved. The tribulation will start when we see the "abomination and desolation" (This is the Antichrist's worship system. He will place a image of himself in the temple of Jerusalem to be worshiped, thus causing the falling away of faith in Jesus Christ.) Refer to 2 Thessalonians 2:4, and Revelation 13:14-15 Jesus goes on to say that if God hadn't shortened the days of the tribulation, none would make it through. This time is set to last 1,260 days. Jesus says these false prophets will perform miracles while claiming to be Him. (Do not be deceived, He has not come yet at that time, this is why He gave us these signs to know, and the direction of the Holy Spirit.) The sun and moon shall be darkened and stars will fall and then we will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds. He will then gather His elect on earth and in heaven. Jesus specifically says that these things have to happen before we see Him coming. This is why He reminds us over and over to watch.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NKJV
Revelation 13:5 says that the beast will be allowed to denounce the Lord and persecute the believers for 42 months - or 1,260 days. God's provision for the children of Israel will stop on that same day. And, the two witnesses will prophesy for only 1,260 days. That number comes up quite a bit. All the provisional planning for the saints has been followed through.This is when the great tribulation is to come to an end. Jesus, along with His saints will come back to reclaim the temple and bind the Antichrist. Read Revelation 19:11-21.
THE SIGNS:
Some signs of the generation that is in the time of Christs return can be found in Matthew 24:4-8 and Luke 21:7-18.
There will be 3 parts in a time period relating to the end times. The first will be the beginning of birth pangs with distress in the nations. (Matthew 24:4-8, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:7-18). This will be the time leading up to the tribulation. The second time period would be like the increased labor pangs with counterfeit world peace lasting a short 3.5 years. (1 Thessalonians 5:3, Revelation 17:2-6, 1 Timothy 4:1) This will cause many to be deceived. Even believers. Many will think that Jesus has come back, and that there is finally peace, and will take the mark of the beast and worship him as the Christ. There will be a great falling away of the church seen in this time frame. Once it is announced that there is finally peace and safety, the Great Tribulation will start, proving the belief of this "false peace and Christ" was a lie. The third time frame would be described as hard labor pangs in the Great Tribulation. This period will last another 3.5 years. (Daniel 9:27, 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Revelation 13:8) Several will have taken the mark of the beast and be heading for an eternal destiny away from God. The judgments (see above) will fall on those that do not believe Jesus, His truth, His signs, and do not repent, and worship the beast. It will be far more terrible for them during the Great Tribulation than to have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and repented to live righteously.
More signs.....
These signs, although they may seem insignificant as occurring everyday; keep your eyes open because when they happen at their peak, and simultaneously that is when we know we are in the generation!There will be great opposition in the form of scoffing and mocking. (2 Peter 3:3-4 NASB Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.")
The Harlot Babylon religion. It will be a counterfeit justice movement, claiming to answer the needs of everyone - no absolutes. (Revelation 17:2-6)
Falling away of faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 4:3-5, 2 Peter 2:1-3)
Persecution against the believers. (Daniel 7:21, 25, Revelation 6:9-11, 13:7, Matthew 10:21-22, 28)
Lawlessness including immorality and violence. Sin will reach its height. (Matthew 24:12, Daniel 8:23, Revelation 9:21)
Murder becomes the primary sin on earth. (Revelation 6:9-11, 13:10)
Occult and demon worship. (Revelation 13:3-4, 12-15, 14:11)
Immorality and perversions. (Revelation 19:2)
Corrupt and selfish minds, motivated through theft and more violence. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
Abortion and breakdown of the family with divorce and lead to family members betraying family members. (Mark 13:12)
Human trafficking, pornography, and homosexuality. (Joel 3:3)
Also and increase in travel and instant global communication, technology with the reinforcing of "mark of the beast" the chip implanted in forehead or hand. This is ideal for a cashless society, but it will ultimately lead to the plans of the Antichrist during the end times. (Read about the Verichip....) (Revelation 13:16-18)
The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple needs to be rebuilt for the Antichrist worship system. (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelation 11:1-2, 13:12-18, Daniel 11:31)
Jerusalem will become the center of politics and controversy. (Zechariah 12:3, Joel 3:12, Luke 21:20)
The restoration of the military in Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:6-9)
"World peace and safety" to be announced. Remember this is false....
The revival of the Roman Empire - a global union between 10 nations authorized by the Antichrist. A one-world government with the greatest political, military, economic and religious power ever. (Daniel 7:7, 20, 24, Revelation 12:3, Revelation 17:3, 7, 12, 16) This act of union will "seek" to solve the problems most are concerned about, like: global warming, war on terror, and financial crisis.
The rebuilding of the city of Babylon in Iraq. This will be a base for the Antichrists headquarters. (Revelation 17)
In conclusion to all this be on the watch for:
* A worldwide economic system; * globalization in the United Nations to establish one currency, military and politics; * distress in the nations leading to false peace; * worldwide religious network without absolutes; * rebuilding of Babylon in Iraq for center of Harlot religion system; * rebuilding of temple in Israel and reestablishment of animal sacrifice; * antisemitism or Jewish persecution; * energized Roman Empire with 10-nation superstate in Middle East; * the rise of a dictator who initially works within 3-nations, * rise of kings of the East as an Asian confederacy; * Arab hostility towards Israel; * oil-rich Islamic s in alliance with dictator; * nations gather against Israel.
He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. Daniel 9:27 DO NOT BE DECEIVED!!!