Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us... [2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 NASB]
We are about to enter the realm of end-time prophecy. For many people, this is a very confusing subject, and many try to avoid it altogether. I think that would be a mistake, and I will try my best to remove the confusion.
As you read this and the following entries about the end-times, I ask that you keep an open mind. If I present a viewpoint that you may not have heard before, or that contradicts what you have been taught before, I ask that you not reject it outright, but study for yourself, and decide what the scriptures are saying.
If you think that I am in error, please feel free to point it out in the comments. I am open to correction. Only, let your corrections be scriptural in nature, and not based on tradition or "That's not what my pastor teaches."
We will be talking about timing of end-time events. I know that there are many people who think that it is unimportant, "peripheral" theology. I disagree. I have heard the cute statement, "I am 'pan-tribulation'. It will all pan out in the end." It's good for a chuckle, but it is a lazy way to avoid digging into the scriptures to see what they say on the subject.
The reason I think this is an important subject is because Paul thought it was an important subject. Paul was in Thessalonica for only three weeks before persecution by the Jews forced him to leave. During those three weeks, he preached the gospel of salvation, and gave them the bare basics of the faith. One of the basics of the faith that he taught them was end-time prophecy.
End-time prophecy is more than just an intellectual exercise. It is intended to be understood by every Christian, and not just a few chosen theologians.
It is the basis of our hope in Christ. One day, we will see Him face-to-face, whether we die and come into His presence, or whether we are alive at His coming and are taken up to meet Him in the air.
The early church lived with the expectation of Jesus' return during their lifetimes. The fact that He has not yet returned shouldn't be discouraging to us, but should make us realize that His coming is closer now than it was then.
Why is it important to know the timing of the end-time events? For the same reason that Paul gave the Thessalonians; "that you not be quickly shaken from your composure."
If you have been taught that you will never suffer as a Christian, and then you have to endure suffering, you can easily become discouraged, and fall away from the faith. If you have received a certain teaching for all of your Christian teaching, and then find that the Lord is doing something else, it may shake your faith. if you know, and are prepared, then your faith can remain strong.
Starting tomorrow, we will begin digging into the scriptures, to gain an understanding of end-time events.
Jesus, I thank You for Your promise of Your return. I pray that You will open my heart and mind to understand what You are teaching Your church.
No comments:
Post a Comment