Table of Contents
In the days of Paul, the wise men of Greece, even though they worshiped many gods, had not found the One of the existence of whom they had a vague idea. For this reason, they devoted a special altar to him, and this altar bore the description: “To the unknown God.” Paul, the messenger of Christ, was trying to acquaint them with the Creator of the world who gives every man life and breath.
“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” Acts 17:22-25.
There is a God in heaven. Have we thought about this in our lives? Millions of people who know this fact ask themselves the question: But does the Creator of this world still have any dealings with men? The Creator of the world has not turned his face away from humanity. His will has always been to be in close connection with men. Even though man sinned in Paradise, His eternal plan will be fulfilled completely.
The will of God is for the power of good to be manifested decisively in the development of history. The mystery of godliness and the mystery of iniquity will come into the final conflict in this age of mankind and it shall be manifest that sin is a power that opposes God and is detrimental to men.
The Bible contains the thoughts of God for humanity
The Holy Word describes not only the human heart in its depths but also the historical development of humanity in its deeds. Thousands of years in the past line up before our eyes, intertwined with acts and miracles of God. But the future is also enlightened by the prophetic words as it stands out before our eyes, appearing from the darkness of ignorance.
The plan of God is finally going to be accomplished, as now Jesus is ministering in the heavenly temple, interceding on our behalf. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:” (Acts 17:26-27).
The Spirit of God was who enlightened God’s messengers and allowed them to look into the future for the blessing of all those who would believe and for the warning of the whole world. The purpose of God is to reveal so much of his plans to the world as it would be needed, so that they would stand faithfully until the end, through the times of darkness.
Until the day of Christ comes, this scripture will shine as a clear light that shines in a dark place. 2 Peter 1:19. The purpose of all the prophecies is the coming kingdom of God – the kingdom of peace and righteousness. It is to prepare a people for God that would be cleansed from sin, fully redeemed, and saved.
The earth is going to be restored through the word of God, into the image of its Eden glory:
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Pet. 3:13.
When all earthly things will pass, when even the elements will be dissolved in fervent heat, then all sin will be destroyed, and every trace of it. According to the prophecies of the Bible, evil will reach its peak at the end of this world’s history.
Unrighteousness, egotism, and unbelief in the end times are their height. Men in general are secular and unbelieving. The only thing that captivates their thoughts and feelings is their desire for entertainment. They put their trust in the Mammon – the god of money. According to the inspired prophesies, we have now reached the final hour of this world’s history. The Spirit of God is at work even today. The Holy Word invites you to return to Jesus, to leave the vain suppositions of this world, and to follow Him.
God is waiting for you
Our heavenly Father is waiting for all those who are wandering away from Him. But how much longer is he going to wait? Probation will soon close when every case will have been decided in the heavenly Judgment.
The Days of Noah
There was a close of probation in the days of Noah:
“And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” Gen. 6:3.
At that time Noah was commissioned to make known to men that they were approaching the end of their probation. For a hundred and twenty years he preached about the coming Judgment of God. A way of deliverance was provided for those who would believe the message and enter into the ark.
“Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Luke 17:30.
A message for salvation
God has given a message to be preached to our generation – so serious, so solemn, that the prophet cried out:
“O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.” Jer. 22:29.
It is the message for the coming of Jesus for the salvation of His people and for the judgment of the wicked. The prophet Zephaniah prophesied of this time:
“Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3.
When John received the Revelation on the isle of Patmos, he was privileged to behold the glory of this great event – the Coming of Christ. He saw Jesus come in a white cloud, wearing a golden crown on His head and carrying a sharp sickle in His hand. Rev. 14:14. He heard the appeal of the worldwide messages that were to be preached before this to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people:
The First Angel’s Message:
“Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Rev. 14:6-7.
The Second Angel’s Message:
“Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Rev. 14:8.
The Third Angel’s Message:
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:9-12.
This solemn message is now being preached to all nations, in the whole earth. God’s messengers travel through cities, towns, and villages, even to the islands of the sea, crying with a loud voice: “The time of His Judgment has come!”
Throughout the earth, to the very corners of it, there is a people that is faithfully preparing for the Coming of Jesus and looks forward to His soon return. They are those who keep the commandments of God by faith and exercise patience in waiting. Soon the message will reach the most distant places and then the end will come. Jesus says:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24:14.
Dear friend, do you seek with all your heart the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? Or have you sought secular happiness, until now? If the latter has been your case, then consider that the world and all that is in it will pass, and only those who do the will of God will endure forever.
What Jesus told His disciples when they inquired about the end of the world, is of force for all those who would believe in him to the end of time. He told them:
“When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matt. 24:32, 33.