The subject of Bible prophecy continues to be a hotly debated subject within the church. Some see it as already fulfilled, others as allegorical lessons. But the most accurate way to approach the study of Bible prophecy is to see it as “history in advance”. What we also need to understand is that Bible prophecy is not predictions; it is as sure as the past as far as it being fulfilled.
Revelation 1:10-11 KJV – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”
Revelation 4:1-2 KJV – “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”
What exactly happened with John is a matter of debate. Was he transported into the future or did he see visions of the future revealed through God’s supernatural power? Either way the important thing about what we just read is that John “saw” these things. They were literal events. The reason that is important is it tells us that the content of Revelation cannot “not” happen. John went to, or saw, history in advance.
The fig tree has put forth leaves. The Jews are a nation again, according to the scriptures. People are buying and selling and going on with their lives as though judgment was not near or imminent, just as the Bible says. Someday one will be taken to heaven in a moment and a twinkling of an eye and another will be left here on earth to face the tribulation, all just as it was written.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 KJV – “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
How can you watch for a day and hour that no one knows? How can such a day not overtake us as a thief, meaning by surprise? Because Bible prophecy has told us what is going to be happening in the last days, and it is happening all around us today. Everything Jesus said, John saw and the Prophets wrote that it is going to come to pass exactly as written, including Jesus coming at a time where He is not expected.
Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit-inspired words of Paul that told us we will not be surprised because we are not of the darkness but are of the light. As the light, we should watch and be sober. For what? The day of the Lord; the day He comes to meet us and the dead in Christ in the air to forever be with Him.
Most of all, remember, when He’s ready, it’s too late to get ready, and that’s why He said to be ready. This can only happen through being born again. Make sure you’re ready, for very few today are expecting Him.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus,
