SIGNS

God and the Lord Jesus Christ believe in signs. They gave many signs in the Bible. Some of the most fascinating signs that Jesus gave, concern events at the close of this age. They are listed in Mt.24 and Luke chapters 17 and 21. Some of those signs will affect the ecology. Others will apply to moral and social conditions on earth.

For example, 2 Thes.2:3 says that "A great falling away" will occur before the antichrist appears, and the time of his mark, 666. The "great falling away" surely is a sign, and I believe it is happening in these days.

Bible scholars generally apply that sign to Christian believers who defect from the faith. Truly, one cannot fall away from something he never had. But think of this: the antichrist is not coming to true, believing Christian believers. He is coming to a godless society, who will worship him.

History shows that a great "falling away" did occur early in post Apostolic times. It was so complete that the dark ages followed! The professed church of Christ practiced ungodliness that often exceeded heathen ungodliness. Still it claimed to be Christ's church. It was far from it! If the "Falling Away" in 2 Thes.2:3 applies only to Christian believers, the church during the dark ages did it! By contrast, today, there are more people coming TO Christ than ever before!

But if the "Falling Away" applies to end time SOCIETY it is happening right now! Socially, we have entered conditions like the times of Noah and of Lot. Jesus said that would happen!

Today there is a common abandonment of morality in all nations. Lawlessness is everywhere.

Everything that is socially good, proven by thousands of years of human history, is now being forsaken, and that which has proven to be detrimental is being extolled. That which is good is called evil, and that which is evil is called good. God said: "Woe, to them that call evil good and good evil (Isa.5:20)."

There is an increasing willful practice of the sins listed in Romans 1:18-32. That passage concluded with the solemn words: "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

Moral conscience used to exist, even among non churched people. A man's word was his bond, and he did some things just because it was right to do them. Ungodly ethics were't endorsed in high government offices. Abortion was called murder and was prohibited by law. This doesn't say that everyone then was godly: they weren't. But there was restraint on lawlessness.

Therefore, I suggest that the verse in 2 Thes. 2:3 applies to humanity in general, and is not limited to Christian backsliders.

If so, the appearing of the antichrist is at hand and that is also a sign that the end of the age is near.

Society is rapidly preparing to receive him, and to cooperate with him. One thing hinders his appearing now. That is the true Church of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit Who is at work in it. According to the Bible, only born again believers are called members of the Body of Christ, the Church. God's Word excludes everyone else. No amount of caviling by unbelieving professors of religion can change that fact.

It is of utmost importance to become born again, through personal faith and commitment to Christ. Jesus said that: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:3. That is the ONLY way to escape the coming wrath of God upon ungodly humanity.

Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

After that, there is the requirement to follow Jesus in obedience to the Gospel of Christ, every day. Rom.16:26, Mt. 16:24.

Titus 2:11-13: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"

Heb.9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Don't consent to, or indulge yourself in the sins of society around you: follow the Lord Jesus.

I love you.