The Bible teaches that life as we know it on this planet will not go on forever. There will come a time called the Tribulation, or the Day of the Lord, when God will pour out His wrath on the unbelieving world for a period of seven years. It will be a time of extreme suffering and supernatural disasters that have never occurred in history. God has given humanity warning signs that this time is approaching. The Bible refers to this preliminary time-period as the “birth pains” or “labor pains”. We are told that we can know the season when these things will occur. (I Thessalonians 5:1-3)
There are indications in the Bible that the birth pains are happening now and are intensifying. The following are just a few of them:
The Miracle Re-birth of Israel
The Book of Revelation describes many future events occurring in Israel. None of these things can happen until Israel is back in the land. On May 14, 1948 the modern State of Israel was born. Within 24 hours, the armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq attacked simultaneously to destroy it. God preserved Israel in what can only be described as a miracle.
Look at a map of the world. Locate modern Israel. It is a minuscule country dwarfed by the countries surrounding it. Why is Israel such an obsession for the United Nations? God has a plan for Israel and Satan is doing his utmost to destroy it - without success.
“Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples…On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. -- Zechariah 12:2-3 (ESV)
One World Government - The Rise of Globalism
In the last few years there has been an explosion of interest in globalism. Politicians from the left and the right are promoting a one world government and the elimination of all borders and individual nations. This is seen as the only way to end war and eliminate poverty. A global government doesn’t seem to be as far-fetched as it was even ten years ago.
The Book of Revelation predicts that this will occur, but it won’t be a good thing. It is a set up for total world domination under the evil dictatorship of the Anti-Christ (the Beast).
One World Currency
Along with a one world government, the Bible predicts that the Anti-Christ will control world finance. In this way, he can decide who eats, who gets medical care, etc.
Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. -- Revelation 13:16-17 (ESV)
Many European countries and most recently India are moving very quickly to a cash-less society. This is just one step on the way to complete digital control of finances.
Some believe that the “mark of the beast” will be a microchip implant that will serve as an identification and tracking device. We already carry microchips with us everywhere we go in the form of credit cards and cash cards. Another technology that already exists is the electronic tattoo. This would fulfill the prophecy of a mark “on the right hand or the forehead”. These technologies are just two of several possibilities. This would have been unimaginable just one generation ago.
One World Religion
The Bible also predicts the rise of a one world religion led by a man known as the False Prophet. He will essentially be the Anti-Christ’s right-hand man. It seems unimaginable that the world’s major religions could ever agree on anything or ever be united into one faith, but events beneath the surface of global spirituality show a move toward this goal. The False Prophet will ultimately lead the inhabitants of the earth to worship the Anti-Christ (the Beast).
There is a deception of epic proportions already underway. With the drift away from belief in the Bible, it becomes easier to blend religions. This is already happening with the introduction of eastern mysticism and practices into church worship. The “watering down” of Christianity is further promoted by false prophets:
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. -- Matthew 24:24 (ESV)
It is not difficult to imagine a world religion built around pagan practices such as earth worship. Paganism and Wicca are increasing in popularity and being blended into Christianity. It may be the issue of climate change that will be the catalyst. It is one thing that all religions could support. The problem occurs when people place too great a value on inanimate creation and raise that value to the level of idolatry.
…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. -- Romans 1:25 (ESV)
Which leads to the next sign -
Climate Change
The world’s weather patterns are changing. We are told that the ice caps are melting. Earthquakes and hurricanes are on the rise and are increasing in intensity. These things are happening, but not for the reasons we are told. The climate is not changing because of the actions of human beings, it is an act of God and part of the “birth pains” leading to the end.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; … -- Romans 8:18-22 (RSV)
Believers are not to be alarmed about climate change, earthquakes or strange weather. God controls the earth and it will last until His purpose has been served:
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” -- Genesis 8:22 (ESV)
Moral Relativism & Moral Decay
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. -- II Timothy 3:1-4 (ESV)
The argument can be made that these things have always happened, just as "wars and rumors of wars" have occurred throughout history (Matthew 24:6). The difference is in the intensity and pervasiveness. Bible prophecy experts call this "convergence" - referring to the simultaneous occurrence of all the prophetic signs which has never happened before.
The increase in moral decay and moral relativism can be traced to a decrease in belief in the Bible. If you don’t believe the Bible, there is no longer any accountability in the church or its teachings. This explains the phrase “having an appearance of godliness, but denying its power”.
Still Waiting
Born-again believers are anxious for the return of Christ and some are becoming fatigued and discouraged by the wait. If God seems to be moving slowly, remember this:
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. -- II Peter 3:9 (ESV)
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