The Signs of Christ’s Coming—What Are They?

We continue our daily meditations on what Jesus taught regarding the signs preceding the Second Coming of Christ, as found in Luke, chapter twenty-one. The first sign Jesus mentioned is a period of great deception, a time in which this writer believes we currently exist. Secondly, Jesus warned us of those who will come, claiming to be the Messiah or Christ. We must not be misled about this individual appearing on the world stage, for he will offer many worldly benefits if we follow him into damnation. Jesus indicated that this is merely an early sign, alongside wars and tumults:

9And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (Luke 21:9-10).

Deception, false leaders, wars, and revolutions serve as early warning signs. Jesus warned us that nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom (v. 10). The number of deaths in the First World War was 31,508,200. In the Second World War, the total number of deaths was 52,199,262. Over eighty-three million people perished due to just those two world wars in the Twentieth Century, not including the many other wars fought by various nations against each other. In more recent times, leaders of countries have gained more efficient methods of reducing the population, which is now at 8 billion.

Revelation 6:5-8 indicates that many will die at the opening of the third seal due to famines and plagues. This writer believes that we are not yet (March 2025) at the first seal, much less at the third. The Gospel writer Luke also refers to famines and pestilences:

There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven (Luke 21:11).

Famines and pestilences can be easily created and manipulated by evil men to instill fear and facilitate control over people. During that time, there will be fearful events and great signs from heaven. Luke, in the passage above, also mentioned that there would be pestilences. The Greek word translated into English is "loymos," which means plague, a fatal epidemic disease. This writer believes that the events of 2020-21 were permitted by God to shake us, capture our attention, and direct our hearts to what is above rather than to earthly things.

Matthew elaborates on the signs that should awaken us from spiritual slumber. He wrote of Jesus stating that the signs of the times mentioned are the onset of birth contractions:

7“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:7-8).

What do you think the Lord means by using the analogy of a woman in labor? (v. 8) When a pregnant woman begins to experience labor, the pain is not intense, and the contractions occur several minutes apart. As she gets closer to giving birth, the contractions become more frequent, and the pain level increases significantly. By using this analogy, Jesus implied that as the world approaches the end of the age, the occurrence of wars, revolutions, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes will become more frequent and severe. Just as a woman's contractions grow more painful, so too will the levels of pain, anguish, sickness, and death. Matthew also records Jesus saying:

If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22).

It will be cut short by the appearance of our Lord Jesus. He will come for the elect, those who belong to Him. What does all this mean for you and me? It is time to ensure that we have a relationship with Christ so that when He comes, our hearts will be attuned to His. We are living in incredible days, and believers in Christ need not be afraid. We should look forward to the time when the Lord returns. Confidence and peace belong to all believers in Christ, and they understand that Jesus alone holds all world events and our lives in His hands. Considering this, do not cling tightly to the values or things of this world. God is in control, and we must remind ourselves of this. Keith Thomas

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If you'd like to study this topic more in-depth, there are 23 studies in the Book of Revelation and 10 in The End Times. 

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