I watched a History Channel special yesterday on the end of times, according to the book of Revelation. The documentary featured some LU campus celebrities like Ed Hindson and Tim Lahaye. It got me thinking a little bit about eschatology (end of times prophecy).
I do not think that our perception of where we are in history, or our perception of history itself, can ever be truly accurate. I do not buy the “Left Behind,” Tim Lahaye version of the end of times. I doubt Lahaye buys it either, but his series does provoke people to look into the matter themselves.
I believe that the events leading up to Christ’s return will not be easily identifiable, even to the wisest. The information that God gives us in the book of Revelation does not amount to a clear historical timeline. Most of the prophecies (not just in Revelation) have been fulfilled, and few are left to be fulfilled. But even those prophecies that are left to be fulfilled may have been fulfilled long ago, unnoticed. With that being said, it is foolish to await the fulfillment of prophecies to prove the existence of God. The prophecies cannot give you any real faith in God. Faith cannot be handed down and must be achieved.
Are we living in the end of times? We have been since the time of Christ’s death 2,000 years ago.
Are we living in the end, end of times? God only knows.
We can be sure of what thing, that Christ will return “like a thief in the night,” and “at an hour you do not expect him.”
“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5).”
