| A BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT WE MAY EXPECT By Keith L. Brooks |
Fulfilled prophecy is conclusive evidence of the divine inspiration of the Bible. "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isa. 46:9, 10). None of the sacred books of other religions have in them a prophetic element. The reason is not hard to find. Had the authors attempted to foretell future events, they would have left behind them the strongest evidences of their deception. The God of the Bible alone grasps the ages. God's Book alone is largely made up of prophecy, and none can deny that the march of the ages has corroborated His prophetic statements. These prophecies are so detailed and so specific, and they were recorded so long before the events transpired that they cannot be accounted for on the basis of human foresight. Thousands of volumes have been written throughout the Christian centuries showing how bible predictions have passed literally into history. The Apostle Peter wrote, "The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Pet. 1:21). "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts" (II Pet. 1:19). Herewith we set forth a few of the prophecies having to do with the consummation of the age in which we are living. As you read them and compare them with the events of which our daily papers are full, recall the challlenging question put by our Lord to the religious leaders of His day: "Can ye not discern the signs of the times?" (Matt. 16:3). International Conditions Preceding Christ's Second Coming Constant rumors of war (Matt. 24:6). Increasing world conflicts accompanied by pestilence and famine (Matt. 24:7; Isa. 13:4, 5). Economic perils such as the nations have never known (Matt. 24:21,22; Mark 13:19; Dan. 12:1). The people impotent to help themselves (Ezek. 7:17,18). Gold and silver valueless as exchange (Ezek. 7:19). Disastrous earthquakes (Matt. 24:7). Increasing commotions within nations (Luke 21:9). Fearful sights and great signs (Luke 21:11,25). People's hearts failing for fear (Luke 21:26; Isa. 24:17,18). Perilous conditions in general (II Tim. 3:1-5). Collapse of great fortunes (Jas. 5:1-8). Nations utterly broken down (Isa. 24:19,20; 51:6). Days of darkness and gloominess (Joel 2:2). Hellish war devices (Joel 2:3-5). World empire attained; its final destruction (Dan. 2:40-45). Many traitors, "fifth columnists" (Mark 13:12; Luke 21:16; II Tim. 3:3,4). National revival of Israel (Mark 13:28). Russia and German, as one, eventually attempt to grab riches of Palestine (Ezek. 38,39). Increasing persecution of Christians and Jews (Dan. 7:21,22; Jer. 30:7,13-16; Matt. 24:9; Mark 13:13). Final rise of an anti-God world dictator demanding allegiance of all (Dan. 7:24-26; Rev. 13:1-18); honors the god of forces (Dan. 11:36-39); overthrows many nations (Dan. 11:41, 42). Wastes of Palestine cultivated after many centuries of barrenness (Isa. 43:19,20; Ezek. 34:26,27; 36:4-10,30,34,35). Hebrew language revived after being long dead (Zech. 3:9). Jews return to Palestine in large numbers (Isa. 43:5,6; 49:19; Jer. 23:3; 30:3; Ezek. 11:17,18; Hos. 3:4,5). Seven years of consummation--the Great Tribulation--time of awful trouble for the Jews (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:27). Religious Conditions Preceding Christ's Second Coming Organized atheism mocks religion (Jude 18). Rulers take counsel against God (Ps. 2:2,3). True religion waning, iniquity abounding (Matt. 24:12,38). General apostasy in Christendom (II Thess. 3:3). Increase of spiritualistic practices (I Tim. 4:1-3). Religion largely a matter of form (II Tim. 3:5; Rev. 3:16,17). Many will not endure sound doctrine (II Tim. 4:3,4). Damnable heresies spring up overnight (II Pet. 2:1-3). Religious fakers work seeming miracles (Mark 13:22). Preachers ridicule the teaching of Christ's second coming (II Pet. 3:3,4). A great world religious federation takes shape, headed by a false prophet of great power (Matt. 24:5,11,24; Rev. 13:11-18). A great religious war is headed by the Beast with Palestine as the cockpit (Zech. 14:1-3; 12:2,3; Rev. 16:16; 19:11-21). Jew-hatred once and for all judged (Isa. 49:26; 60:14; Jer. 30:16,17). The Climax In the midnight hour of the age the Lord Jesus Christ comes first for His own (Matt. 25:6). Every eye shall see Him (Rev. 1:7). Christ in Person (John 14:3; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:13-18). Sleeping saints are raised, living believers are translated to meet Christ in the air (I Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3:21; John 5:24-29; I Thess. 4:15-17). The Great Tribulation followed by His glorious coming (Matt. 24:29,30). The Beast Empire destroyed (Dan. 2:45). Throne of latter-day dictators wiped out (Dan. 7:9-18). All evil forces removed (II Thess. 1:7-10; Matt. 13:41). All wickedness punished; righteous rule established (Ps. 98:8,9; Isa. 2:4-22; 13:11,12; 24:21; 26:20,21). Peace restored to the Holy Land, the homeland of Israel (Isa. 60:15-22; 62:1-10; Jer. 31:4-13; 33:7-18; Ezek. 34:12-14,23-28). The Jews worship the King of kings (Ezek. 36:22-38; 37:21-28; Hos. 14:4-9; Zech. 12:10-12). Christ's glorious and universal reign (Ps. 47:5-9; 72:1-17; Isa. 11:1-12; 25:8,9; 35:1-10; 65:17-25; Mic. 4:1-8; Zech. 2:10-13; 14:20,21; Rev. 21:1-7). (Reproduced from What We May Expect, by permission of the American Prophetic League, Inc.) |