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The Truth About The Last Days, Antichrist, The Rapture, More.
http://www.teachingfaith.com/content.cfm?id=304
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In a Peanuts cartoon, Peppermint Patty reminds Charlie Brown, "You heard what that speaker
said, Chuck. He said we're in the last days!" Charlie Brown responds with: "I know. I heard him
say the world is coming to an end." In the third frame, Peppermint Patty continues with: "Marcie
said the world can't end today because it's already tomorrow in Australia." In the final frame, we
see this final interaction, as Charlie Brown begins with: "Maybe we should go to Australia." Finally,
Peppermint Patty retorts: "Don't make jokes, Chuck."
For many, Bible prophecy is understood no better than it seems to be by Charlie Brown and
Peppermint Patty. It is like the definition of eschatology (the study of future things) given by a
confused student who wrote: "It is the study of eschats."
Bible prophecy buffs do not seem to help the clarity of this study when they are all over the map
with their "understandings" of the issue. Neither do they help people take Bible prophecy seriously
due to some of the embarrassing predictions that have been proclaimed in recent years.
As a result, most do not see the importance of understanding Bible prophecy. This is a tragedy,
because God assigns it much importance for us. How do we know that? One-fourth of God's
written communication to us-the Bible-deals with the future. Clearly, the massive amount of
material God has given to us about the future broadcasts importance.
But there are also other important reasons why Christians should seek to understand Bible
prophecy. For example, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 indicates that understanding prophecy produces
strength and stability in a Christian's life. An uncertain future will produce uncertainty and
instability in our lives now; however, a certain future, which an understanding of Bible prophecy
can produce, will grant the Christian confidence and strength in facing the future.
Of course, certainty and stability in our lives begin with knowing where we will spend eternity.
Fortunately, Jesus clearly presents how to know for sure you will be with God forever. In the
Gospel of John (which was written to show readers how to receive eternal life, life with God
forever-see John 20:31 for the purpose statement), Jesus proclaims that anyone who simply
believes Him for His offer of eternal life has it, from the moment the person believes Him for it
(e.g., John 3:16-18; 5:24; 6:47; 11:25-26, etc.).
Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (especially verse 18), we learn that a proper understanding of
Bible prophecy brings encouragement and comfort to the Christian. For example, understanding
that deceased Christians are not only very much alive in heaven right now, but will have an
awesome future can provide us with much comfort concerning our loved ones who have passed
on.
2. In addition, Bible prophecy can be a great tool for evangelism, as indicated by its usage by the
apostles Peter and Paul (see Acts 3:16-26 and 17:2, 31-34). That is, it can be used to show
people the importance of believing in Jesus for their eternal destiny.
Bible prophecy can also be a great encouragement for the Christian to remain faithful to Christ
(see 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, especially verse 58). In fact, properly perceived, Bible prophecy is
one of the greatest motivations there is for Christian living. For example, via eschatology, we see
that it will be well worth remaining faithful to Christ through difficult times, as He will eternally
reward our faithfulness.
Furthermore, prophecy can confirm our faith in God's word (cf. Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Based on
the thousands of predictions in the Bible that have already been fulfilled-perfectly, to the very letter
of each detail-prophecy provides us with great confidence in God's word; it strengthens our faith in
it and in Him.
Bible prophecy also teaches us much about God; and the more we understand about God and
how He works, the greater will be our encouragement, comfort, and confidence in facing life.
Understanding Bible prophecy can enable us to learn about God's immeasurable love for people.
For example, the Bible shows us that God will continue to reach out to an unbelieving world in the
future, seven-year tribulation period (the final seven years before the return of Christ to the earth).
In addition, information about the future informs us of God's magnificent mercy. We see that at the
Judgment Seat of Christ (the future assessment of believers in Christ to determine kingdom
reward) God will extend great mercy toward those who showed mercy toward others (see James
2:12-13). Those who did will receive a very merciful assessment (cf. Matthew 5:7) and far greater
eternal reward.
Of course, the future also teaches us about God's justice. For example, the Bible presents three
future judgments that will take place. One will assess Christians (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10), one will
assess unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15), and one will judge survivors of the future tribulation
period.
No doubt, Bible prophecy informs us of God's sovereignty. In fact, that prophecy is fulfilled (100%
of the time) demonstrates that God is in control. He is the God of the future, as well as the God of
the present. That should bring us great comfort, especially when life seems out of control. It can
quiet our hearts and strengthen our faith knowing God has it all in control.
We also learn from Bible prophecy that God is a rewarder of the faithful (see Hebrews 11:6). This
shows us that living in obedience to Christ will be well worth it. It gives us hope and purpose for life
now.
Understanding the future gives us great confidence of God's faithfulness to provide for our every
need. For example, we see that while Jewish followers of Jesus will be on the run, with no
possessions other than the clothes on their backs for the last three and a half years before the
return of Christ, God will provide for their every need each and every day! Realizing that
strengthens our faith to trust God with our situations. As a result, we have greater confidence to
face the future, no matter how bleak it may look, because we know God will faithfully provide for
our needs as we trust Him for them.
3. Bible prophecy also shows us that this is not all there is. God has an immensely better future in
store for those who have believed in Jesus Christ for their eternal destiny. We will one day soon
be rid of the pain and suffering, the heartache, and all of the other problems, including death, that
sin causes. That fact alone can help us to face another day, realizing that as we do, we are one
day closer to a much better future.
There are many other benefits for studying Bible prophecy, but, hopefully, these will stir you to
take eschatology seriously and allow it to bring benefits into your own life.
Doctoral work, Phoenix Seminary; Th.M., New Testament Greek, Dallas Theological Seminary;
B.A., English, University of Northern Iowa
Author; Conference Speaker
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Claeys
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The Truth About The Last Days, Antichrist, The Rapture, More.
http://www.teachingfaith.com/content.cfm?id=304
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