‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ‘

II Timothy 3:1

 

In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul urges believers, “But know (we are to KNOW, we are to see the signs of times) this, that in the last days, perilous times will come.” These words alert us to the signs that will accompany the end of the Church Age, leading up to the biblical event known as the rapture. It is crucial to understand that these signs indicate the imminent return of Christ for His body, the Church, and should not be confused with worldwide cataclysmic stage-setting events we are witnessing today prior to the beginning of the seven years of tribulation and then our Lord’s second coming.

 

‘For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!’

II Timothy 3:2-5

 

As we witness the unfolding of 2 Timothy 3:1–5—along with the warnings of 1 Timothy 4:1–3 and Romans 1—we can see the stage being set for the next phase of God’s divine plan with the nation of Israel. The present Church Age is drawing to a close, and God is aligning world events to resume the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. These promises will come back into focus during the final seven years, the period Scripture calls the Tribulation, or “Jacob’s Trouble.”

 

It is crucial to differentiate between the signs leading up to the rapture, when believers will be caught up to meet Christ in the air, and the signs indicating Christ’s second coming. The signs of the departure or rapture of the body of Christ are described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and Romans 1:18-32. They involve moral and spiritual decay, a complete rejection of truth worldwide both in the church and secular world (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Romans 1:18-32). Combined with worldwide unprecedented apostasy across all of “Christendom”, as outlined in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. Yes, the world has always been immoral and there have always been false teachers but these verses along with other warning signs make clear that we will see all the signs converge. AND WE ARE AT CONVERGENCE RIGHT NOW.

 

Remember at the Rapture, the Lord Jesus Christ comes for the Saints. And at the Second Coming, the Lord Jesus comes with the Saints. Let’s take a look at the Old Testament, the Book of Zechariah 14 verse 4. Understanding context and language is crucial, this is clearly speaking of the Lord’s Second Coming. The Old Testament prophecy says:

Zechariah 14:4

“And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,…”

What did the two angels say to the apostles as they witnessed the Lord Jesus ascend to glory?

 

‘who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”’

Acts 1:11

 

The angels were pointing directly to Zechariah 14:4—a passage that unmistakably describes the Lord’s glorious Second Coming. This is not symbolic or spiritual language. The same Jesus who ascended will return to the same place from which He departed—the Mount of Olives. When He does, His feet will touch the ground, triggering a great earthquake that will split the mount in two and create a vast valley. Scripture presents this in plain, unmistakable terms: the visible, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ as the conquering Warrior-King. Not a word about meeting believers in the clouds.

 

On the other hand:

 

The apostle Paul writes in I Thessalonians 4:17:

 

‘Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.’

 

That could not be any more clear. For the Church, the Lord only comes to the air. For the Second Coming, He comes to the Mount of Olives.

 

Takeaway

Currently, we are witnessing a global fulfillment of the signs mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. It is alarming to see the celebration and promotion of teachings aligned with the doctrines of demons. Take a moment to carefully read through these verses and discern the gravity of the situation.

‘Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ‘

I Timothy 4:1-3

 

Today, in the world and in the church we are witnessing “the signs of the times” mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and Romans 1. These signs must be a reminder that we are without a doubt closer than ever to the departure of the body of Christ which is His church – Amen. As believers, we need to stay alert, recognizing the signs and understanding the context in which they are unfolding. Rather than being fearful, we should be filled with hope and anticipation, ‘sharing the gospel of grace at all cost’, knowing that our redemption draws near.

 

It is important for individuals of all ages, to grasp the significance of these signs and their connection to biblical prophecy. As we witness the signs of the last days, let us remain steadfast in our faith, continually seeking God’s guidance and living in readiness for the Lord’s return. May we be encouraged by the fulfillment of Scripture and the assurance that God’s plans are unfolding just as He has ordained.