Closer and Closer
Closer and Closer
By Dennis Huebshman
If someone would slow down for just a bit, and really take a look at what is happening in this world, that person might get the idea that this earth is about to enter a whole new phase. For some of us, it’s an exciting time to be alive. For others, there’s a mounting fear of what may happen next. (any emphasis mine)
From the time of this earth’s creation, and the fall into sin by the first humans that God created, this planet has been on borrowed time. There have been many changes that have taken place, and not all of them for the good. Our Heavenly Father has been patient with us in a way that goes beyond our mortal understanding. He has witnessed every kind of depravity that man could possibly do, and the major influence for all this is attributed to a fallen angel named Lucifer.
God created Lucifer, also known as satan, as probably the most beautiful angel that had ever been. His name is translated as “brightness”, and he was known as the “Morning Star”, “Star of the Morning”, or “Bright Star”. Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 gives us the main reason God hates self-destructive pride. It is apparent that God allowed a free-will to all His created angels, just as He has allowed us to have. By the way, satan loves it when someone thinks of him with a long pointed tail and holding a pitchfork. People look at him as a novelty instead of the most evil being that has ever lived.
Lucifer/satan decided he was too good to be a “servant” of the Lord, but believed he should be “equal” to Him. This was first pointed out in the Isaiah passages. Going to the Ezekiel verses, we are told that “sin was found in satan”, and as a result he was taken down from his high position. Reading through verse 19, we are given what his final outcome has been prophesied to be, and this will be fulfilled when Revelation 20:10 takes place. Satan and all his demons (fallen angels) will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be tormented forever. All the angels that used their free-will to follow Lucifer do not have a pathway to forgiveness as they had already been in the presence of the Creator and witnessed His Glory.
As humans, we have been provided a gift that you would think everyone would seek, receive and accept. However, this is not the case. The draw of this worlds so-called riches and pleasures, grabs more people than the prospect of eternity with Jesus. I’ve given Matthew 7:13-14 as a reference numerous times, and it bears repeating here. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy (or seems so) that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (14) For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard (only because of unbelief) that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Sadly, 1 Corinthians 1:18 holds true that the majority of people here see the message about Jesus as foolishness.
God knew that because of “pride”, and satan’s “lures” of earthly things, more would follow that pathway, rather than seek Jesus as their Savior. He gave us what we need to have wisdom and understanding through the written word called the Bible. He used about forty Holy-Spirit inspired people to put all the words together, and has given us several true translations in order for us to learn, and establish a relationship with Him that will last through all eternity.
The hardest part for humans is to “believe” the word is real and true; and to have “faith” to accept the most holy Son of God as Savior. It’s a natural tendency to “work” for something, or to be able to “purchase” it for ourselves. The “gift” can be had by confessing that we are sinners, and asking Jesus to forgive us and make us a part of His flock. (Romans 10:9-13 and John 10)
Does this make us perfect? By no means, but when we slip and sin as believers (not if), we have 1 John 1:8-10 to guide us to forgiveness.
We were given prophesies and signs to look for, that would be taking place here just before the Tribulation/Wrath starts. For believers, that means our leaving here today is even closer than we can imagine. The main hold up right now could be that God is giving one more opportunity for someone to be saved as given in 2 Peter 3:9. That will come to an end one day soon, and we will be taken up to meet our Savior in the air. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
So, what would we be looking for? How about Revelation 6:8; “And I looked, and behold, a pale horse; and it’s rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a forth of the earth to kill with Sword (war) and with famine and pestilence (disease), and by wild beasts of the earth.” People are so concerned by the “coronavirus” that there’s world-wide fear taking place. Could this be a prelude to “coming attractions” as we used to see in the movie theaters?
How about Matthew 24 starting with verse 3? Jesus told His disciples there would be many “false christs” that would lead people astray. Also, wars and rumors of wars; nation against nation; famines; earthquakes in increasing intensity and in various places; and this would be considered the start of “birthing pains”. He told them there would be hatred and lawlessness and love would grow cold.
Each and every one of these have been here all along, however, the sheer volume and intensity of each item listed is increasing more and more every day. Add volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes and, compared to the past, we seem to be getting hit on a more regular basis.
Anything that has to do with Jesus and Christianity, is being attacked worldwide. We read in 2 Peter 3:3-4; “knowing this first of all, scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. (4) They will say, where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep (died), all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” How often have we heard today that there is no Jesus, or He was just a good man, not God. John 10:30 dispels this; “The Father and I are One.”
But are things continuing as they were from the beginning? In Daniel 12:4, “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” Has our knowledge increased? Just over the past decade, it’s been on a pace unparalleled in the past.
Just listen to the radical left, and what they’re campaigning for. It is on a track that leads to a one-world government and a one-world currency. This is precisely what needs to happen just before the appearance of the ultimate antichrist and false prophet who will rule and reign for the last seven years before the actual “touch-earth” return of our Savior Jesus.
Alternate life-styles that God called abominations are being “preached” in the pulpits of numerous evangelical churches as somehow being acceptable. God has not changed His mind as satan and his followers would have you believe.
There is a way to face all of this, and not be in total despair. Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13 both say, “All who call on the name of the Lord, will be saved.” Yes, we may have issues here, but our “here” is getting shorter by the hour. One day soon, the “fullness of the Gentiles” as given in Romans 11:25 will take place, and all true believers will be taken away from this evil world.
It’s a choice each individual must make for themselves. Heaven or Hell; Jesus or satan. There is no third choice. Choose our Savior, and you will be eternally thankful that you did.
Heavenly Father; open our hearts and our minds to receive our Precious Jesus. It’s in His name we make this request; Amen.