Most people seem to think that the world is becoming, or will inevitably become, a better place in which to live. It is felt that through education, diplomacy, and scientific advances, most people will live longer, better, and more peaceful lives than any who have lived before. Is this really what's next?
Not according to Jesus! Not long before He left this world about two thousand years ago He said, "
As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be" (
Matthew 24:37).
There are two very important things in this statement. First, Jesus reiterates His promise to return to the world (more about this later). Second, when He comes, the condition of the world will be the same as it was in the days of Noah. What is said about the world then? We are told, "
The earth was corrupt" and "
filled with violence" (
Genesis 6:11). The headlines on the evening news and in the world's newspapers every day show that in spite of our "advanced civilization" and modern technology, these two evils--corruption and violence--are filling the world today.
Places where it was once safe to walk at night are now the scenes of crime during the day, and many things that God has always called corruption and sin are now accepted as "personal choices" and "lifestyles." Note the words of Jesus again: "
As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." By looking around at events and conditions in the world today, we believe that "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (
James 5:8).
His coming will occur in two stages, fulfilling two very different promises. First, the Lord Jesus Christ will come to the air with a shout, raise the bodies of Christians who have died, change the bodies of the living believers, and rapture them all to heaven, "
that where I am there ye may be also" (
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; John 14:3). Then, later, all who have rejected Christ will be judged "
when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" ... "because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness" (
2 Thessalonians 1:7,8;
Acts 17:31).
What's next in God's schedule of events for you? Will you be among those who "know not God," and perish in your sins, or will you be among the blood-bought people of God, and be caught up in a moment of time to be forever with Christ?
Knowing God is not believing that He exists; it is not saying prayers or going to church or doing good works. Knowing God is entering into a personal relationship with Him through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who said "
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (
John 14:6). Jesus Christ has provided the only way by which hell-deserving sinners like us can have our sins washed away when He "bare our sins in His own body on the tree" and "rose again the third day" (
1 Peter 2:24;
1 Corinthians 15:4).
In order to be ready for what's next--the coming of Christ--you must realize that you need salvation, "
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (
Romans 3:23). You must realize that without Jesus Christ, there is no salvation, "
For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (
Acts 4:12). You must realize that you cannot earn salvation, "
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (
Ephesians 2:8,9). You must simply trust what Jesus has done for you, "
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (
John 3:16). "
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (
Acts 16:31).
Turn in faith to Jesus today and He will take away your burden of sin--no matter how great it is. Only then will you know the One who holds the future in His hands, and be ready for what's next.
(posted with permission of
Moments with the Book)
