It seems to be the in thing to think about the (End of the Word) these days. The Mayans said it will be in 2012. (I always wondered how the Mayans could predict the end of the world, but not their own disappearance.) Self taught Bible scholar Harold Camping says it's tomorrow! Now I have had several people contact me asking my opinion so today being May 20th, I thought I would jot down a few thoughts on the subject. I have several things to share.
One of the passages that I have heard most often concerning the end of the word takes place in Matthew chapter 24. Unfortunately as is the case with most passages, people generally tend to read these verses out of the context in which they are written. Hermeneutical law number 1 says that we should examine what the author intended to say to his audience. So lets take a look at Matthew 24 in that light.
The context is Jesus having a conversation with his disciples. He has just finished a vigorous discussion with the Religious teachers of the law, and after hearing Jesus the disciples have questions. Matthew 24 is Jesus' answer to 3 questions asked by His disciples. They are as follows:
1) Tell us when all this will happen?
2) What sign will signal your return?
3) And what sign will signal the end of the world?
The disciples are under the impression that Jesus is going to be setting up and earthly kingdom. One that has the goal of overthrowing Rome and restoring Israel to its prominence. Jesus shares with them a different plan.
Here is His answer in a nutshell:
1)He shares with them that the situation is much more complex than they realize. That many signs and happenings must occur. He speaks of sin, wars, and earthquakes, but the end is still to come.
2) He shares that no man knows the day or the hour that He will return. It is an appointment set by God, not a puzzle to be figured out.
3) He shares that they need to watch. The watching doesn't mean to spend your life searching the sky. It means to watch your relationship with Him. Be ready by being in relationship with Him and doing His will.
Jesus will return. He will return on the day that God has set. No man can predict or know that day. It will be a day just like any other. The key is not to figure out when, but to be ready whenever.
If you are concerned about whether or not you are ready to meet Christ, and God's Spirit is speaking to your heart. Here is how we get ready.
1) Realize that you cannot save yourself. The Bible says we are all sinners. "We have all fallen short of the glory of God".
2) Repent- Repentance means to turn away from sin and towards God. The Bible says "Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out"
3) By Faith trust what Jesus has done for you on the cross to pay for your sins. The Bible says " We are saved by grace through faith not by works lest any man should boast"
4) Believe that Jesus died for you and rose again." If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in you heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved"
5) Call out to Jesus in prayer. The Bible says "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved"
If the Spirit of God is speaking to you right now, would you pray and receive Jesus and your Lord as Savior?
Chris Wells is a full time speaker and Chaplain for the Bassmaster Elite Series. Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society. He is available to speak at churches, wild game banquets, student ministry events and others. For booking go to: www.chriswells.org
