How can I help someone who argues that he knows when the world will end?
I cannot find anything that gives an exact date. A friend is consumed by false claims that others are making about the end of the world (2017) and other claims that our President and royalty have the mark of the beast. I feel that he is gullible but he is adamant about these claims that he got from YouTube.
Daniel 1:1 - 21
ESV - 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god.
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Asked June 28 2013
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Nancy McKay
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Kelli Trujillo
Supporter
In Matthew 24:36, Jesus tells us that no one knows when that day will actually be--not even Himself or the angels in heaven--but the Father alone knows. If you read all of Matthew 24 Jesus does talk about certain signs that will point to the end of the age, but His encouragement to us is not to try to figure out when that day will be. Rather, His encouragement to us is to be faithful servants so that when He does return, we will be ready and will have been obedient in fulfilling our destiny and calling during our short time on earth. He devotes verses 42-51 to emphasizing this point. In 1 John 4:1, John encourages us to "...test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (NIV) Where is your friend getting his information? Many people have been predicting the end of the world for a very long time, and time and time again, the particular date set for our ultimate end has come and gone. I would check on his resources to see if this person or group of people have made claims in the past that haven't come to pass. Unfortunately, when some people are bent a certain way, it can be impossible to get through to them. I would kindly present scripture to your friend and if there is any evidence that the prophet(s) he's listening to is/are false, I would present that to him, as well. However, this might be one of those issues on which you have to agree to disagree and leave it at that. Don't fret about whether or not you can convince him; there are far greater things worth our time and effort, unless this person starts to make harmful and/or irrational decisions about his life based on his belief that the world is soon coming to an end. Matthew 24 is a clear warning that when we see certain signs--and it is arguable that we ARE seeing some of those signs--that we should expect the return of Jesus. But Jesus' admonition to us is to be busy about His work as we expect Him, not to try to pinpoint the exact day of His imminent return.
Anonymous
I believe what we should try to do is encourage each other to live as if he is coming at anytime...we are not guaranteed tomorrow or the next hour for that matter. If He (Jesus) comes for us in 1 year or 8 years how will it matter to those who are deceased.....believe, serve and love today and for the restof your lives...before tomorrow never comes. That is what I would tell the person who believes he/she knows when The Lord will return. God bless you all.
Anonymous
I do not even refute the position. If they feel they know, fine. What I consider to be more important is that we be vigilant in our efforts to spread the word of His glory that all may come to know Him. So if they feel the date is known, I encourage them to run now with a passion and sing His praises. And yes, no one knows the day and time.
Isaiah kayode Ajisafe
The Bible made us to understand that as regards the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ nobody knows the day or the time of His coming brethen the issue of His coming is beyond speculation(s) as many of such speculations did not come to pass all we need to do is to personally prepare for Jesus coming let anybody forecast/predict the time it will continuously be effort in futility my own sincere prayer is that may His coming meet us doing the Master's work
Sandy Koepsell
When someone ask me the question or think he may know when The Lord is coming, I simply say, the bible says no one knows the time or place. We are here each day to be Gods hands and feet, to do his will and to be an example to those saved and those not saved. Each day is a blessing from God. My pray each day is " Lord guide, direct and make my path straight. He is preparing us each day for our eternal place with Him. Enjoy today with Him. He alone is my peace, joy and love. The day The Lord returns will be so awesome, but until that day, which the bible says " no man knows", enjoy all the many blessings only He gives and be His hands and feet. Love one another unconditionally, as The Lord loves us.
Anonymous
The responses above are great and exact. What questions I ask those who claim or have an opinion on the future is 1) who's making the claim 2) where are they getting there info from 3) what are they comparing it to. These questions should spark some thought to what they are claiming. If not then they are deeper intune to falsehood and need prayer for deliverance. Whatever you do, stand on the Word of God and don't entertain false accusations. If they try to continue with you keep asking the same question........ Prove it?
Rodney Brown
As long as he's not predicting the day and the exact hour, then what's your problem?? Jesus himself said we should be able to know his nearness by signs of the prophets. My advice to you would be, "chill a bit, then think a little".
Lana Gomes
Just love The Lord God with all your heart .... Mind ..... Soul ..... Spirit and love your neighour then the rest will move (without any anxiety) for the Spirit of the living God will keep you from all that is not of Him (YA) The Mighty and Awesome God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!!!
Elizabeth Adeleke
Glory be to our God, my answer is no one know when Jesus is coming back, people have been predicting about coming back of Jesus for long even since I was born but it never happen because nobody knows about it they just suggested what they feel and think or see but the Bible says nobody know the day: Mattew:24;36, but don't let us ague with no one because it is not necessary now,the most important thing is surrender our life to God and seek his kingdom, He says seek my kingdom first not look for the signs when Jesus is coming back, if you are looking for the signs and you're not prepared what is it going to profit you? But when you' re prepared and do what our God asked you to do, fear him , keep his commandment and be holy then whenever Jesus come back surely you will be among people his taking with him don't let us be like ten virgins five were able to go with bride groom but other five were still sleeping. Mattew:25, I pray it will not be our own portion in Jesus Name. Amen. Let us keep watching till Christ come back not looking for signs or listening to people. May we all be able to make and see again in kingdom of God . Amen. Elizabeth.A
Elizabeth Adeleke
Glory be to our God, my answer is no one know when Jesus is coming back, people have been predicting about coming back of Jesus for long even since I was born but it never happen because nobody knows about it they just suggested what they feel and think or see but the Bible says nobody know the day: Mattew:24;36, but don't let us ague with no one because it is not necessary now,the most important thing is surrender our life to God and seek his kingdom, He says seek my kingdom first not look for the signs when Jesus is coming back, if you are looking for the signs and you're not prepared what is it going to profit you? But when you' re prepared and do what our God asked you to do, fear him , keep his commandment and be holy then whenever Jesus come back surely you will be among people his taking with him don't let us be like ten virgins five were able to go with bride groom but other five were still sleeping. Mattew:25, I pray it will not be our own portion in Jesus Name. Amen. Let us keep watching till Christ come back not looking for signs or listening to people. May we all be able to make and see again in kingdom of God . Amen. Elizabeth.A
Steven Tani
“The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord there will exist a state of religious declension similar to that in the first centuries. “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. Satan will work “with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.” And all that “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” will be left to accept “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. When this state of ungodliness shall be reached, the same results will follow as in the first centuries.” – {GC 444.1}
It is written, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.” (Ephesians 5:23). Has the world been introduced in the place of your worship by exalting customs and traditions of men over the Word of God? If so then take heed and “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4)
The question of greatest importance for all of us now is, “Have I been vindicating His character which is manifested in the law?” It is written, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. Shall the words be declared unto us, “I never knew you.” because we are they “that work iniquity”? (Verse 23). Christ teaches us that profession means nothing. It is written, “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).
If we truly love Jesus, we will keep His commandments. If we are His friend, we will sanctify our souls in obeying the Truth. We will choose to die rather than to break God's law. In the words of the Saviour, “Go, and sin no more.” (John 14:15, John 15:14, John 14:6, 1 Peter 1:22, John 8:11).
“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” – {COL 69.1}
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