Continued from our previous post.
The following is a list of events we believe are shortly to come about leading up to the end of this age and the beginning of the next. Now although we are assured that all these events will take place what we’re not so sure of is their exact order of fulfilment. The first two items in this list relate to those things which are, that is they are presently in the process of fulfillment even now as we speak, the remainder “Those things which are shortly to come”, we believe are fast approaching.
1) Israel’s abandonment, all her lovers forsaking her.
2) The Great Earthquake (This earthquake is composed of two parts, the relatively peaceful part which we believe is even now unfolding, and the violent part soon to come).
3) “Lying wonders”
4) Breath of life given to the image of the beast, and the arrival of the False Prophet
5) The confederacy or federation
6) Three unclean spirits
7) The Chariot of fire and Elijah taken up by a whirlwind into heaven
8) “It is done” the completion of the Church
9) Silence in heaven
10) Elisha takes the mantle of Elijah
11) Gog and Magog
12) Jacobs Trouble
13) The harvest of the vine of the earth
14) The release of the “four winds”
15) The beast that was, is not, and is to come again
16) The climax of the great time of trouble, Armageddon
If one takes the time to examine the facts for themselves it’s easy to see how quickly things could likely play out, the fact is the events on our list could all transpire within a very short period of time, a few years, likewise they could begin tomorrow or perhaps even today.
“Remember the Lord has told us that He will "make a short work of it." Just how short the work will be would be conjectural. Everyone may have his own opinion. At one time the Lord speaks of it as being "in one hour;" another time, as "in one day;" and the Apostle speaks of it as coming like travail upon a woman with child--suddenly.” (R5567)
One day you went to work concerned about your job, your employer was cutting your hours and you were wondering how you were going to pay your bills and provide for your family, or perhaps you were planning to take that long awaited vacation or possibly planning to buy a new car, may perhaps you were about to get married, and the next day you woke to find that it had begun, the world as you once knew it was changed forever, nothing that you had thought about previously meant anything to you anymore, the end of the present order was upon us.
As for those who imagine this to be a bit to dramatic imagining that there will be some warning of impending events before this day comes, let us recall the words of our Lord,
“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming [Greek parousia: presence] of the Son of Man be.” Matt 24:38, 39
In those days before (prior to) the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage right up to the day when Noah went into the ark (right up to the day when the Great Storm erupted). They “did not know”, were unaware of what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away. That's how it will be when the Son of Man comes (is revealed to the entire world in the gathering clouds of trouble, the Great Storm, the apokalupsis stage of his presence).”
This text is a warning to us that although each day may appear perfectly normal, one day even as the next and though it appears that, “all things continue as they have from the beginning of creation.” (2 Pet 3:4), don’t be fooled, once the before mentioned events begin to unfold the storm will be upon us sooner than you think.
“For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then SUDDEN destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thess 5:2-6)
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life and that Day come on you unexpectedly, for it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass [the great trial coming], and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21: 34-36
The faithful ones will be kept from the power of this great trial "because thou didst keep the word of my patience." (Rev. 3:10) NOT by being taken from the scene of trouble altogether as some vainly imagine, but by being supported, strengthened and kept in the very midst of it, all by the Word of the Lord.
While there are clear indications that some of the living members of the body will witness the gathering of the storm and share in some of the troubles it will bring, there are also indications that none of these will pass entirely through it, nor even far into it.
Continued with next post.
