End Times - Summary

Is the World Coming to a Crunch?

Some hold that the world's problems can be sorted by technology and world government. They maintain that the future is good. But the pragmatist is more cautious. Many see a real urgency on several issues and others sense a global "crunch" is just around the corner. Let's look at a few facts:

After 6,000 years of steady human progression, the global scenario suddenly seems far less certain. Life as we know it looks threatened. Scholars of Bible prophecy interpret what we are observing as signs of "the end of the age". The concept of an end to the present age was readily accepted by Jesus (Mat 24.3).

Interpreting Prophecy

The Old Testament book of Daniel contains one of the most significant and intriguing prophecies of the Bible:

"Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make an atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place" (Dan 9.24)

This prophecy first defines a timeline (70 'weeks') for some of the most significant events in history. It is widely accepted that one 'week' refers to a period of 7 years. The prophecy then refers to the Jews (Daniel's people) and to Jerusalem ('your holy city'). The final part of the prophecy refers to the plan of salvation for all mankind. It spans from Old Testament times to the time of Christ, or to the Second Coming of Christ, depending upon how we interpret the prophecy.

Any prophecy is subject to various interpretations since, as scripture says, we are looking through smoked (not clear) glass. God has not revealed all the details. However, He has given us His Spirit and the promise that, as far as is revealed, the Spirit will guide us to the truth on such issues. For an End Time view to be true it must agree with knowledge i.e. established fact. It must agree with both historical fact and present-day reality (current events). The interpretation must also be consistent with Bible scriptures.

A Consistent Interpretation

Consider one particular interpretation which is consistent with many scriptures and which seems to explain current world events. The latter point is particularly important because other interpretations fail to account for current world events. The interpretation assumes that Daniel's prophecy starts from the rebuilding of Jerusalem c445BC and that the 69th week ends at the crucifixion of Christ. There is then an unspecified time period between week 69 and week 70. In other words, week 70 is seen as still future, but on an historical scale, very close.

The significant point is that the events surrounding the 70th week are dramatic. Without trying to give any particular sequence of events, the time leading up to week 70, and in particular the 7-year period itself, sees:

The judgement of the nations is immediately followed by the return of Jesus Christ to this earth - His feet will stand upon the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Many prophecies then point to a 'millennial' period on this earth, where the world is at peace, justice is established, and Christ rules the nations from Jerusalem.

The good news is that you do not have to go through the trials soon to come upon the earth. Jesus Christ will deliver you from the coming judgement of the nations if you put your trust in Him. See Steps You Must Take

Download a detailed study of end time events:
Part 1: End-times: The Last Years of this Age
A Word version is here
Part 2: End-times: The Millennial Reign of Christ
A Word version is here