SYNOPSIS
Over the last several decades, there has been much to-do in the church based
on sensational views of eschatology and "the last days". Are we living in
"the last days"? Could Christ return at any moment? What should we be
teaching on the subject, if anything?
I believe that there is a clear scriptural distinction between "the last
days" and "the time of the end"; the former being the entire span of time
from the days of Christ and the apostles up until the Second Coming; the
latter being a short, distressing period at the end of the last days.
I see growing evidence that we are rapidly approaching the "time of the end",
if we are not already in it.
Unfortunately, we have been given the wrong context within which to form our
thinking about the end-time - the wrong foundation. "If the foundations be
destroyed, what shall the righteous do?" - Ps 11:3. The nature of this final
time of great tribulation is widely misunderstood. The danger to the church
is not as much from without as from within.
Why am I concerned? Why should you, along with all shepherds, be? The
following passages are all penned in the context of eschatalogical awareness:
Matthew 24:4 "See to it that no one misleads you"
Matthew 24:42 "Be on the alert"
I Thessalonians 5:6 "Let us be alert and sober"
II Thessalonians 2:3 "Let no one in any way deceive you"
I Peter 5:2 "Shepherd the flock of God"
Whether you believe that Christ's return is near, or that we cannot know,
these warnings bear further investigation. In light of this, I wish to
present some reasons why I believe that the study of scriptural doctrine
relating the end times is of growing importance and deserves greater
resources and attention in the church.
Introduction
I have been a Christian most of my life. Like many Christians, my walk with
God has had ups and downs, times of excitement and times of failure. During
the last ten years or so, as a result of church involvement and the patient,
continuing work of God in my life, I have extensively studied the Scriptures
and learned a great deal.
As a child I was taught to respect and value the Bible as the very word of
God, the ONLY word of God to man today. I will always be thankful for that
emphasis and teaching. I especially wish to commend and encourage you as
leaders of this congregation because you explicitly give the scriptures the
central place in our church. That is the primary fact which drew me here and
which will keep me here so long as it remains true.
I was taught many doctrines as I grew, accepting them on the authority of the
church and respect for my teachers. However, as I read the bible on my own I
found things that didn't fit with what I had been taught. Because of this,
my study of the bible has been motivated partly by compulsion to know
biblical truth.
These studies have lead me to believe that we are approaching the end of the
present age and the return of the Lord Jesus. This is a controversial
conclusion, and I know from discussions with several of you that there are
varying opinions on the matter in this room. However, I believe that the
following discussion will be valuable regardless of the position you hold.
Over a period of time I have had a growing sense of urgency to convey what I
have learned to the church, and I stand here before you today because of that
desire. "While I was musing a fire burned..." (Ps 39:3). I feel the need to
"Sound the trumpet in Zion" because I believe that the day of the Lord is
near. (Joel 2:1)
For this presentation, my entire focus and my foundation is the following: I
believe the bible is God's *complete* and *only* word to man today. This is
fundamental. I don't think any of you would dispute it. There are, however,
explicit implications of this belief which may not be at the forefront of
your thinking. They are crucial to an understanding of our times.
As the elders of this church, I actively solicit your correction and re -
direction from scripture. I am very sensitive to the warnings of I Timothy
1:3-8 and Titus 3:8-11 regarding speculation and controversy. However, I hope
to demonstrate that what may at first glance appear to be a speculative and
controversial topic is actually fundamentally sound and has a direct and
essential application to all of us.
The Last Days versus The Time of the End
The term "the last days" has been bandied about by many authors and teachers
with little or no regard for its meaning. We may conclude from Peter's
quotation of the prophet Joel in Acts 2: 17 that "the last days" is a period
of time which must at least have begun by the time of Peter's sermon.
Therefore, any useage of the term which implies that "the last days" are
exclusively connected with the time immediately prior to the Second Coming is
patently misguided.
There are indications in scripture, however, that there is a finite, bounded,
distinct period of time having particular characteristics and which
immediately preceeds the return of Christ. This period of time is referred
to variously as:
the time of the end (Daniel 8:17)
the final period of the indignation - Dan 8:19
the appointed time of the end - Dan 8:19
the latter period of their rule - Dan 8:23
the end of the days - Dan 10:14
at the end of the times, years - Dan 11:13
a time of tranquility - Dan 11:21,24
at the appointed time - Dan 11:27,29
the indignation - Dan 11:36
at the end time - Dan 11:40
a time of distress - Dan 12:1
the end of wonders - Dan 12:6
the end time - Dan 12:9
the end - Mat 24:14
a great tribulation - Mat 24:21
those days - Mat 24:22
the tribulation of those days - Mat 24:29
the falling away - II Thess 2:3
his (the man of lawlessness) time - II Thess 2:6
In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24), Jesus speaks of the danger of being
misled about His return:
"Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the
sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" "See to it
that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name,
saying, `I am the Christ,' and will mislead many."
In this and parallel passages, we see a clear progression of increasing danger
and lawlessness followed by a specific transition into the time of the end:
"And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many.
And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love
will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he
shall be saved."
That transition appears to be heralded by the appearance of "the abomination
of desolation":
"Therefore, when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which
was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the
holy place (let the reader understand),"... FLEE!... "for
then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not
occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor
ever shall."
There are warnings given in each context; both before the appearance of the
abomination of desolation, and also during and after its appearance.
In the same way, Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be quickly shaken
regarding the Second Advent:
"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" - II Thess 2:1-3
Paul's argument hinges on the assertion that there will be certain specific
and recognizable events which will occur first - the apostasy, or falling
away, and the revelation of the man of lawlessness.
So, while the "last days" certainly began at least as early as Pentecost, the
"time of the end" is a clear and distinct time which comes later. It is a
time which will come upon the church, whether or not the church desires or is
ready for it. What are the issues before us?
If it IS possible to conclude that we are either living in or about to live
in the "time of the end", the church and its leadership should be acting in
ways consistent with and prescribed by scripture in an end-time context.
That is, if we are near the end of the age, there is a change in priority and
concern for the church now versus its proper concern and priority throughout
previous church history.
If it is NOT possible to know that we are in the "time of the end", or if
that time could begin momentarily and without warning, it still behooves us
to know and heed the warnings of scripture related to that time in case we
unexpectedly find ourselves living in it.
What is the Nature of the Great Tribulation?
I fear that we have been given the wrong context within which to form our
thinking about the end-times - the wrong foundation. "If the foundations be
destroyed, what shall the righteous do?" (Ps 11:3) Many expositors have
represented the final tribulation as being a time of physical and/or economic
distress for believers. I believe that this is misleading.
Others have simply chosen to ignore eschatology, or even actively resist it.
I have too often heard it said, "I don't concern myself with eschatology
because it is a source of divisiveness and just is not that important." or,
"I'm a pan-millenialist - it'll all pan out in the end". Please understand
that I am not 'picking on you' when I say this; I have heard the same from
many sources.
There may be or may have been times and contexts where that was a safe or
reasonable position. However, if we are approaching the end, it is no longer
safe to ignore what scripture says about it. I believe we must remember that
all scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in
righteousness. Doctrine both divides and unites; that is the way it has
always been and that is the way it will remain until the end of the age.
Don't favor some doctrines over others simply for a lack of controversy.
So, what is a better context for our understanding? The "time of the end" or
"great tribulation" is primarily SPIRITUAL in character. We can see this
from Matthew 24:37ff, for example, were we learn that the Coming of the Son
of Man, which immediately follows "the tribulation of those days" (vs 29)
will be just like the days of Noah when everyone was conducting an outwardly
very normal lifestyle.
The danger of the tribulation is not physical or economic. The REAL danger
is deception within the church, when:
"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." - II Thess 2:3,4
What makes this apostasy different from any other time of apostasy in history?
Or any false teaching, even in Paul's day? The difference is a progression
toward the unwitting rule of Satan in the temple of God, better known today as
the church (I Cor 3:16,17). The difference is a combination of its sheer,
subtle deceptiveness and its almost universal extent.
If you have been associated with this congregation for a long time, you may
not be aware just how difficult it has become to find a church which really
honors the scriptures and does not just pay lip-service. Churches which honor
scripture are falling left and right while churches which elevate "experience"
are sprouting like mushrooms.
How does antichrist rule in the churches? Who is he? We can see that the
antichrist is NOT a man because he was spoken of by John in the plural (I Jn
4:3) and because, according to Paul, the 'man of lawlessness' was already at
work even then, although under restraint:
"And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he
may be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already
at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is
taken out of the way." - II Thess 2:6,7
The end of verse 7 would more correctly be rendered as "until he (the lawless
one) arises in the midst" (see the excerpt from Ladd, 'The Blessed Hope').
The antichrist will be doing his most effective work "in the midst" of the
congregation. People seeking experiences, miracles, and special words from
God, will believe they are worshipping God when in reality they are
unwittingly paying homage to Satan.
Notice the contrast between the genuine and the fake:
"And then the 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,"
- True 'parousia' or coming.
"the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan,"
- False 'parousia' or coming.
"with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all
deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they
did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved."
- II Thess 2:8-10
How will the antichrist be manifested? Through the substitution of deception
for the Word of God, outward signs and wonders in place of faith. Note that
all scripture references to signs and wonders in the context of the end-time
are NEGATIVE. (e.g., lying signs and wonders - Rev 13:14)
"And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding
influence so that they might believe what is false,"
- II Thess 2:11
What is false, "the lie"? The assertion that there is any verbal Word from God
outside of the bible. This is what the church must battle tirelessly and with
all her strength and patience (Revelation 3:10,11).
"in order that they all may be judged who did not believe
the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." - II Thess 2:12
The implications of this are awesome and frightening.
You may ask, how could any of this happen without our knowledge? Why would
anyone in our congregation or any other fall for such deception? I think what
we do not clearly recognize is this; the lie will be VERY CONVINCING. Back
to Matthew:
"Then if anyone says to you, `Behold, here is the Christ,'
or `There He is,' do not believe him. For false Christs and
false prophets will arise and will show great signs and
wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Behold, I have told you in advance. If therefore they say
to you, `Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go forth,
or, `Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe
them."
So, what is the abomination of desolation which we are warned to watch for?
The abomination of desolation IS the working of Satan in the congregation -
the substitution of false gospels/apostles for the true. (cf II Corinthians
11:13-15, Galatians 1:8)
Perhaps a close parallel to what is happening/about to happen in the church
today is the growth of Baal worship in Israel. During the time of Elijah the
people were busily worshipping "the Lord (Baal = Lord)". Baal had been
subtly introduced and was an accepted substitute or stand-in for God. Thus
we see that a parallel to the abomination spoken of by Daniel the prophet is
also spoken of very widely in the old testament.
Some related topics for your further study:
Dark Sayings
Ps 12:2,3, contrast w/ 6 & 7, also Ps 78:2
Ps 49:4, Prov 1:5,6, Dan 8:23
Satan's Release - Rev 20:3
Gospel silence - Rev 7
Hab 3:17,18 - Though the fig tree should not blossom...
Death of the Church - Rev 11:7, Dan 11:29-36
The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked - Ps 11:5
If we are near this time of the end, a time of great tribulation, let us learn
and know what to expect:
"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day
your Lord is coming."
Growing Evidence of the Apostasy
I believe we have a progression in view, similar to the progression of Psalm
1 which describes the man who does not "walk in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful".
In this progression, however, we see our adversary the devil, first "walking
about as a roaring lion", then "standing in the holy place" and finally
"taking his seat in the temple of God".
Psalm 1:
Walk - I Pet 5:8
Stand - Mat 24:15, Is 46:7
Sit - II Thess 2:4
I see possible evidence of the approaching apostasy in both the church and
the world. Growing evidence in churches is that they "intend to make
alterations in times and in law" (Dan 7:25). These alterations are
increasingly evident in such realms as women preachers, easy divorce, and
especially the great increase in acceptance of extra-biblical revelation as
the norm.
Evidence in the world may include the return of the nation of Israel to its
fatherland. We have also recently seen a surprising, unexpected, and perhaps
in some respects, unprecedented trend toward international peace.
"While they 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." - I Thess 5:3
Taken independently, perhaps none of these things is conclusive; taken in
concert, I feel that there is reason to ponder the question of our position
in church history. I have provided you with exhibits gleaned from several
sources:
Copies of clippings from 'Good News, Etc.', a Christian newspaper widely
distributed in San Diego county, provide many examples of churches featuring
women preachers, miracles, signs & wonders, 'gifts of the spirit', and 'words
of knowledge'.
A recent issue of this periodical also contained articles by church leaders
predicting great growth and revival in the church. (It is worth considering
that at least in this respect both charismatic teachings and the tenets of
reconstructionism are tending to join hands.)
A copy of a newspaper ad heralding "A Spiritual Coming" of Jesus, announced
by the Lord Himself, may sound hokey to you or me but will probably find wide
acceptance; even wider if there begins to be 'evidence' of its truth.
A widely known and respected Christian leader in a letter to his supporters
claims "the Lord spoke to me". What do we tell those in our church regarding
the desirablility/veracity of such claims?
Literature from a ministry featured on Trinity Broadcasting Network describes
great changes taking place or about to take place in the church. This group
and its leaders are particularly dangerous because they have great insight
into the scriptures, and very subtly interweave truth with error in their
explication of 'dark sayings' (Try watching 'Reaching Higher' with Rick Godwin
- TBN, Saturdays at 3:30).
"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?" - Mat 7:22
Some Speculative Thinking
After long consideration of these things, I expect problems to progress and
become worse along several fronts. The general theme is that things are
becoming topsy-turvy, just the opposite of normal throughout church history.
For example, John tells us that the antichrists of his day:
"went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if
they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but
they went out in order that it might be shown that they all
are not of us." (I Jn 2:19)
In contrast, Jesus warns that when we see the abomination of desolation, WE
should be the ones to flee. (Mat. 24:15-21)
Then there was the problem faced by the Sanhedrin:
"What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a
noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent
to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it."
- Acts 4:16
If we stedfastly maintain the reformation principle of 'Sola Scriptura' and
along come 'Apostles' performing 'noteworthy miracles', the tables will be
turned. We will face Paul's Galatian problem in reverse - explaining away
the 'authentication' of these pseudo-apostles, with no authentication of our
own but the testimony of God's word.
What could be more likely to draw in the masses of secular men along with a
broad spectrum of religious denominations than undeniable, outward
manifestations of obviously supernatural powers? Remember how the masses
followed Jesus, desiring to be physically fed and politically ruled? Just
give them "bread and circuses" and they will be content.
This plays into the hands of the charismatic church which is predicting
(based on 'inside information', no doubt) great revival in the near future,
as well as the proponents of reconstructionism, who envision the church
making the world better and better. This would not be antithetical to the
world at large, who want nothing more than 'peace and safety' on their own
terms. Just don't trouble them with a gospel which requires repentance.
How Shall We Then Live?
It is very easy for a tendency to seek wisdom and guidance outside of the
scriptures to slip into the congregation. I especially appreciated Jim's
teaching last year on how to know the will of God because it was a good
counter to that tendency. I hope you will all continue to "Shepherd the
flock of God" (I Peter 5:2) away from the dangers of apostasy.
Make no mistake about it - our one authority, our only authority for life and
practice, is the Word of God as revealed to us in the scriptures. As long as
we adhere to that word with single-minded devotion and tenacity, we will not
be deceived or allow those who hear us to be. If we abandon the word, even
ever so slightly, we are headed for shipwreck.
"Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; In keeping them
there is great reward." Ps 19:11
For example, what is the antidote to those who will teach a secret, spirtual
coming of the Lord Jesus? The scripture which says:
"For just as the lightning comes from the east, and flashes
even to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be."
- Mat 24:27
John also tells us (II Jn 7) that Christ is coming in the flesh. Accept no
substitutes! Paul warned (Acts 20:30) about men arising from within and
speaking perverse things. So, carefully monitor what is taught at church -
not from a position of paranoia, but rather with the confident spirit of
power, love, and sound judgement (II Tim 1:7).
Conclusion
I appeal to you as I would to my father (I Tim 5:1); take the time necessary
to study what the scriptures have to say about the time of the end. As elders
and leaders of the congregation, are there steps to be taken and cautions to
be sounded to your people relative to the end time? Evaluate for yourselves
what the scriptures have to say on this increasingly important topic.
If you feel that you cannot all afford the time to study these matters,
perhaps you could assign one of your number to do so. I would be more than
happy to provide any additional assistance.
A final word of encouragement; Jesus' words to His disciples shortly before
His ascent to the Father's right hand ring down through the centuries as a
great comfort to us who may be on the verge of living through "all the days"
which culminate in His glorious return.
"And lo, I am with you all the days, even to the end of the age."
- Matthew 28:20
And from Paul:
"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 not of night nor of darkness; so then
let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and
sober." - I Thess 5