Signs - Part 1

On Sunday, October 11, we began a study on biblical signs of Jesus' return. We believe the return of our Lord is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment. Technically, the doctrine of imminence allows for the possibility of the Lord's coming occurring some time in the distant future. In other words, ever since the Ascension nearly 2000 years ago, the return of Christ has always been imminent even though it hasn't always been soon, obviously.

So in addition to imminent, we also believe the Lord's return is impending, meaning it will happen soon, perhaps even today! The reason for such optimism is our ability to recognize the fulfillment of biblical signs indicating Jesus' return is near.

Though there have always been people who have abused and misinterpreted the biblical signs, someone once wrote: "The signs are given so that some generation at some point in time would be able to read them alongside current events and be able to connect the two legitimately." We began our study of the signs this past Sunday with this reality in mind. As we look into the Scriptures alongside current events, what we are finding is one of three things: (1) events that are like those the Bible predicts for the end of the age; or (2) events that are the beginning of what we will see once the signs are completely fulfilled; or (3) events that literally and completely fulfill the sign that was given.

The way to distinguish between the three is by paying attention to the details of what the Bible says will happen. For their to be an actual fulfillment of the sign, the details must come true in their entirety. No detail can be left out if we are to conclude accurately that what we are seeing unfold in current events is the fulfillment.

The first sign we have begun to study concerns Jerusalem. Luke 21:20 reads: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near...." This sign indicates that Jerusalem will somehow be on center stage in world events in the days, months, and years just prior to Jesus' return. The Bible indicates Jesus will come back to rescue Jerusalem from this threat just in the nick of time. See Revelation 19:11-21.

The sign obviously also indicates there will be contempt for Jerusalem near the end, prior to Jesus' return. Today we see both of these things--contempt for Jerusalem and Jerusalem on center stage in world events. If you care to learn more, just Google "Jerusalem" for under the "news" tab. You'll find plenty to read or watch.

This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we will continue our study by digging deeper into the history of Jerusalem and why it plays such a prominent role in end times. Meanwhile, in addition to encouraging everyone to be on the alert for Jesus' return, let me also suggest checking out Psalm 122:6-7, which begins: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...." Such a prayer is another way of expressing our desire for the Lord to come back soon.