The Top Ten Signs Of The Final Generation Prior to Jesus Christ’s Return To Earth

“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” (Matthew 24:34)

“Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5).

The Number Ten Sign ...:

Knowledge and travel will expand to a great degree at the end of the age (Daniel 12:4).  Here the technology and computer age was essentially predicted. The exponential factor of increasing knowledge is one very significant and undeniable sign, as the total global knowledge of all that mankind now understands is doubling every year and one half to two years!  The computer chip, which was invented in 1948, as well as the emergence of the Internet, has aided dramatically in this historically unprecedented upsurge of knowledge.  Also, transportation has gone from the ancient mode of walking, riding animals, animal drawn carts and chariots, and small sailing vessels, to cars, curse ships, helicopters, airplanes, jets and space crafts. The amount of travel that people are currently doing in this generation is phenomenal and was completely unthinkable to most in past generations.  All that this single verse of prophecy encompasses is even more amazing when you consider that it was written over 2,500 years ago, long before such things could have even been imagined!  Thus, this one verse of prophecy, alone, should cause even the most hardened skeptics to take pause and give some consideration to what the Bible has to say for our modern era.

 The Number Nine Sign …:

 False Christs and false prophets will become more noticeably increased (Matthew 24:5, 11, 23-28 & John 5:43).  “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many” (Matthew 24:5). The Scripture is clear about how Jesus Christ will physically and dramatically return to this earth. In Revelation 19:11-21, we have the physical, dramatic and all-powerful return described. The same is true for portions in the book of Zechariah chapters 12-14. Anything short of the described literal and physical return of Jesus Christ at the climax of the battle of Armageddon is an absolute counterfeit.

Yet, mainly due to ignorance and/or an unwillingness to believe the Bible, many people seem very willing to follow the deception of false Christs, which numerously abound. In fact, in the state of California (USA) alone, there are well over 2,000 people who are claiming to be Jesus Christ. It has become very difficult to even count the number of false Christs any more, as there are so many who claim it today. 

False prophets, too, are prolific. They are both inside and outside the Church.  The false prophets outside the accepted norm of the Church are not real hard to spot, like the Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus and Jeane Dixon types, along with the other sources for the tabloid magazines that get about three out of one hundred predictions right, but usually the three “correct” predictions are so vague and general that they could fit just about anything. These false prophets are fairly numerable; especially when one takes into account all of the psychics with their 1-800-hotlines.  In stark contrast to this, the biblical prophets have a track record of 100% accuracy, which is far more intelligent and rational to rely upon, but they point to personal accountability, which is unpopular, so their words are commonly ignored, or worse, mocked and scoffed at by skeptical minds, who must believe they are so much wiser that their Creator.

The Number Eight Sign …:

 Excessive lawlessness will mark out the final generation. Here the extreme disregard for the law and worsening corruption by the rich and powerful was foretold. Jesus indicated that lawlessness was one of the signs that would precede His return.  “And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).  Additionally, lawlessness would be seen inside the Church, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?  And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS'” (Matthew 7:21-23).  And lawlessness would grow in the world, until the ultimate lawless one (the Antichrist) would come to rule over the earth - “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.  Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. … And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-10).  Unprecedented lawlessness is rapidly growing in all areas of government and the corporate business world.  Stories of deep corruption and vast scandals are becoming regular headline news on a much more frequent basis, with the perpetrators of these crimes being more brazen and unconcerned about punishment, especially those who are politically connected to the world’s true power brokers.

The Number Seven Sign …:

 The ability of people around the entire globe to witness a single, local event is now a reality (Revelation 11:7-13).  Here we have satellite TV and the global Internet (i.e. Youtube) in effect being predicted.  The book of Revelation mentions two witnesses of the true God, who Antichrist will finally be allowed to kill just prior to the end of his reign, at the end of Daniel’s seventieth week.  Their dead bodies will be seen by people from all over the world and the wicked will throw their last party on earth to commemorate it, by celebrating the death of these two righteous witnesses.  Amazingly, this type of global gala event was not possible up until the past few decades. Through planetary coverage of events, by sources like the BBC and CNN, through television, cell phones and computer technology, with satellites, it has become possible for the whole world to be connected to view a single local event, together instantaneously. This is just another one, of several prophecies, in which its fulfillment was not possible before our modern day of hi-tech tools.

 The Number Six Sign …:

 The ability to keep track of every person and every “legal” transaction will be required (Revelation 13:16-17). Technology, modern economics and big government control are in position to make this a reality. No other generation has ever faced this, much less fathomed how such a thing could exist. This is another of many firsts for our current generation.  Imagine Marco Polo, Magellan, Columbus, Captain Cook, Lewis and Clark, along with every other great explorer being made to carry their national ID card, passport and visa every where they went! Only in this current time period have we known such restrictive measures of control, which are setting the stage for the global acceptance of the mark of the beast, by which no one will be able to buy or sell or even function in modern society without taking this mark on their right hand or forehead.  This type of modernistic sign is one of several that demonstrates those from the many past generations, who thought Jesus could return in their time, were strongly ill-informed in their understanding of biblical prophecy, just as so many who misunderstand today or are clueless in contrast, as to how close we really are to seeing Jesus' return, very, very soon.

The Number Five Sign …:

 The alignment of specific gentile nations will come together in a very particular way (Daniel chapters 2 & 7 and Revelation 16:12-16). A revived form of the Roman Empire was needed and we have seen this happen with the formation of the European Union super state. The kings (nations) of the East are mentioned as playing a role in the final battle of Armageddon and we have China, Japan, India, Indonesia, among others, who are poised to fulfill this prophecy.  Honest interpretation renders a deafening silence among the prophets concerning the United States of America, or some great king of the West, which indicates the prosperity and power of the U.S.A. will soon be significantly diminished, if not entirely wiped out.  In fact, none of the Americas are mentioned as playing a noticeable role in the final seventieth week of Daniel (the seven-year Tribulation period). 

We are not told what causes the shift in world dominating power from the U.S.A. to Europe; we are simply shown that the transfer will take place.  If one wishes to understand how this could actually happen, then they merely need to educate themselves on the world banking elite and their use of central banking systems to create national debts, like the Federal Reserve, which is not part of the government and truly have no valid reserves to back the reported “value” of its fiat/phony currency. 

By the manipulating and collapsing of the economy and using corrupt politicians to pay off the debts with national recourses, combined with a deliberate gutting of the infrastructure, through the GATT and NAFTA treaties in outsourcing companies and jobs, it will assure that the U.S.A. won’t have the assets to recover.  This could possibly lead to confiscation and transfer of key elements of the military arsenal, along with public lands, private property and even Citizens, as payment for the debt.  The free world must give way to a coming tyrannical world rule (Daniel 7:23), thus something dramatic and very detrimental will bring about this mega-shift and the elite bankers have laid out the economic steal trap via the derivatives market and massive debt, through greed and selfishness, that is about to snap shut and change our world forever as we have known it.

 The Number Four Sign …:

 “See to it that no one misleads you” (Matthew 24:4). The Holy Spirit throughout the New Testament prophecies echoes this admonition several times. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Also see, 2 Timothy 3:1-8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. God has placed specified guidelines in the Bible, so that His people would not be deceived and could easily distinguish the truth, from that which cleverly seeks to mimic it. 

However, since this is a sign primarily given to believers in Jesus Christ and not the world, which lives constantly under the influence of secular society’s seductive lies, quite often reinforced by false religion, most people won’t benefit from the warning.  The problem with deception is that if someone is deceived, they really don’t know it, and this ignorance is what empowers deceit.  Thus, because the majority of the people on the planet are relatively clueless concerning biblical truth, it leaves them helpless to be able to apply any discernment in defense of the deception surrounding them. And even though it is a sign of warning to believers, many in the Church do not practice the discernment they have been clearly instructed to employ in their lives from the Bible, which unfortunately reveals the serious lack of respect and care for the authority of God’s word, in their lives.  But far worse is the affect of this, as most Christians are just as deceived as the secular world and it shows up in how they live out their lives.   

Still, deception can be just as much a willful choice, as it is trickery and ignorance (2 Timothy 3:13 & 4:3-4).  One example of this can be found in the left versus right political arguments, a false paradigm that deceives and divides most people, while the party in power is used to continue to strip freedom and wealth from the people; when the real issue should be right versus wrong, according to Biblical authority, and not something designated by human reasoning, preference, or our feelings.  

 The Number Three Sign …:

The alignment of a Russian-Islamic coalition that will attempt to destroy Israel through war (Ezekiel 38:2-6, Daniel chapters 2 & 7, Daniel 11:40-45 & Revelation 16:12). These prophecies, given between 2500 to 2600 of years ago, describe the exact alignment of the modern Russian-Islamic coalition, which will seek to attack and overwhelm Israel.  Thus, over the centuries Russia would need to develop and become a powerful nation that would become a hostile adversary toward a future reborn nation of Israel, which is exactly what we have today, with the exception of the nation of Turkey, which is being targeted by radical Islamic groups for an overthrow of the current moderate, pro-western Turkish government.  At the time of the writing of this book, Turkey is friendly toward Israel, but only within the controlling, political influence of its capital.  Turkey, as a nation, is very much like Afghanistan.  For once you move away from the capital, the country is run by Islamic Shi'i (Sharia) law, and about the only difference it has from Afghanistan is that it is not currently occupied by Western armies, which should make the coming conversion to Islamic control much easier.  Turkey could perceivably hold out its alliance with the West until the very time for the battle to begin, then deceptively turn on Israel and join in with the attack. An attack Turkey has been prophesied to play a part in, against Israel. Also, for these prophecies to be fulfilled, most of (recently reborn) nation of Israel’s surrounding Middle Eastern neighbors would need to be exceedingly antagonistic toward her, which is exactly the case, as most have sworn to wipe Israel off the map.

The religion of Islam was not even in existence when the prophets spoke forth who would be against Israel (back around 500-600 B.C.).  Yet, Israel’s neighbors are Islamic, with most being extremely hostile toward Israel, for the very existence and survival of the nation of Israel is absolute proof that the Islamic religion cannot truly be of God, because Islam claims Muslims are God’s chosen people.  Nevertheless, Abraham’s pledged descendants (Israel, the sons of Isaac and Jacob – Genesis 17:18-21) are in the “promised land”, not the sons of Ishmael, and this infuriates the would be usurpers (who actually believe they can change what God has said in exterminating Israel, which is also why they say the Jews corrupted the Bible, because they want to believe they are the chosen of God, not the Jews.  Thus, they will never cease in their desire to commit genocide against Israel and ultimately all Jews around the world).  Hence, the nation of Israel is a profound and telling thorn in the side of Islam, because its existence openly exposes Islam’s broken theology.  Subsequently, they are hell bent on utterly wiping out Israel (Ezekiel 38), in their vain attempt to nullify this revealing evidence of God’s divine favor and plan for Israel, and their continued attempt to defy the true God of the Bible, Jehovah (YHWY), who is not Allah of Islam, in even the remotest sense.  The prophets, whom ironically the adherents of Islam say they honor, have warned Muslims that they have nothing but disappointment, ruin and destruction ahead of them, as they war against Israel. But they refuse to listen and continue to believe the deception the devil has ensnared them in.  I sympathize for those who have been raised in such powerful and encompassing deception. Nevertheless, I hope and pray that the words of the prophets will awaken them to the danger they are in before it is too late, because no one wins when fighting against God, not even when they attempt to use “God’s name” to do it.

This could well be a big part of the reason behind the atheistic Russian leadership’s desire to destroy Israel, as well, for they have allied themselves with Islam in their desire for global conquest, but underneath it all seethes the same hatred for the true God and His promises to His chosen people. There is little real need for any material value that is in that tiny piece of land, which everyone seems to want so badly.  This is clearly a spiritual battle, and Ezekiel predicted this unholy alliance would come together long ago, before Russian communism and Islamic fanaticism were even a thought in anyone’s mind.  Yet, their evil desire to thwart the purposes, plans and promises of God will be met with God’s fierce wrath, and their armies will be utterly annihilated once they come into Israel in an attempt to possess it (Ezekiel 38:14-23).

The Number Two Sign …:

Destructive powers will have to be so great that the very existence of the whole of humanity will be in real jeopardy of extinction.  Here nuclear weapons and other WMDs were predicted.  “And unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short.” (Matthew 24:22). Biological, chemical and multi-warhead, mega-ton nuclear weapons with the ability to have them delivered by laser guided missile technology has put the entire world’s population in extreme peril of actual extinction, like never before. Bows and arrows and even the invention of gunpowder were never a real threat toward the planetary annihilation of humanity.  Yet, we now have a nuclear arsenal, just by itself, capable of destroying the world several times over.  Also, we must realize biologically that plague-like diseases were generally limited to specific geological areas, but no more, because of modern travel. Only in this generation has human extinction become a very real and ever present threat.

And The Number One Super Sign For The Final Generation,

Prior To Christ’s Return To Earth is …:

The prophetic fulfillment of the rebirth of Israel as a nation for a SECOND time! (Isaiah 11:11-12, Isaiah 66:8-9, Ezekiel 11:17; 20:41; 37:1-13, Amos 9:15, & Daniel 9:27; cf. Matthew 24:15-20, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 & Revelation 11:1-2). The fulfillment of this one prophecy is more stunning than perhaps all the others combined, as Israel’s second rebirth as a nation is an undeniable hallmark of end time prophecy. Israel’s existence in the final generation is a necessity for the fulfillment of the seven-year covenant (peace treaty) with the Antichrist and his subsequent violation of that covenant (in a temple in Jerusalem) half way into the agreement, as the aforementioned verses describe. From 70 a.d. to 1948 a.d. the nation of Israel became nonexistent. It is historically unprecedented for any nation to vanish for almost two millennia and then reappear right back on the map from where it disappeared!

In Ezekiel chapters 36, 38 & 39, the prophecy tell us that Israel will be reformed physically as a nation, but it will still be disconnected relationally (spiritually) with God until the Lord returns and He breaths life back into them (Ezekiel Ch. 36). Also, “in the latter years” a great war with very dramatic battles will come against Israel from Russia and its Islamic allies (Ezekiel Chs. 38 & 39), which can only happen if Israel exists as a nation. 

Additionally, Jesus' reference in Matthew 24:15-21 to Daniel’s prophecy concerning the abomination of desolation relates directly to Israel at the time of the end.  The book of Daniel is the foundational key to understanding all end time prophecy correctly.  For Daniel was told in chapter twelve of his book that Israel would go through a time of great distress that would last for 3 1/2 years, and Daniel was to go his way, “for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time”.  Israel is essential, because Daniel's end time prophecies make no sense (and could not be understood/unsealed) without Israel in the picture.  Therefore, Israel is the key sign needed for the end of the age to come. This fact escapes those who attempt to dismiss all these direct tie-ins to prophecy for the end of the age as a “new idea” that has only been “invented” within the last century.

Further, Jesus’ reference from the book of Daniel (Matthew 24:15-21) demonstrates that Israel will be right in the thick of end time events listed in Matthew 24:22, that states, “and unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved”, which has been only possible after the nuclear build up in this generation), which is included as part of the signs that the final generation (Matthew 24:34) was to watch for.  The word “generation” in the Greek, literal means “a whole multitude of men living at the same time” – Thayer’s Lexicon, Page 112, which means that Israel's second regathering (rebirth as a nation) could not happen at any time prior to the end (i.e. 100, 200, 300 or 2000 years) ahead of all the other signs, because it was all connected to the end of the age.  Israel's rebirth had to coexist with the other end time signs for the final generation according to the prophets, because Daniel’s prophecies could not truly be unsealed until Israel came back into existence at the fulfillment of the SECOND regathering (Isaiah 11:11-12).

This is one of many very powerful reasons that demonstrate why attempting to use private interpretations, like the 1st Century events to say that end time prophecy has been previously fulfilled, or that Israel is no longer a significant piece of the prophetic puzzle, really doesn't work within any honest framework of history or logical thought.  So, the meaning in Matthew 24 is clear, when we see Israel blossom as a nation, the return of Messiah is very near.  Moreover, the fact that Israel is constantly being threatened for utter annihilation by its enemies (the growing threat in the Middle East) puts Israel in a very vulnerable position, to ultimately be willing to sign a peace covenant with someone who could offer them protection, which means that we are not only the concluding generation, but we are on the very precipice of the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week (the seven year Tribulation) and the Day of the Lord that will start when the Antichrist forges a unique seven-year Middle East peace pact!  By the way, this is the first revealing of the Antichrist, which starts the Tribulation and the day of the Lord, prior to the Rapture of the church 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.

    If you found this insight helpful, then you should obtain a copy of The Revelation Unveiled! by author Terrance G. Johnson, as the book plumbs the depths of the Bible’s end time prophecies and coordinates everything together to make sense out of it all.  http://shop.truthandlife.us

Answering Some Common Objections:

When the study of end time prophecy is brought up, those who do not understand it well, its significance or do not want others to understand it, often raise objections. Below is a common list of those objections and the biblical response to such erroneous thinking.

Objection #1: Earthquakes, famines, wars and pestilence have always been with us. The only reason that they seem to be increasing is that we now have a larger population and the technology to be able to better track these things.

Answer: Actually, accurate historical data tells us that marked increases are indeed being seen, particularly over the last half of the 20th century up to now. One does not need a sophisticated instrument to make note of a major earthquake that shakes the ground you stand on, leveling the buildings around you. Besides, there are many more signs than the wars and disasters that would increase in frequency and intensity, like a woman with “birth pangs”, which were given to us for be on the lookout for. The key is to realize that all these things were to intensify at the same time (Matthew 24:3-8), something that is truly unique to our current time period. In fact, the very technological advances that help us keep track of all these things are just one further area of fulfillment, among many, of several biblical prophecies that tells us the return of Jesus is very near. Knowledge and travel increasing dramatically (Daniel 12:4), destructive powers able to make mankind extinct (Matthew 24:21-22), the ability to keep track of every financial transaction on earth (Revelation 13:16-17), the ability for the whole earth to witness a single, localized event (Revelation 11:9-10), along with a globally connected economy and society that is setting the stage for the rapid rise of a tyrannical world leader (Daniel 7:15-28).

Objection #2: There are many other books and prophecies outside the Bible that predict some of these same things. The Bible is just one among many, therefore its prophecies aren’t anymore special than the others.

Answer: It is true that there are several other books that contain some prophecy and there are an innumerable amount of seers just about everywhere you look these days as well (like a psychic on practically every street corner, infomercial and grocery store magazine stand). However, there are two very distinctive differences between the other written prophecies outside the Bible (along with all these other seers and prophets) and the prophecies within the pages of the Bible. The first is that the biblical prophecies have always been 100% accurate, where as the others, spoken or written, have a track record of about 10%. So, in other words, nine times out of ten they don’t come true. First, this is not a very reliable way to determine our future! Secondly, these extra-biblical prophecies usually are accompanied with a message that is contrary to the Bible, and most specifically the good news concerning Jesus Christ for the salvation of lost souls.

The Lord warned us about this: “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). “But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). The warning is clear for those who have an ear to hear. 

No one would spend their money with a financial planner that was only right 10% of the time with their forecasting of other peoples’ investments.  On the other hand, everyone would want to put their money with investment advice that was always 100% accurate. Yet, when it comes to the future of their soul, most humans seem to have little trouble ignoring the only reasonable and wise advice available.

Objection #3: Prophecy is just symbolic. Besides, it’s just too hard to understand and way too controversial.

Answer: Reality check: most of what Jesus said was controversial. In fact, if Jesus were here today and spoke out, at the very least, He would be labeled politically incorrect, a racist bigot and even a hate monger, among many other false accusations, because truth is usually just that controversial, particularly among those who attempt to redefine or deny the existence of absolute truth (God and His word, the Bible). Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

As far as understanding goes, the best rule of interpretation is to take the prophecies in their context and as straightforward as possible. When a figure of speech is used and there is a representational meaning within a passage, then we must simply look for the literal meaning within that symbolism. Past-fulfilled prophecies demonstrate to us that this simple approach is a valid way to expound on the prophecies. As chapter three of this book clearly demonstrates, Daniel’s prophecies fit this pattern and the historic record confirms that they were fulfilled in a literal manner.  Departing from the only reliable model that the Bible has established quickly reduces a person to the folly of private interpretation, which is the primary reason for the lack of comprehension.

God offered His special blessing for the one who would read and head the prophecy of Revelation, at both the beginning and end of the book (Revelation 1:3 & 22:7).  Even the Apostle Peter said it would be a person’s guiding light (2 Peter 1:19).  The understanding comes when you seek the Lord the right way (1 John 2:27).

Objection #4: No man knows the day or the hour of Jesus return and He is coming like a thief in the night. Because of this, there is no way we can know for sure, so why bother trying to figure it all out? It will just cause division and strife and nothing good will be accomplished by pursuing it.

Answer: When we review the context of Matthew chapter twenty-four more carefully, we realize that “the day or the hour” that no one will know is a literal 24-hour day and a literal hour within that time frame, because Jesus just gave us a large number of signs that the final generation should expect to see within a time span of a final generation, or 70 to 80 years (Matthew 24:34 & Psalm 90:10). It would be contradictory for Him to say, “Here, look for all these signs that will take place within a give time frame, but don’t bother taking them seriously because you really can’t know”.

The correct understanding of this prophecy is the exact opposite of the way it has been misapplied in the objection. For Jesus is coming as a thief in the night to an unbelieving world, but not to His true followers, as the apostle Paul pointed out to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they (the world) are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are neither of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober”. The apostle Peter also admonished us concerning prophecy in 2 Peter 1:19, “And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts”.  Christians really have no excuse to be ignorant about what God’s prophetic word has told us to expect. This really all boils down to various heart issues, like the love of this world, selfishness, laziness and unhealthy fear, which Proverbs warns is a snare (Proverbs 9:10 & 29:25). These snares can harden an individual into refusing to take an honest and careful look at biblical end time prophecy.

Additionally, unity at the price of truth is neither love, nor holy, biblical harmony. “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part, I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you” (1 Corinthians 11:18-19). “(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;” (1 Corinthians 13:6). God’s love never sacrifices the truth, because truth is one of the standards for measuring authentic love. Most in the Church today do not like God's tough love approach that comes out of the mouths of His prophets, so they stay away from biblical prophecy, avoid the whole counsel of God's word and simply run to certain passages that seem to confirm what their itching ears want to hear.  They have also heap up unto themselves those teachers that would tickle their ears with these types of “soothing” distortions, which is yet another fulfilled prophecy (2 Timothy 4:3).

Objection #5: We really don’t need to bother with prophecy, because we are supposed to be focusing on Jesus and/or witnessing to the lost.

Answer: First of all, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” -- 2 Timothy 3:16.  This would include prophecy, would it not?  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” - 2 Timothy 2:15.  “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” - 1 Peter 3:15. 

We cannot obey these verses completely if we are ignorant on matters of prophecy, especially in the days ahead!  God spent 25% of His time speaking to us in the Bible concerning His Second Coming and takeover of the Earth to rule it in righteousness.  This is the greatest amount of coverage on any topic! So, every effort to minimalize, marginalize, ostracize or vilify God’s prophetic word is not from the Holy Spirit!

To actually have a true Christian, biblical worldview, one must have a correct and fairly complete comprehension of eschatology, or they can be easily be misled, as to the direction the Lord is taking and what He is actually doing within  His kingdom purposes.  Anyone who dismisses, ignores, or demeans end time prophecy, only displays the shallowness and immaturity of their faith, at best.  When prophecy is studied, understood and applied correctly, it lifts up, proclaims and testifies to Jesus in a very powerful way! Prophecy, correctly utilized, is one of the most potent evangelical witnessing tools available to the body of Christ. “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b).  Daniel 12:3 (in its broader context) tells us that those who have prophetic insight (into what the Scriptures say for the time of the Messiah’s return to Earth) will lead many into the kingdom of God.  Those who properly value and respect prophecy are truly among the wise of heart and will shine brightly in these last days!

Objection #6: Biblical prophecy is nothing but a negative doom and gloom message, which is just not something anyone in their right mind would be interested in.

Answer (and reality check): First, and foremost, for believers biblical prophecy is anything but negative news.  It is God’s promise of hope for a tremendously improved future, far better than we ourselves, or all of humanity combined, could ever provide for us.  The coming earthly judgments are remarkably brief compared to the eternal paradise promised in Heaven (Revelation chapters 21 and 22). 

Nevertheless, for the unredeemed, biblical prophecy is like a friend who comes and wakes them up in the middle of a really nice dream, while they are in a deep sleep, and it tells them that their house is on fire and they have to get out immediately or they will be burned alive.  They can either ignore the friend by going go back to sleep, or perhaps become angry with him for being awakened, tell him to stop being so “negative” and to just get lost, because they did not appreciate their dream being interrupted. Another option could be the choice to mock him and laugh at him in disbelief, denying that the fire even exists.  But hopefully, they will take him seriously and get out of the burning house to save their life.  Yes, the house is burning down, but denying this won’t save the house or the person who stays in it. 

God’s prophetic warning only appears as negative and discouraging to the worldly and unbelieving, who don’t want to accept God’s stipulations concerning sin and holiness. They don’t want to give up their sin, which signifies their eternal undoing biblically (Revelation 20:11-15).  Yet, God is their friend trying to warn and save them, as He does not wish for any to perish (2 Peter 3:9). For it is really the rebellious and unrepentant that are the ones acting in an irrational manner toward Him, refusing His kind offer of forgiveness.

Anyone spinning the truth and claiming that biblical prophecy is nothing but a negative or harmful message of doom, destruction and gloom is just like a fool in a building being consumed by the flames of a raging fire, who won’t allow a friend to help them, simply because it means they would then have to be real with God, which reveals the true condition of a person’s heart (John 3:19-20).  The most interesting part of this issue is that the majority of those who use this kind of unfounded disapproval are located within the Church itself, not outside of it, which may well be a very unfortunate indicator of the true condition of most within the Church (Revelation 3:14-22).