That the world as man has known it for some 6000 years is heading toward a rapidly approaching end is evident to those who diligently study God’s Word. That mankind is rapidly sliding into the spiritual abyss (sewer) and picking up speed is abundantly clear. That the United States is at the head of the spiritual lemming herd headed for the cliff is obvious. Question: Did Jesus the man have anything to say about the times we are living in? Did He give us any signs to look for that would indicate that man was about to destroy himself? Let us go to His Word for the answers.

In Matthew 24:1-3 the disciples asked Him what would be the signs that the end of the world and His return were approaching. At this point we need to understand the meaning of the word “world.” The New Testament was written in the Greek language. The word translated as “world” is aion which means “age” in Greek. One translation of the Bible renders the expression “end of the world” as “the close of the age.” Therefore, the disciples’ question concerned the end of man’s earthly rule, not the end of the physical globe known as earth. Proof that the physical earth (world) will not be destroyed at Christ’s return is provided in Ecclesiastes 1:4 where we are assured that the world will exist “forever.”

The Lord’s reply to the disciples’ question was both negative and positive. He said in verse 21: “For then shall be great tribulation such as has not been seen since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” When we recall the Black Plague, the Influenza Plague, two world wars, etc. we realize that what Jesus is describing will be incredibly horrific as the Book of Revelation warns us. Jesus also said that “not a soul should be saved alive” if the days of the Great Tribulation were allowed to continue. Here He is referring not to man’s spiritual salvation, but to being saved from physical destruction–from physical death. In verse 21 He made it clear that the statement referred to every human being on the face of the earth. Then He added a positive note as recorded in Mark 13:20: “And except the Lord should shorten those days, no flesh would be saved. But for the elect’s (His true saints’) sake, whom He has chosen, He has shortened the days.” To prevent mankind from destroying itself, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to put an end to the madness. Anyone who doubts that people will voluntarily kill themselves and everyone else for a “just cause” needs to pay attention to the words of the radical Islamists. They are attempting to start World War III in order to usher in a new world where Islam will rule all men. They openly proclaim that they will gladly sacrifice their lives in a glorious act of martyrdom in order to make this happen. Islamic women vow to have as many children as possible and to raise them up to be martyrs. Children are beheading people and holding up their heads for a photo op. This is not rumor; this is verifiable fact.

In the Mark 13:20 passage it is noted that Jesus would prevent the total destruction of mankind for the sake of those “whom He has chosen.” About whom is He referring? Who are His elect? Is it the two billion churchites who repeatedly and openly rebel against Him and His Word (see the Introduction to the website)? Or is He referring to His “little flock”–His church–the “Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16). To be continued. L.J.