The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum The End Times

Ever since Christ ascended into Heaven- people have always been expecting His return and have tried to guess when this will happen. The Bible reminds us no one knows when He shall come- yet we have such an interest in trying to guess when he shall return. It has even lead to a split in the Church and is always a topic of conjecture. Sir Isaac Newton suggested that He we return around 2060. I'm curious to know what your thoughts are about the claim that this generation is living in the end times.

Personally- all the signs are there- but quite frankly- most of them have been present throughout history. One can only imagine what those living during the Black Plague must have thought about the End of the World. Now; however, Israel is a country surrounded by the most volatile countries in the world, Israel is always faced with the treat of war so much that everyone- male or female- is required to serve in the armed services at least once in their lifetime. We're certainly building up to it- but will this be the generation? Personally, I doubt I'll start thinking that way unless Solomon’s Temple is rebuilt (right now- the site above the old temple is the Dome of the Rock...talk about almost impossible) or if Pope Peter II is elected (reference to St. Malachy's 'Prophecy of the Popes')

What are the thoughts of you all about the increasing number of claims that we are in the final days?

You are certainly correct that there is myriad speculation about when Jesus Christ will return along with all the fanciful details that go with them. Personally, I find little to any credibility with the "popular" views, e.g. Dispensationalism (of all stripes), Premillennialism, or those espoused by the cults. If nothing else, speculative views are shown to be invalid from but one passage alone:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (ASV) "But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape." (cf. 2Pet 3:10)

What I came to hold to be true is historic Amillennialism. IF you are not familiar with this eschatological view (actually, the RCC holds to a modified form of it), you can read a few articles on it found here: Eschatology - The Doctrine of Last Things.

As to we being in the "last days".... But my definition of the "last days" is that period of time that began with the coming of Christ to the day He shall return.

In His grace,

Well, Israel was regathered in unbelief, which is a prerequisite before the second coming. The regathering in belief will occur at the time of the Second Coming. However, just because Israel is regathered in unbelief, they could stay regathered for another hundred years before the End Time events unfold.