Signs of Jesus’ Return Fulfilled
By Dennis Love
McDowell County, NC
Signs—Signs—Signs! Matthew 24:3
Years ago there was a song out that said; “Signs, signs everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery breaking my mind; Do this, don’t do that can’t you read the signs?” The Five Man Electrical Band recorded it in 1971. Ever since the disciples asked Jesus this question in Matthew 24:3, people have been looking for signs of His second coming. When I began in ministry, Hal Lindsey wrote a book entitled; “The Late Great Planet Earth.” It sold millions of copies. Lindsey implied that since Israel (symbolized by the fig tree in Matthew 24:32) had become a nation in 1948, this generation will by no means pass away until all of these things take place” (v34). He implied that Jesus might return by 1988 since 1948 + 40 = 1988. But 1988 came and went without Jesus parting the skies.
Clearly, just like the disciples who asked this question of the Lord more than 2,000 years ago, we are fascinated by signs of His coming. However, did you know that the Bible actually speaks of three major comings of the Lord? First, the coming of Christ, born of a virgin in Bethlehem was foretold centuries before the Baby was born. Next, the prophet Joel foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit (who is God) and that prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to indwell the believers, never to leave us and to empower us for service. The third and only major coming yet to be fulfilled is the return of Jesus in the air for His church which sets the stage for the end of the world. So what are the signs of the things that will take place before His coming?
(1)Watch for a Polluted Pulpit
In v11, Jesus said that immediately before His return, “many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” In other words, there will be a turning away from the truth. We are right now living in such a day.
(2)Watch for a Particular Place
That place is Israel. The Bible says that before Jesus returns, the tiny nation of Israel will be reborn as a major player on the world stage. In Amos 9:14; God promised to bring back the captives of My people Israel into their own homeland. That began taking place in 1948 and today we see the Jews flooding back into Israel from all over the world and they now can call Jerusalem their capital.
(3)Watch for a Powerful Coalition of Nations
The Bible indicates that before Jesus returns, a powerful coalition of nations will emerge in Europe. Daniel referred to them as being the “ten horns” of the ancient Roman Empire. (Daniel 7:15-25). From this new world, the order will emerge the essence of a one-world power with a common currency. Sounds very familiar does it not? This prophecy seems to be unfolding right before our eyes today.
(4)Watch for a Popular Politician
to the Bible, shortly before Jesus returns, an electrifying leader will emerge on the world scene. He is called the Antichrist (1 John 2:18). This charismatic leader and orator will promise a world of peace. He will be filled with promises. He will speak of freeing the world of war and speak of solutions to solve the economic and political problems of the world. Much of the world will follow after him. There have been many such leaders down through the years, not the least of whom was Adolf Hitler in World War II. It could be that since Satan does not know the timing of the Lord’s return, someone is always on the stage who could fulfill the role of Antichrist.
(5)Watch for a Pluralistic Religion
The Bible predicts that before Jesus returns, a new religion will emerge that seeks to unite the world under one banner (Revelation 17:1-18). This has already infiltrated the Western world through the media and much of the educational process. Listen to the opening prayer of Representative Emanuel Clever that he prayed on Sunday, January 3rd to begin the 117th Congress and you will see we are there.
Jesus said when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). In light of this verse and the events going on in our world today, it just might be time for Christians to stop looking for signs and start listening for a shout! Now that’s something to think about! “For the Lord, Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
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Dr. Dennis Love is the Senior Pastor at Glenwood Baptist Church in Marion, NC. He and his wife Vicki have been married for 39 years. They have been in Marion for 5 years. They have two sons and three grandchildren. You can visit the Glenwood Baptist Church Facebook page or The Glenwood Baptist Church Website
You can read more Christian News from Dennis HERE.
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