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For those who are honestly seeking the truth about the end times, these facts are of great importance. They have only one meaning – the days that our Lord pointed to, giving us the signs that were to precede his Second Coming, have come. We read:
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26.
Signs of the last days
The end times have come. There are many evidences around us which show that the time when our Lord shall come again has is truly near.
We see such evidences in the wickedness that prevails in every place. 2 Timothy 3:1-4.
We see them in the coldness, indifference, and moral declension of the nominal churches. Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:5.
We see them in the wonderful manifestations in the heavens. Luke 21:25.
We see then in the terrible rumbling of the earthquake. Matthew 24:7.
We see them in the matchless development of human knowledge and also in the understanding of Bible prophecy. Daniel 12:4.
We see them in the constant advancement of “this kingdom of the gospel” in all the world. Matthew 24:14.
Jesus promised to come again
Just before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples: “I go to prepare a place for you.” And “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3. This prophecy is so clear that there can be no mistake in understanding its meaning if the person is truly seeking the knowledge of God’s Word. The Lord said: “I will come again.”
In answer to the inquiry of the disciples as to what shall be the sign of his coming and the end of the world, after he listed numerous signs to them Jesus said: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven… and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matt. 24:30.
A little earlier, he had told his disciples: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matt. 16:27.
At his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus said: “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” Matt. 26:64.
In the closing words of the Scriptures, this same Jesus reiterates the truth about his Second Coming: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” “Surely I come quickly.” Rev. 22:12, 20.
This positive testimony of the Savior himself is enough to convince the hearts of all who would accept him as a Guide and a Teacher. As we look at the signs that are described in Matthew Chapter 24 and Luke Chapter 21, we cannot doubt that Jesus is coming soon. Truly, without the Second Coming of our Lord, the plan of salvation would not be complete.
The culmination of all prophecy
It is this glorious event that was the hope of all the righteous men in ancient times and of all the true believers in Christ to this day. It is the only hope for a lasting solution to the troubles and sufferings we have in this world. It will be a glorious fulfillment of some of the most solemn and sublime end-time prophecies of the Scriptures.
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28.
For this glorious event must all men prepare by repentance, by confessing their sins and living after the pattern that Christ laeft his followers. Those who will meet Christ in peace when he comes are those who have first followed “the Lamb whithersoever he goeth”. Rev. 14:4.
A little time before the Coming of Christ there will come a time when probation will close and all the inhabitants of the earth will have chosen their master. Then the declaration will sound in heaven:
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev. 22:11.
Let us seek the Lord while he may be found
In view of this time of final decision, when people will have chosen their eternal destiny by their own obedience or disobedience to the Word of God, we are given the following admonition:
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7.
Jesus promised that all who seek him will find him and that to all who knock it will be opened.
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you…” Jer. 29:13-14.
Therefore, let us so seek that we shall find, and let us so knock that it shall be opened unto us, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matt. 7:8.