What Are the Signs? - Pt 8

 

[Jesus said] “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 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.” (Matthew 24:9–14 ESV).

 

Jesus foretold, “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). And Paul warned, “In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 4).

 

Perhaps this sign of the times, more than any other, has slid into sharp focus for the Christian in this generation. Between 1870 and 1970, the divorce rate in North America quadrupled. Now it is even higher, 53% of first-time marriages end in divorce. Further, it doesn’t seem to matter whether they are church members or not as the statistics are virtually identical.

 

From cancel culture to hate crime, today’s society has made it clear that it is fostering division, contempt, and entitlement. There are professed Christians who believe that social media gives them license to bully, gossip, and demean. Sure, it’s easy to love someone who loves you back, but what about those who don’t treat you well, who aren’t that likable, or with whom you simply have a disagreement of opinion?

 

Real, true love is dissipating—and it’s about to get worse. As was previously mentioned, the Bible predicts terrible persecution upon God’s people, “that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Revelation 13:15). Indeed, this extreme hatred will only intensify until the Second Coming ends it. Jesus said, “Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). However, this is not reason to fear. It is the assurance of our hope. Be kind and full of grace. Our God will deliver us into an eternal life prepared and secured by the work of His only begotten Son, Jesus!