Year 2012 will mark the beginning of the end of the world. A 7-year Tribulation will precede the end. Some says the Tribulation is imminent, whilst some says it has already started, by judging recent disastrous events happening in the world, be it economic or natural.
It is without doubt that the end is near. The only certain timing is what was prophesied in Daniel 7 and Daniel 12:
[Dan 7:25 NIV]
25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.
7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed."
10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
“Time, times and half a time” represents the 2nd half of the 7-year Tribulation which will start “from the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up.”
The abomination that causes desolation is set up when the Anti-Christ reveals himself to the world and set himself up as the Lord of the world.
My estimate is that all these, including the end, will occur within this decade, i.e. before 2020!
At a time such as this, “blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end”. To make it possible, may I suggest you become a saint, i.e. by doing 5 things, each starting with one letter of the word SAINT:
1)
Seek God’s face and His presence always
2) Aware of Satan’s evil schemes
3) Invest in God’s Kingdom with all you have – talents, time, energy, money….
4) Not giving up on your faith whatever happens
5) Trust in the Lord always
If you are not a believer in Jesus yet, it is time to accept Jesus into your life as your personal Lord & Saviour, before it is too late! You can believe in your heart and confess with your mouth by saying the following prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I want to turn away from my sins; I am willing to begin a new life with Your help. Thank you for shedding Your blood on the cross so my sins could be forgiven. Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins and come into my heart and my life right now. From this moment forward, my life belongs to You and You alone. I will love You, serve You, tell others about You, and trust You to live Your life through me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!”
It is time to acknowledge the Lordship of our Creator God and accept our dependence on Him.
“How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number — living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works — he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD. [Ps 104:24-35 NIV]
The same call came from Prophet Hosea who was confident of the Lord’s return one day.
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." [Hos 6:1-3 NIV]
Indeed, let us come to God with confidence for He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." [Heb 4:12-16 NIV]
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let nothing distract us from ways that are firm. “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. [Prov 4:5-9, 24-27 NIV]
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