Who has authority to speak to the end of the world?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I don't know much about the end times and have always felt that it was an emotional reaction by Christians to explain catastrophic events in the world. But lately it seems even the secular media uses "end of the world" rhetoric while admitting that the world seems to be filled with evil everywhere. Who has authority to speak to this issue? -- B.A.
A: We sometimes wonder where God is during the storms of life, in all the troubles of the world. Where is God? Why doesn't He stop the evil? The Bible assures us that God will abolish evil when Christ returns. No wonder Scripture tells us that, at that time, "every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).
Jesus did not tell us when He is coming back. He said we were not to speculate. Jesus said that there would be certain signs to watch for. These "signs of the times" are described throughout Scripture, and taken together we see a striking portrait of the end times.
Jesus spoke of the coming of a godless, secular society, and He spoke of the dangers of heresies of those who try to pervert the message of the truth Christ came to deliver. This is a realistic portrait of our times.
But there is a wonderful assurance in the person of Jesus Christ. The question to ask is, "Where will you be when the end of time comes?" As the wonderful song "How Great Thou Art" says, someday He will come with shouts of acclamation, and there will be a joyous reunion of all those who have trusted in Him. Prepare yourself for that moment of all moments that count for eternity.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
