Bible prophecy

A lot of people in the world today believe that at some point in time the world will end. There have been hundreds of books and movies on the subject of the end of the world or apocalypse as it is sometimes referred to.
The writings of Nostradamus have received a lot of attention over the years. His writings have been hailed by millions around the world as prophetic. His followers believe he predicted the French revolution, and the rise of Hitler. However his babblings and very vague, and they could be applied to anything.

If you really want to know what the future holds then you need to go to the creator of the universe. The word of God is not just a book of ancient babblings as some think, but a book of astounding prophetic significance. Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

The only way to understand what the future holds is to look to God and his word. The Bible is like a giant jigsaw puzzle. You need to assemble all the pieces in order to get the big picture. God himself says in Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets. The Lord has not only given us prophecy in order to know the future, but also to encourage us and give us a hope. It is evidence for God's existence. History is a witness that God foretold many events hundreds of years before they even happened. It assures us that God is in control.

So what does the Bible tells us about the future. I will try to give a brief outline, as there are many things that are going to take place.  Let us look at the most controvercial of all, the rapture of the church. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. Jesus is telling his followers that he is coming back to collect them. This will bring an end to the church age. Which has so far been 2000 years.

The scriptures show us that Christ's coming for his church could happen at any time. It is called the doctrine of imminence. There are no signs that have to occur beforehand. The rapture will be unseen to the world, it is just believers that will be taken. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. and thus we shall always be with the Lord. There comfort one another with these words.

The rapture will be a secret event. Only believers will see Jesus, and they will meet him in the clouds. The rapture of the church and the second coming are too separate events. We can however have a rough idea when these things will occur.

One of the most astounding prophecies is the one concerning Israel. The word of God tells us that in the last days Israel will once again become a nation. This is a very significant end time sign. In 1948 the world witnessed the restoration of a nation. It fulfilled the prophecies of Ezekiel 36 and 37 heralding the soon end of the age.
Jesus tells us that the generation that's sees Israel restored will be the last generation. It is the one that will see the rapture, the abomination of desolation talked about by Daniel, the reign of antichrist.

After the rapture of the church we have the tribulation. This will last for 7 years. It will be a terrible time for those who are left behind after the rapture.. It is not to be confused with Tribulation that Christians have experienced for hundreds of years. This is God's wrath poured out on a rebellious and unbelieving world.
Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

There are several scriptures that tell us that the church will be taken before the tribulation 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

So we have the rapture of the church, then the 7 year tribulation, after that the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. I will try to cover the Millennial reign in a later post. We really are living in exciting times. Unfortunately it is not so good for those who have not put their trust in Christ.

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and saviour then why not do that right now. Just say a simple prayer for Jesus to start you on a wonderful journey of transformation.

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.