The Spiritual Climate of the End Times
This post will wrap up our 6-part series on prophecies to be fulfilled before the Millennial reign of Christ. We’ve examined prophecies related to Israel, Earth, government, and society. If you missed them, please go back and read those blogs. Today we will look at prophecies related to the spiritual climate of the end times.
1. False Teaching
Jesus began His discourse on the end times by warning about false teachers. In fact, in Matthew 24, Jesus repeated this warning 4 times! (See Matthew 24:5, 11, 23-24 & 26.) False teaching will arise several ways.
First, many will come in Jesus’ name, claiming to be the Christ (Luke 21:8-9). This isn’t common yet. We certainly haven’t seen “many” claim to be Jesus. But we must remember that the Jews are still watching for the Messiah. Even now there is a rabbi named Jiziahu ben David who many Jews believe is the Messiah. Also, the Islamic faith is awaiting the return of Jesus. It is likely that they will proclaim a human Mahdi is the Christ at some point in the future.
Secondly, false prophets will arise and lead many astray (Matthew 24: 11). Jesus warned that they will perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible (Matthew 24:24). These false prophets will be dangerous, and even Christ followers will need to be alert.
Third, people will no longer put up with sound doctrine, but will gather to hear whatever makes them feel good (2 Timothy 4:3-4). As we discussed last week, In the end times, society will decline due to rebellion, self-will, and a denial of truth. These attitudes are directly related to the verses above. If a person denies the truth, but still wants to be religious, they will seek out teachers who don’t point out their sin. There are even Bible teachers today who go a step further and condone sin. Christians, beware! Love the truth!
Finally, the antichrist will come. He will be the ultimate false teacher, full of deception and powerful miracles to convince the masses. We must always be on the lookout for false teaching!
2. Persecution
Next, Jesus discussed at length how His followers will be persecuted, hated, and betrayed in the end times. Persecution is also a major theme in the book of Revelation. He told the church of Smyrna:
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
At the opening of the fifth seal, as described in Revelation 6, we will see mass martyrdom. We see in Revelation 12:17 that the dragon will make war on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to Jesus. Again, in Revelation 13:10, we’re told that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.
Around the globe, there has been an uptick in the persecution of Christians. This will continue until the end. Consider what you can do now to prepare yourself to endure persecution.
3. Apostasy
A great falling away will spring from the false teaching and persecution described above. The way that the Amplified version renders 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is a bit alarming.
“Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition)”
While describing the false teachers, Jesus warned several times about them leading many astray. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul explains that people will be lovers of self, money, and pleasure, rather than lovers of God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:12, Paul states that God’s powerful delusion will come on those who take pleasure in such unrighteousness.
Remember the wide road that leads to destruction? Many find it. The road that leads to heaven is straight and narrow, and few find it. Do your best to love God and walk with Him on His straight, narrow path.
4. The Gospel Preached to All Nations
Next, we find a positive change in the spiritual climate of the last days! In Matthew 24:10, Jesus said,
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
We are called be on mission declaring Jesus to the world. But did you realize that angels will complete the task? Revelation 14:6 describes an angel who will proclaim the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language and people. Praise God! He will see to it that every person has an opportunity to respond to the Gospel!
5. Revival
Finally, another positive spiritual sign of the end. There will be a great revival. This revival will be due in part to the courage of Christ followers who stand firm in persecution. It will partly be fulfilled through the proclamation of the Gospel by the angel. There will also be 144,000 sealed Jews preaching to their own people. And don’t forget the two witnesses! In those days of great distress, God will be at work, drawing people to Himself!
Additionally, once the Jews see Jesus, coming on the clouds, they will recognize the One they pierced. Zechariah 12:10-13:1 describes the affect – deep mourning and repentance. Then a spiritual fountain will open up to the house of David, and they will be cleansed from their sin!
As we consider the spiritual climate of today, and the spiritual climate prophesied for the last days, we should be both careful and excited. We can see many of these things happening in other countries, and to a lesser degree in America. But we should expect these spiritual prophecies to be fulfilled, because God is true to His Word. God has been gracious to inform us about what lies ahead. It is our responsibility to study and prepare ourselves to stand firm.
Lisa Gallington has been studying the Word since she was 12 years old, with a special interest in end times prophecy. She has a passion for preparing the Church and everyone she comes in contact with for the return of Christ. She leads women’s ministry at her church and teaches a Bible study, often connecting the studies to end times prophecies and prophetic headlines. She has authored several books including End Times Preppers Devotionals and the accompanying End Times Preppers Bible Study and Foundation of Faith: Hebrews 11.
