"A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: but thou, LORD, art most high for evermore."(Psalms 92:6-8)
Before the Destroying Flood
To get a better idea of the signs indicating the return of the authentic Lord Jesus Christ and the immenent destruction of the end of the world, a person just needs to examine closely things which are written in the uncorrupted Holy Bible. As a place to start, consider the following words from the Lord Jesus Christ:
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
"For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."(Matthew 24:35-39)
For an indication of how things generally were before the destructive flood, which wiped out the wicked of the first world, consider the following words: "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth."(Genesis 6:9-13)
Concerning the nature and mindset of the people which were destroyed by the flood in the days of Noah, it is written: "Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden, which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?"(Job 22:15-17)
When we take off the "rosy colored glasses" and seriously look around us, does any of the things noted above sound familiar to our day? Have the people generally corrupted themselves and is there a lot of violence on this earth? Have the people, generally speaking, gone their own way and cast away the true way of God: that way which is shown clearly throughout the Scriptures? Have the people become arrogant and haughty against the true Spirit of God? In the end, have the people actually rejected God and the good which he could do for them?
Let us consider a thought. Humanity really cannot complain against God for the severe judgment which is rapidly coming upon this earth. Humanity has brought this severe judgment upon themselves because of their arrogance and wickedness. What humanity has become is simply a result of the rejection of the true way and Spirit of God. Because humanity continually rejects God, then God cannot save them from their ultimate destiny.
The Creature more than The Creator
Let us now look at another sign which was noted in the Holy Bible, to show one of the ways that people have turned their back on or rejected the true way of God. Concerning the people of this world, the following is written:
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."(Romans 1:22-25)
The unwise of this world have created a certain picture of God, for themselves, which is not at all the true God shown throughout the uncorrupted Holy Bible. They have created a completely different god for themselves. Ultimately, as these people are trapped in their lusts, they worship and serve the creature more than the Creator. In the process, a certain portion of humanity ends up dishonoring their own bodies between themselves. So, what is the Holy Bible actually speaking about here, when it speaks of them dishonoring their own bodies between themselves?
In answer, the Word of God continues: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."(Romans 1:26-32)
Regarding these extremely serious matters (serious, for they mean the difference between eternal perdition and eternal life), the written word from God has spoken very clearly for itself. Those things which it directly declares may not be very popular in our day, especially in the so-called free world with all its "politically correctness." Nevertheless, the written word of God speaks purely in accordance with the true Spirit of God.
The world of our day, with its "accepted" and prevailing thought, is definitely at odds with the authentic Spirit of God. And because of this, the utter destruction of this world and its many antichrists is rapidly approaching.
There really is nothing more to add. Neither is it wise to argue against that which is clearly spoken in the uncorrupted Holy Bible, for in the day of judgment, we will be found to have defied the very Spirit of God, who will be the ultimate Judge of all things. In such a state of rejecting or arguing against the word which God has given, we will be found as a hater and an enemy of God.
Clear Instruction
As part of our instruction, it is written: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."(I John 2:15-17)
The written word of God makes known that those who lust for the things of this world, do not really have the love of God the Father within them. The lustful things of this world are not of God and therefore shall pass away in the times ahead. If we are into the lustful things, we also shall pass into eternal destruction and shall not receive that desired eternal life with God. In such a case, as indicated in the Bible, the lake of fire awaits us (see: Revelation 20:12-15).
The uncorrupted Holy Bible shows that only those who do the true will of God shall abide forever. These are the ones who will receive of that eternal life with God. Indeed, this carnal body shall pass, but the uncorrupted Holy Bible shows that God's true followers will be given a new body, along with life eternal.
Having It All
There are many upon this earth which are into making as much money as possibly, while they are upon this earth. What is our situation if our hearts are set on making money and possibly getting rich? In regards to this, the Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."(Matthew 6:24)
When Jesus spoke the above words, the Pharisees did not appreciate them. In regards to this, it is written: "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
"And he [Jesus] said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."(Luke 16:14-15)
In our day, we have the so-called "prosperity ministers." They basically preach that if a person is walking in the true way and pleasing God, than God will bless them with all kinds of money and material things. But, it this truly in accordance with the uncorrupted Holy Bible?
In regards to the situation noted above, the uncorrupted Holy Bible speaks of "men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."(1 Timothy 6:5) From such people as preach a prosperity doctrine, withdraw thyself. Withdraw thyself before they succeed in trapping you in your lusts and ultimately drowning you in eternal perdition. And, there is more to consider.
The Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"(Matthew 16:26) And, it is also written: "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"(Luke 9:25) But, so many are working hard to get rich and gain as much of the world as possible. And in the end, they shall lose their soul and be cast away into the lake of fire. Of what profit then is all that work which they have done?
At this point, there are a few questions which should be asked. Have we become materialistic or covetous society? In our society, are people encouraged to be given to their lusts? Do we live in a hedonistic, self-indulgent society? Are we desiring those things which will make us an abomination in the sight of God? Or, do we desire to please God and walk in his true way? In other words, do we receive of his words, or do we reject them?
In regards to these matters, let us consider the following instruction from the uncorrupted Holy Bible. It is clearly written: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."(Colossians 3:1-2)
Divine Nature
The true way to eternal life with God has been prepared for us. We do not need to be slaves to carnal lusts. The power has been given, through Christ, which will help us to walk in the true way of God. In relation to this, consider the following Scripture.
"Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(II Peter 1:1-4)
God has prepared the way for us to escape the carnal and ungodly lusts of this world and have power over them. Let us consider further how this works. It is written: "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."(II Corinthians 3:18)
It is only by truly beholding the authentic Christ that we can be changed into the same image. If we take our eyes off Christ, we are prone to fall and become un-christ-like. Christ is the one who keeps us walking in the true way of God. But, how often the flesh fights against being spiritually crucified, so that we can walk in the true way of God.
How often the flesh fights against being in submission to the true way of God. There will always be this battle within the true believer, until the day of our full redemption. But, for our strength and help to keep us in the true way, we must look to Christ and his power to work within us. There is no other way.
There is a true fact shown throughout the Scriptures, which we should now consider. For the most part, the human race rejects the genuine way which God has prepared. They are against the way of Christ, whereby they can spiritually crucify their flesh and its lusts. Truly, since they are against the true way of Christ, they are antichrists.
The many antichrists of this world have given themselves over to their carnal lusts, rather than to the true God of heaven. As a result, the human race ultimately brings upon themselves the devastating judgment from God, which shall occur at the end of the world.
Seven Times Stronger
No matter how people may view or interpret things, God is truly a loving God. But he also believes in righteousness, judgment and justice. It should be noted that, in the beginning, God created all things good. All was good and pure, until Satan began to do his evil work and deceived the human race. And then, when the human race ultimately became corrupted, the picture about their relationship with God changed drastically.
Rather than simply destroying the human race, after they went the wrong way, God gave the human race a way of escape from eternal destruction. God made the way for our salvation. He has given to us his true way. That true way is through the life and cross of Christ. But again, for the most part, humanity has rejected this salvation and the genuine way of God. They have rejected the thought of crucifying the lusts of the flesh, that they may truly abide in Christ and please God.
It is true that many people, even many within the churches of our day, reject the true way of God which is shown throughout the uncorrupted Holy Bible. Again, they refuse to spiritually crucify the flesh, yet still love to call themselves God's people. In other words, they take upon themselves the name of God in vain.
In relation to the situation noted above, it is clearly written: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."(Exodus 20:7)
Is there any indication of what it means when God declares that he will not hold them guiltless who take his name in vain? In response, let us consider Israel, for they were (and still are) called the chosen people of God. Indeed, the very name of God was placed upon them. For this reason, much was and is required of them.
In all fairness, God forewarned the house of Israel how he would deal with them, if they blatantly went against God's true way. Let us take note and learn from this house of Israel. Likewise, let us consider what we all will be directly dealing with in the times ahead.
Regarding the children of Israel, and regarding ourselves, it is written: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."(I Corinthians 10:11-12)
Concerning the house of Israel, it is written: "But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; and if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.
"And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: and your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.
"And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
"And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.
"And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat. And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours. And I will bring the land into desolation..."(Leviticus 26:14-32)
Considering the Introduction
At the beginning of this series on The End of the World, in Part 1, was an introduction. The section titled Basic Introduction begins with the following words:
"Economic troubles, unrest, wars, rumors of wars, terrorist activities both within and without, volcanoes and major earthquakes, plus famines, pestilences, climate change, nuclear crisis and natural disasters: it appears that things are happening fast upon our earth. It appears that things may be "heating up" and civilization may be entering a new phase. This new phase may be a time of immense trouble, engulfing virtually the whole world."
The Spirit of God speaks in his own way. He often works through nature and humanity. If we think things are bad upon this earth now, all the writer can say is this: "We have not seen anything yet." In regards to this, it is written: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God."(Psalms 9:17)
In the events leading up to the end of the world, using even the natural forces, God shall speak stronger and stronger to humanity. There will be more droughts, famines, natural disasters, including massive earthquakes which kill many. When humanity will not hear the subtil "voice" of God, things will steadily get worse and worse upon this earth for humanity.
As the end of the world approaches, humanity will go into the "nuclear meltdown mode," as they reject God and his ways, and go deeper and deeper into wickedness. They will rapidly pass the point of no return. Then things will really get ugly upon this earth, as the man of sin and those associated with his organization guide humanity into steadily deeper depravity.