Our news is filled with stories about global pandemic, contested elections, political polarization, police vilification, mass shootings, droughts, computer chip shortages and economic uncertainty. In the midst of these mounting challenges, Satanism, witchcraft and paganism have become mainstream, while America and Europe are said to be “post-Christian.” Our world seems to be spinning out of control and moving toward a destructive climax. From a biblical perspective, time is linear, having a beginning and an end. Are current conditions ushering in the last days?
When asked, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3, CEV), Jesus responded by listing some specific indicators. There will be an increase of wars and the threat of armed conflict will be frequently discussed. Ethnic groups will oppose one another, and international disputes will become more common. There will be a significant increase in earthquakes, and large scale famines will break out in widely dispersed locations. False prophets will arise, turning hearts away from Christ and proclaiming future events that don’t come to pass. Perverse behavior will become widely accepted, and most people will be oblivious to these symptoms, just like they were in Noah’s day.
During earth’s final season of upheaval, Christians will face rejection, and many will abandon their faith. The price for being identified with Jesus will be higher than some are willing to pay. The love of many believers will grow cold. Jesus explained that we can be certain the end is near when these signs all mature and converge. It will be impossible to predict an actual date for His return, though many will try.
Most of these things seem to be occurring now, but as “signs,” they must dramatically accelerate as we approach the end of days. The expanding and historically unprecedented scope of these clues is what Jesus prophesied. Collective events will bring on a time of tribulation/pressure that is unparalleled in earth’s history. The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in every unreached area while unequalled tragedy is accelerating globally. Jesus will continue loving mankind and saving souls right up to the very end, but an end will come.
Jesus is the only hope for mankind. Salvation and eternal life are found exclusively in Christ. The epic convergence of events along with the uncertainty as to the date of His return should motivate us to remain steadfast and faithful. A healthy awareness of the signs of the times should push us ever closer to the Lord. He loves us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Our glorious hope is that He could return today. Current events should inspire us to share His love like never before. May He return soon and find us faithful when He comes.
Listen to this episode of The Whole Word Podcast on Charisma Podcast Network for more from Pastor Pitts Evans on Jesus’ words regarding the end of the ages. {eoa}
Pitts and Mary Evans met at the University of South Carolina and have been married since 1981. They have three adult children, a daughter in-law, a son in-law and eight grandchildren. Pitts first attended Whole Word Fellowship with his parents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was later called to full-time ministry and currently serves as the senior pastor of WWF and the Northern Virginia House of Prayer. He is the voice of our weekday The Whole Word Podcast. Pastor Pitts also directs our international ministry, overseeing humanitarian efforts, combating human trafficking, ministering in pastor’s conferences, Bible schools and seminaries in other nations. His primary calling is for recruiting and equipping the bride of Christ through Bible teaching and preaching. His new book, The Wife of God, is available from Amazon.
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