by Michael Weis
Revelation 22:20 – He who testifies of these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The Apostle John was placed on the prison colony on the island of Patmos for preaching the truth of Jesus, Revelation 1:9. While there, he was given the vision of the end, 7 letters to 7 churches and the end of the age into eternity. It is not my purpose to discuss the various views on End Times but my purpose is to address a question that some ask – Why study End Times? It’s a legitimate question with an answer.
First, most don’t realize there are more prophesies about Jesus’ 2nd Coming than His first. There are over 300 prophesies in the Old Testament concerning the 1st Coming of Christ, perfectly fulfilled in one way or another. We should want to study His return and what will occur during this time. My question is, why would you not want to study the return of Jesus who promised to return for His Bride, the Church?
Second, 2 Peter 3:11-18 tells us that understanding the truth of End Times, in context the Day of the Lord, will lead us to live a holy and righteous life in the peace and power of Christ during tough times in the future, but by application, today as well. Some don’t want to study End Times because they think it is merely theoretical information. On the flip side, some want to study this because they think it is merely theoretical and it won’t affect them. Neither is true. This is not merely theory, but will happen with the Church seeing much of it and because of this; it will impact our lives today.
Third, Revelation 1:1-3 states there is a special blessing for those who study the book of Revelation and by implication the doctrine of End Times or Eschatology. There are over 300 quotes or inferences to the Old Testament in the book of Revelation. Next to Hebrews, Revelation is the most “Jewish” book in the New Testament with quotes from the Old Testament.
Fourth, 1 John 2:18 and Hebrews 1:2, both written in the first century AD specifically state we are living in the “last days.” We have been living in them for many years now. How far along are we? I don’t know. No one does. This is not about sensationalism or newspaper theology, but preparation. Studying this doctrine prepares us for what will happen and what Christians WILL face before the return of Christ and the signs to look for. Are you ready? Christians won’t escape persecution!
Fifth and lastly, the main purpose for studying End Times, is to challenge us to study the Bible, learn the truth, and in the process grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ and develop our relationship with God. What better doctrine to see the sovereign control God has over all history than to study fulfilled prophecy and prophecy yet to be fulfilled! What better doctrine to give hope for the future and the present during the tough times we face.
This is not about learning or gaining knowledge for knowledge sake, as discussed, but learning the truth which will change our life today in preparation for the return of our Lord. Do we long for His return? Do we dismiss this doctrine or take it seriously as the Bible does and study End Times for God’s glory?