His Return Is Near
Jesus indicated that there would be a great number of observable signs as the Day of Judgment approaches. These signs are to increase in frequency and intensity like labor pains. Among them:
- Wars and rumors of wars
- Famines
- Pestilences
- Earthquakes
- Plagues
History reveals a remarkable trend in these catastrophic signs. All of them have been on the increase, especially since the beginning of the 20th century.
Jesus finished His discourse with the statement that the generation* that sees the Fig tree (a reference to Israel) blossom will be the generation that sees His return to the earth. Israel became a nation in 1948, a fact that cannot be explained outside of its Biblical context.
Soon there is going to be another event which will take place on a world-wide scale. It is spoken of in the Bible 26 times as an event where Jesus Christ snatches His Church (true believers, followers of Jesus) out of this world. It will happen suddenly, without our knowing when. We refer to it as the “Rapture” of the Church. Only people who have repented and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be taken, as well as those believers already in the grave (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Those of us who have a relationship with the Lord will escape from the wrath of God which is to come, known as the Great Tribulation period, or the Time of Jacob’s trouble. Just as He rescued Noah and his family from the world-wide flood and Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, so we too will escape the onslaught of God’s judgment if we believe and obey God’s Word.
I am convinced that the rapture will take place before the Tribulation period begins. It could happen any time, since there are no prophetic scriptures known to us that must precede it. Christ does not set foot upon the earth at this time. Instead, all true believers meet Him in the clouds; first those Christians who have died, then all true believers who are alive. Our bodies will all be changed at that time into incorruptible, immortal bodies fit for eternity (1 Cor. 15:51-54)
The Tribulation period is spoken of in the Old Testament by several of the prophets, and in the New Testament, especially the book of Revelation. It will last for 7 years. Jesus said this is to be a time of trouble such as the world has never seen. It will end with the return of Jesus and His judgment upon all those who rejected Him. Jesus spoke of these times in response to his disciples’ question, “When will these things be”? I think He knew what He was talking about.
* A Generation is not strictly defined in the Bible. It would be foolish for anyone to attempt to assign a specific number of years to this generality. The original word could also mean “race”, but there is no Biblical precedent for this.