02.17.2021
Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
I find myself returning to the topic of Bible prophecy time and again in this newspaper series. Since these articles began to be published in 2006, more than once have we taken up this important and interesting topic.
What sparked my attention just recently was the possibility of our nation returning to the Iran Nuclear Treaty. Iran is bent on producing nuclear weapons primarily for the destruction of the nation of Israel, and also the West. Yet we seem to be teetering on the prospect of aiding her in this tragic endeavor. Iran’s future attack on Israel, along with other nations, is a part of biblical prophecy.
A second fact that motivates me to return to this topic is that ecumenical Christianity [mainline Lutherans, Anglicans, Orthodox, Catholicism, etc.] have publicly stated their disdain for this type of teaching. My guess is that most of my readers seldom if ever hear a biblically based sermon on end-time prophecy in their local church. Even so-called evangelicalism seems to be increasingly adverse to this type of preaching.
Of course we know that the Devil doesn’t want people to know what the Bible actually says. Yet, as we examine the pages of Holy Scripture, we find that much of it is geared to prophetic message. Entire books [Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, Zechariah and Revelation] are dedicated to this topic. The Lord Jesus spent a good amount of His teaching time related to future events, especially in the parables and the Olivet Discourse (Matt 24, 25).
The message of prophecy is intended to stir to action, to draw to the Savior, to convict the soul, and as our opening text affirms, to bring comfort to those who are ready for the Lord’s return.
So, over the next several weeks, we will be considering what the Bible has to say about future events. We will consider topics such as the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the final judgments, and the Eternal State.
We will make an effort to relate the teachings of the Word of God to the events of the day.
We will also be careful to not be fanciful. We cannot form hard and fast opinions on areas where the Bible is silent. While we can speculate, we must not be sensational for the sake of sensation.
While no doubt this series will be interesting to many readers, the chief aim is not to titillate or entertain, but rather to instruct, challenge and bring comfort. Most of all, we wish to give honor and glory to the Son of God who died for the sins of the world, is the focal point of prophecy, and is coming again. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10b)
I hope you will join me on this journey, and encourage others to do so.
I leave you with poignant words found towards the end of the Book of the Revelation: And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let him that hears say, “Come.” And let him who is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)