3 Specific Things That Point to the End Times (Revelation 1:3) - Your Daily Bible Verse - May 8
3 Specific Things That Point to the End Times
by Jennifer Waddle
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1:3
Books, movies, and speculations have been made about the end times, to the point that people have become almost calloused toward the thought. Sadly, the phrase “zombie apocalypse” has become more of a popular idea than the second coming of Jesus Christ.
For Christians, the “end of all things” ushers in the return of Jesus and the culmination of our faith. But even Christians grow complacent in the waiting. We get caught up in everyday life and forget about the much awaited day when every eye will see and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11)
How can we be sure the end is near? What are the signs that Jesus’ return is right around the corner? Here are 3 specific things that point to the end times.
1. Growing corruption
Today’s culture has fulfilled every description in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Daily, we hear about greed, deceit, and horrific crimes being committed by people who are unloving and unholy. Despising what is good, people have decided to live their lives based on the inclinations of their own hearts. Unfortunately, the Bible warns that our hearts are deceptive and full of wickedness.(Jeremiah 17:9)
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
As corruption continues to grow. we can remain steadfast, looking to the Author and Perfecter of our faith—Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:2)
2. Increased war
Battle and strife between people groups has been an issue since the beginning of creation. However, in the last days, wars and rumors of wars will only increase. From this basic timeline of wars across the centuries, we can see that world peace simply isn’t a reality.
As Jesus said in Matthew 24:6-7, there will continue to be wars and rumors of wars. Nation will rise against nation before His return. There really is only one true source of peace—Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
3. A rise in deceivers
Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:4
In this century alone, more than half-a-dozen men have claimed to be the Christ. Deceiving the weak and vulnerable, they are fulfilling what Jesus warned about in Matthew 24. Christians must be on guard against this kind of deception.
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24 ESV
We must know what the Bible says in order to guard our own hearts from being deceived. No matter what sign or wonder is performed, nothing will compare to the glorious coming of the Savior. In the end, there will be no “guess-work” as to whether or not Jesus is who He says He is.
Instead of relying on books and movies to inform us of the end times, let’s rely on the only source of true wisdom—the living word of God.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7
*This devotion is taken in part by Jennifer Waddle’s article, Are We Living in The Last Days? You can read the entire article here.
Jennifer Waddle considers herself a Kansas girl, married to a Colorado hunk, with a heart to encourage women everywhere. She is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, and Abide. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and sign up for her blog, “Discouragement Doesn’t Win.” She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
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