HOW CLOSE?
PART 7: What To Expect
We are living in the End Times. Currently experiencing what Christ Jesus described as “Birth Pains”. Increased frequency and intensity of turmoil worldwide. Issues, troubles, problems, death, destruction. The world’s inhabitants are no strangers to suffering. Most of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)’s teachings revolve around suffering.
Life is a journey—a series of choices and decisions, each with its own consequences. The fundamental purpose of life is to discern whether we will come to know, believe in, and trust God, or if we will focus solely on ourselves. This self-centered perspective often revolves around the questions, “What’s in it for me?” and “How do I get what I want?”
Prophecy explains for those who have ears to hear that God’s plans are for spiritual redemption and reconciliation in a world enmeshed with self. It’s through prophetic characters and events that God’s plans are executed and brought to fruition.
We’ve discussed the tribulation years and their fallout for those alive before and after the Rapture. What we can all expect. Why? None will escape. Those of us living in the current End Times, as well as the coming Last Days, will be affected to one degree or another.
The ‘Birth Pains’ Jesus described involve every aspect of life: social, political, religious, environmental, business, commerce, and industry. From neighborhoods to global, the preparations for this world’s end are set in place and operational. Why? To get our attention. To reveal ahead of time His plans for spiritual redemption in a world that refuses to hear.
What exactly can you and I expect? First and foremost: the rise of the Antichrist. Satan’s spirit has been in the world since its beginning. Without its presence, the struggle between good and evil would be a moot point. It’s only through ‘free will’ choice between God and His spiritual nemesis that makes life necessary. Why?
God does not need us to exist; He simply is. He lives independently in the universe. However, to be recognized as “God,” He requires acknowledgment from living beings who choose to see Him as such. Therefore, He grants free will, allowing potential worshippers the choice to believe, trust, obey, and follow His teachings, instructions, and commands—or to choose not to.
The essence of “free will” lies in the choice between moral and ethical obedience or rebellion. It involves the struggle between spiritual purity and corruption, as well as the distinction between morals and ethics versus immorality and unethical behavior. Ultimately, it reflects what each of us identifies as “right and wrong.” This choice represents a pathway for spiritual return to God or a path that leads away from His spiritual presence.
Each of these paths presents a triune godhead: ‘Universal Consciousness’ representing truth and love through the “Father, Son, and Spirit,” or rebellion rooted in evil and corruption as exemplified by Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet.
Those of us living in the End Times possess a unique awareness that serves as a powerful testimony. Why is this significant? It is because we are the ones who have been granted both God’s prophetic word and the unfolding presence of events, activities, and personalities associated with the end times, as foretold by His prophets and servants.
For two thousand years, generations of Christians have awaited the arrival of the Antichrist, but their expectations have not been fulfilled. Today, we are witnessing the precursor events described in various texts that warn of his coming. Yet, among the eight billion people on Earth, few truly understand or pay attention to these prophetic warnings. Meanwhile, Satan watches with a smile.
Those who face death without a spiritual relationship with God through Christ Jesus will only experience oblivion and suffering at the hands of the kingdom of the antichrist. They will also have to contend with the consequences of the Tribulation’s Trumpet and Bowl Judgments. Each person has a choice to make, voluntarily or by force. Which will you choose?
Join me next week for Part 8 of this quick-read series.