Is the End Near

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28.

While we may not know the “day and hour” of Christ’s Second Advent, the Bible gives many signs to impress the child of God when His coming “is near, even at the door.” While we must not be time-setters, neither can we afford to be sign ignorers.

Now, let us see what the Bible says; where will the child of God look to find these signs?

1. “In the sun” Luke 21:25
2. “In the moon” Luke 21:25
3. “In the stars” Luke 21:25
4. “Upon the earth” Luke 21:25
5. “In divers places” Luke 21:11

“The words of Jesus Christ are spoken to us living down here in the close of this earth’s history. “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your head: for your redemption draweth nigh.”

We may know, through the appearance of signs Jesus had foretold, when His coming is near. We need to study carefully those portions of Scripture that deal with these impending events so we will be ready at His appearing.

“At the time of Christ’s first advent the priests and scribes of the Holy City, to whom were entrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times and proclaimed the coming of the promised one. The prophecy of Micah, designated His birthplace; Daniel specified the time of His advent. God committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect…

“All the people should have been watching and waiting that they might be among the first to welcome the world’s Redeemer. But, lo, at Bethlehem two weary travelers from the hills of Nazareth traverse the whole length of the narrow street to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a place of rest and shelter for the night. No doors are open to receive them. In a wretched hovel prepared for cattle, they at last find refuge, and there the Saviour of the world is born…

“There is no evidence that Christ is expected, and no preparation for the Prince of Life. In amazement, the celestial messenger is about to return to heaven with shameful tidings, when he discovers a group of shepherds who are watching their flocks by night, and as they gaze into the starry heavens, are contemplating the prophecy of a Messiah to come to earth, and longing for the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Here is a company that is prepared to receive the heavenly message. And suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring the good tidings of great joy…

“Oh, what a lesson is this wonderful story of Bethlehem! How it rebukes our unbelief, our pride and self-sufficiency. How it warns us to beware, lest by our criminal indifference we also fail to discern the signs of the times and therefore know not the day of our visitation.” Maranatha, p. 10.

Be Watchful

“After he had given the signs of His coming, Christ said, ‘When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand.’ ‘Take ye heed, watch and pray.’ God has always given men warning of coming judgments. Those who had faith in His message for their time and who acted out their faith, in obedience to His commandments, escaped the judgments that fell upon the disobedient and unbelieving. The word came to Noah, ‘Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me.’Noah obeyed and was saved. The message came to Lot. ‘Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.’ Gen. 7:1; 19:14. Lot placed himself under the guardianship of the heavenly messengers, and was saved. So Christ’s disciples were given warning of the destruction of Jerusalem. Those who watched for the sign of the coming ruin, and fled from the city, escaped the destruction. So now we are given warning of Christ’s second coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Those who heed the warning will be saved.

“Because we know not the exact time of His coming, we are commanded to watch. ‘Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching.’Luke 12:37. Those who watch for the Lord’s coming are not waiting in idle expectancy. The expectation of Christ’s coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to cooperate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord’s household, ‘their portion of meat in due season.’ Luke 12:42. Theyare declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s servants now give the special warning for their generation.” DA 634

“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.

Just before Christ’s Second Advent many scoffers will be questioning the signs of His coming, while a mighty evangelistic movement will be attempting to stem the tide of evil through the preaching of the everlasting gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. The time of the end is marked by signs in the heavens and a thrilling crescendo of wonders on earth.

The promised signs have been fulfilled. We must then be living in the last days. Christ’s second coming must be “near, even at the door.”
AMEN.

Golden Kayawa Hingabantu, Zambia