The last days are already here and we are anticipating the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, at any moment. The scriptures warn us that there will be terrible times and much suffering on the earth and we are already witnessing it. “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12.
So what are these last days and how can we know more about them? The Bible states that nobody knows the day or hour of His return (see Matthew 24:36). None of us can assume or give a day or time of the return of Christ because with God one day is like a thousand years. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
What are the signs of the last days?
So let us look to the scriptures to know more about these end of times, and be prepared for it. The days that we are living in currently are exactly what is written about it in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”
1. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
With the increase in wickedness everywhere, there is an increase in the anointing and presence of the spirit of God. “‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams” Acts 2:17.
2. Gospel will be preached everywhere
The Good news will be preached throughout the earth. “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come” Matthew 24:14.
3. There will be wars and rumors of wars
There will be wars and rumors of wars everywhere. No country will be at peace with one another. “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Matthew 24:6.
4. False messiahs and false prophets will appear
“Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones” Matthew 24:23-24.
5. The antichrist will come
“Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this, we know that the last hour has come” John 2:18.
6. Signs in the sky
“‘Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken” Matthew 24:29.
Beloved do not be afraid but believe in the power of God and in His Son Jesus Christ. All these warnings and signs have been given to us thousands of years ago and they will all come to pass. But we are instructed to be bold and courageous like lions and be prayerful and alert at all times.
Photo credits: Werner Kunz
