How do we, as Christians who look forward to the second coming of Christ, and the end of all things, "see (more and more) the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25)? It can only be by seeing prophesy fulfilled by events, called by Christ and his apostles "signs of the times," or "the times and seasons." (Matt. 16: 3; I Thess. 5: 1)
Everything that is prophesied to occur when Christ returns cannot happen "in the twinkling of an eye." Nor can it happen in 24 hours, or in a single day. The resurrection of saints may take place in an instant, but the resurrection is only one event in the agenda of Christ at his reappearing.
There are two categories of such events or signs. First, there are those events that are specifically said to occur before the coming again of the Christ. Second, there are those events that are said to occur at or as a result of the arrival of the Lord Jesus.
The job of the interpreter of these prophecies is to 1) understand the event prophesied and 2) see how the event is connected, sequentially or otherwise, with other events. Is the prophesy to be literally fulfilled? Does a "sign" denote what is not literal? Does the rapture take place before the judgment of the great tribulation or vise versa? How is the book of Revelation to be interpreted? What is the Millenium? What is the "kingdom of God"?
Over the next several months, and possibly years, if the Lord wills, I will be writing much on eschatology, assembling what I have already written over the years, and building upon it so that I might present what I think is the correct teaching of the Scriptures on the subject.
Not only should we all "see the day approaching" or drawing near, but should all realize, as the apostle said, "now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed." (Rom. 13: 11) If we are true Christians, then we will have a love and longing for his appearing. (II Tim. 4: 8)
Things in our day are happening at fast pace. Change is everywhere. People are in fear of what they perceive is about to come to pass. (Luke 21: 26) Thankfully, in the midst of it all, Christians have a "more sure word of prophesy" that anchors them. (II Peter 1:19)
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