Saints, future generations need us. They rely on our loving care and biblical consistency. This is true on many levels. They need us to be careful and consistent with the gospel, in how we love them, how we lead them, and how we teach them. They especially need us to be lovingly careful and biblically consistent when teaching about the last things—eschatology.
Should The “Left Behind” Series Be Left Behind?
I am a Millennial. My generation’s parents read, watched, promoted, and loved the Left Behind book series. That series made a big impact by opening people’s eyes to the reality of the Tribulation and God’s final judgment.
Recently, many from my generation have written articles and produced podcasts expressing how the series negatively affected them, causing pain and even discouraging them from studying eschatology. What was meant for good by the authors, and by God, has been turned by Satan into something harmful, according to these critics.
As I’ve listened, read, and watched these critics, I feel compelled—as a Millennial who loves eschatology—to speak out. I must counter the evil schemes with scripture’s truth.
I believe Paul’s words in Titus 2:11-15 are essential to heed: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”
For the Sake of Future Generations
These verses give us instruction and hope. Paul explains the gospel’s simplicity, our duties now, and encourages church leaders. It’s wise for us to take Paul’s advice seriously. Doing so shows us how to be careful and consistent for the sake of future generations.
Paul first tells us we must be saturated with the Gospel—understanding its truth constantly. From morning to night, we should grasp how essential Jesus’ work on the cross is. He redeemed us with His sacrifice, dying so salvation would be available to all—Jews and Greeks.
He is also shaping a people for Himself. These truths are vital; we need to learn them.
We’re Before a World That Watches and Ridicules
Second, as followers of Jesus, we must live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives now. We must die to sin and self and live for Christ. This honors Jesus and keeps us above reproach in a world that watches and ridicules.
By living these character traits, we eagerly await our blessed hope—the return of Jesus in the clouds. Jesus is our blessed hope, and we long for His coming.
Tell Folks What’s to Come!
But it doesn’t stop there. The last command is to declare these truths. Care and consistency are key here. As Jan Markell recently wrote, we must lovingly and honestly share what’s to come without sensationalizing or exaggerating. Jesus is coming—this is a fact—and it gives us hope to endure dark days. That’s why we must proclaim it clearly and truthfully.
Future generations need to know they, too, have hope of salvation in Jesus alone. They also need to understand they have a blessed hope in His coming to take them from this sin-filled world.
I urge you to carefully and consistently point others to Jesus in the Scriptures—not to newspapers—so the next generation can look to and for their Savior, Jesus, the Christ.
