APOCALYPSE ALERT!

”Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:13, 14.

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the prophetic warnings of the sacred Scriptures regarding the state of the world as it nears the return of Jesus Christ, examining parallels to ancient times of moral decay, the characteristics of the last days, the intermingling of the righteous and wicked, the urgency of global gospel proclamation, the manifestation of divine love through admonitions, personal and communal responsibilities, and final exhortations to prepare steadfastly for eternity.

END TIMES ESSENTIALS!

The sacred scriptures, the Holy Bible, resound with clarion calls concerning the state of our world as we approach the magnificent return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Do you ever pause, dear reader, and ponder the trajectory of our world? Will humanity ascend to greater heights of morality and peace before that glorious day? Or does a different narrative unfold within the inspired pages of prophecy? This discourse seeks to meticulously unearth the scriptural and prophetic tapestry woven throughout the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, offering you a theologically rich and profoundly engaging perspective. Indeed, the apostle Paul reminds us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Moreover, David declared, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105), emphasizing the Bible’s vital role in guiding our steps. Ellen G. White further emphasizes this point: “In His word are found the evidences that establish its divine authenticity” (The Great Controversy, 70). She also states, “It is in the word of God that we are to find the reasons for our faith” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 692). The Bible further supports this idea through, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39, KJV). It also declares, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience” (The Great Controversy, vii, 1911). She additionally notes, “The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all ‘given by inspiration of God’ (2 Timothy 3:16); yet they are expressed in the words of men” (The Great Controversy, v, 1911). As we embark on this exploration, let us, with hearts open and minds receptive, ready ourselves for the impending return of our Redeemer, aligning every facet of our existence with His divine and immutable will. But what vivid picture does Christ paint of the end times?

NOAH’S DOOM DAYS!

The very words of our compassionate Christ echo across the corridors of time, painting a vivid picture of the end times: “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man” (Luke 17:26). Consider the chilling account in Genesis, which reveals, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). This stark portrayal, with its unflinching honesty, casts a mirror to our contemporary world, reflecting the escalating moral decadence, rampant violence, and pervasive spiritual indifference that now engulf our global society. Furthermore, the scripture notes, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:11, 12), highlighting the pervasive nature of the sin. Indeed, Sr. White, with prophetic insight, penned, “The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications of the pent-up fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once escaped control, will fill the earth with woe and desolation” (Education, 228). Adding to this, she writes, “A state of almost universal lawlessness prevails, and the manifestations are similar to those that existed before the Flood” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 102). She further warns, “The world is given over to self-seeking. Selfishness is the ruling principle with the vast majority, and this selfishness is producing misery and unhappiness” (The Signs of the Times, August 29, 1900). The Bible further supports this idea through, “But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37, KJV). It also declares, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The sins that called for vengeance upon the antediluvian world exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men, and His law is treated with indifference and contempt. The intense worldliness of that generation is equaled by that of the generation now living” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 95, 1890). She additionally notes, “The antediluvian world was destroyed because of its wickedness. Men ignored the law of God, until almost all remembrance of Him was banished from the earth” (The Signs of the Times, December 1, 1881). As the world around us plunges deeper into a spiritual winter, may we seek solace and sanctuary in the arms of Christ, diligently guarding our hearts against the encroaching tide of lawlessness and the subtle, yet potent, deceptions of the adversary, remembering the warning: “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). But what urgent words does the Apostle Paul offer concerning the final epoch?

PERILOUS PLIGHT AHEAD!

The Apostle Paul, a devoted servant of God, cautions us with urgent words concerning the turbulent times that would define the final epoch of earth’s history: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). Are these prophetic pronouncements not resonating with the realities we observe daily, as human selfishness and open rebellion against the sacred precepts of God’s law escalate to unprecedented levels? The apostle further elaborates, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13), indicating a downward spiral. Verily, Sr. White, with deep concern, affirms this solemn truth, stating, “Fearful perils are before those who bear responsibilities in the Lord’s work—perils the thought of which makes me tremble” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 11). She also observes, “The sins of men have almost reached their limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 140). Furthermore, she notes, “We are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history. The destiny of earth’s teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course we now pursue” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 126). The Bible further supports this idea through, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2 Peter 3:3, KJV). It also declares, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1, KJV). Sr. White adds, “We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 11, 1909). She additionally notes, “As we approach the perils of the last days, the temptations of the enemy become stronger and more determined. A constant battle is being waged against the soul, and we must be on our guard” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 288, 1923). In the face of such encroaching darkness, we, as inheritors of divine light, are summoned to stand as beacons in a world shrouded in shadows, faithfully reflecting the very character of Christ and tenderly drawing others towards the life-giving radiance of His saving grace, heeding the call to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). But what profound truth does the parable of the wheat and the tares unveil about the spiritual landscape?

WHEAT VS TARES WAR!

The evocative parable of the wheat and the tares, uttered by the Master Teacher Himself, unveils a profound truth about the spiritual landscape until the culmination of time: “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn” (Matthew 13:30). This insightful parable underscores the challenging reality that within the visible church, a mixture of genuine and spurious among us will persist until the grand and final harvest. Jesus further clarifies, “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one” (Matthew 13:38), revealing the broad scope of this spiritual intermingling. Echoing this solemn imagery, Sr. White elucidates, “The day is just upon us, when the righteous shall be bound, like golden sheaves in the heavenly garner, while the wicked are, like the tares, gathered for the fires of the last great day” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 72). She further explains, “Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness that covers the earth, there is always a class who are true and steadfast” (The Acts of the Apostles, 11). Moreover, she warns, “The tares misrepresent and misinterpret the words and acts of the wheat, and the wheat cannot separate themselves from the tares” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 72). The Bible further supports this idea through, “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels” (Matthew 13:39, KJV). It also declares, “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world” (Matthew 13:40, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 71, 1900). She additionally notes, “Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must be separated from the church, but He has not committed to us the work of judging character and motive” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 71, 1900). Therefore, let us diligently and prayerfully scrutinize our own hearts, ensuring with unwavering resolve that we stand unequivocally on the side of eternal truth, deeply rooted in Christ alone, understanding that “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19). But what vital precursor to Christ’s return has the Lord declared?

GOSPEL GLOBAL BLAST!

The compassionate Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared a vital precursor to His return, a mandate of global significance: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). The urgency of this divine commission pulsates through the very veins of time, for the world teeters precariously on the brink of divine judgment. The prophet Habakkuk urges, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (Habakkuk 2:2), emphasizing the need for clear proclamation. With prophetic urgency, Sr. White warns, “Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 17). She further emphasizes the scope of this mission, “On all sides, near and far off, we are to carry the message of warning to the world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 29). Moreover, she states, “Every city is to be worked; every country is to hear the last message of warning” (Evangelism, 29). The Bible further supports this idea through, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). It also declares, “And the gospel must first be published among all nations” (Mark 13:10, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is to be our work” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 19, 1909). She additionally notes, “The Holy Spirit is to animate and pervade the whole church, purifying and cementing hearts. Those who have been buried with Christ in baptism are to rise to newness of life, giving a living representation of the life of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 20, 1909). Thus, as devoted members of the community, we are compelled to boldly and without hesitation proclaim His life-altering truth, compassionately warning a world engrossed in temporal pursuits of the imminent realities of eternity and tenderly beckoning souls to the life-transforming embrace of repentance and faith, for “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). But how does God’s infinite love penetrate even these solemn pronouncements?

DIVINE LOVE DAZZLES!

Even amidst these solemn pronouncements of impending global crisis and spiritual darkness, the radiant beams of God’s infinite love penetrate the shadows, offering hope and solace. While indeed “the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:3), our Heavenly Father, in His boundless mercy, has furnished us with abundant signs and prophetic messages, all meticulously designed to awaken and prepare us for His glorious appearing. The apostle Peter reminds us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9), revealing God’s patient love. With unwavering assurance, Sr. White comforts, “Angels that excel in strength will protect them” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, 17). She further declares, “The Lord does not willingly permit His children to be tried and tested. It is because it is the only way to refine them and fit them for His service, that He permits the fires of affliction to kindle about them” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 85). She also states, “The very trials that task our faith most severely are permitted to come that we may be purified and strengthened, that we may be prepared to use in His service” (The Ministry of Healing, 471). The Bible further supports this idea through, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). It also declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop” (The Ministry of Healing, 471, 1905). She additionally notes, “In the furnace of affliction He refines us from the dross of selfishness and worldliness, and we come forth as gold tried in the fire” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 10, 1896). His unwavering love manifests in His enduring patience, His persistent call to repentance, and His infallible promise to ultimately deliver the faithful into eternal glory. Even as the world spirals deeper into the abyss of moral and spiritual night, His love remains an unquenchable beacon, steadfastly offering the priceless gift of salvation to all who seek Him with sincerity of heart and genuine contrition of soul, knowing that “we love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). But what summons does this profound truth issue to each of us?

HOLY DUTY CALLS!

In the luminous light of these profound truths, each of us is individually and collectively summoned to embrace a life characterized by unwavering watchfulness and fervent devotion. The inspired Word of God eloquently proclaims, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). We are further instructed to “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36), emphasizing the need for constant vigilance. With solemn gravity, Sr. White cautions, “Our time is precious. We have but few, very few days of probation in which to make ready for the future, immortal life” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 407). She further urges, “Every moment is freighted with eternal consequences. We need now to be wide awake, and make the most of our opportunities to do good” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 343). She also warns, “We are standing on the borders of the eternal world, and we have no time to lose. Every moment is golden, and is too precious to be devoted merely to self-serving” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 48). The Bible further supports this idea through, “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, KJV). It also declares, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7, KJV). Sr. White adds, “Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God, and striving to conform their lives to its precepts” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 407, 1900). She additionally notes, “Our lifework now should be to prepare for eternity. We have no time to lose” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, 314, 1904). Therefore, let each of us resolve to cultivate an ever-deepening relationship with our Creator, immersing ourselves in the life-giving streams of His Holy Word, and diligently preparing our souls for the eternal realities that lie just beyond the veil of this temporal existence, so that we may “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). But how far does God’s divine summons extend beyond personal salvation?

MISSION TO MANKIND!

God’s divine summons extends far beyond the confines of our personal salvation; indeed, we are each entrusted with a sacred commission to disseminate His transformative truth to a world desperately in need of its saving power. The ancient prophet Joel, under divine inspiration, declared, “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up” (Joel 3:9). This call is not to literal warfare, but to a spiritual battle, as Paul writes, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Emphasizing the depth required in our spiritual journey, Sr. White affirms, “We should fear to skim the surface of the word of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 407). She expands on this, saying, “Those who become workers together with God must strive for thoroughness in everything” (Gospel Workers, 115). Furthermore, she exhorts, “Let every soul now ask himself, Am I doing all in my power to enlighten the world?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 23). The Bible further supports this idea through, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). It also declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8, KJV). Sr. White adds, “Our time should be given to proclaiming the last message of mercy to a guilty world. Men are needed who move under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, men who will not shun responsibility or be afraid of opposition” (Gospel Workers, 28, 1915). She additionally notes, “The Lord gives us the privilege of being co-workers with Him in the work of saving souls. He bids us go forth to enlighten the world with the light of truth” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 38, 1902). Therefore, each of us bears a solemn responsibility to be instruments of divine light, guiding others towards the path of truth, laboring tirelessly in the spirit of Christ-like love to gently lead them to the foot of the cross before the final, earth-shattering crisis bursts upon an unsuspecting world, remembering the words of James, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19, 20). But what undeniable realities compel us to heed these divine warnings with utmost seriousness?

ETERNITY’S EDGE!

The grand panorama of human history is rapidly drawing to its climactic close. The epoch foreshadowed by the days of Noah has palpably returned, the insidious mystery of iniquity is relentlessly advancing towards its foretold culmination, and the potent message of the everlasting gospel is resonating across the globe, reaching the furthest corners of the earth. In light of these undeniable realities, let us heed the divine warnings with utmost seriousness, diligently preparing our hearts for the coming King and compassionately guiding others to the oasis of salvation found only in Him. The apostle John, in his vision, proclaimed, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7), depicting the undeniable and universal nature of Christ’s return. Sr. White adds urgency to this, “The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the distress among the nations will be such as we have never witnessed” (Maranatha, 249). She also states, “We are to be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, 14). The Bible further supports this idea through, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28, KJV). It also declares, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment” (Maranatha, 174, 1976). She additionally notes, “We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 451, 1889). As the unmistakable signs of Christ’s imminent return multiply and intensify around us, may we remain steadfast and unmovable, tenaciously holding fast to the anchor of our faith, and fearlessly proclaiming the glorious hope of His soon-to-be-established kingdom of eternal righteousness and peace. May we, by God’s immeasurable grace, be counted among the precious wheat, gathered into the Lord’s heavenly garner, fully prepared to meet our beloved Savior in radiant peace and everlasting joy. But what imperative call echoes with increasing urgency in these final moments?

READINESS RALLY!

In these final, fleeting moments of earth’s history, the imperative call to readiness echoes with increasing urgency. Let us embrace the solemn truths unveiled in scripture, allowing them to mold and transform our lives, that we may stand as faithful witnesses to a world teetering on the brink of eternity. May the profound insights gleaned from the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy empower and equip you, dear reader, to labor with renewed vigor and unwavering dedication, until that glorious day when we shall behold our Redeemer face to face and enter into the everlasting joy of His kingdom. Amen.

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come (Matthew 24:42, KJV).

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APOCALYPSE ALERT!

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