100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times

SECTION 1

THE LAST DAYS

1. IS JESUS REALLY GOING TO RETURN?

The Bible refers to the return of Jesus on many occasions. For example, in John 14:3 Jesus said, "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." If the Bible is accurate, and we believe it is 100 percent true, then Jesus is definitely coming back.

Three areas can inform us about Christ's return. They include the predictions of prophecy, Christ's promises, and God's preparations.

The predictions of prophecy include the numerous statements throughout Scripture concerning the return of the Messiah. The Old Testament includes over fifteen hundred passages that refer to the return of the Messiah. For example, Zechariah 12:10 speaks about the pierced Messiah who will appear again. That is why we confidently teach that every Bible-believing Christian believes Jesus will return, even if there is disagreement about the details.

Christ clearly taught that he will return. In Luke 12:40, Jesus said his return would be at an unexpected time: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." In Matthew 16:27, Jesus predicted, "The Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

Even the angels at the ascension of Jesus foretold of Christ's return. Acts 1:11 reveals the angels telling the disciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

The passages that prophecy researchers refer to as "rapture references" also point to evidence of Jesus coming at any moment in the future. First Corinthians 15:51-58 describes the Lord providing to believers a new body that will last for eternity. First Thessalonians 4:13-18 also details a future moment when the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers, to be with the Lord forever.

The Bible also notes many preparations God has made for Christ's return. The book of Revelation provides the best description. Its twenty-two chapters outline both the future judgments upon our world and the new heavens and earth that await believers in the end. The description of eternity future was so powerful that the apostle John responded, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).

The details of the end times can be confusing and complicated, but the response to Christ's second coming is clear. The Bible teaches it, Jesus predicted it, and the Lord has prepared a glorious future eternal dwelling for all who have believed in him.

This is why sharing Christ with others today is urgent. We don't know how long we have, whether a day or even an hour. Even if Jesus continues to wait longer to return, it is to allow us to have more time to share him with those around us as we eagerly long for our future time in heaven with our Savior.

2. SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THOSE WHO OBSESS OVER PROPHECY ARE "SO HEAVENLY-MINDED THAT THEY'RE OF NO EARTHLY GOOD." IS IT RIGHT TO FOCUS ON PROPHECY?

It's common to hear Christians, including ministers, say that people who focus on the end times are "so heavenly-minded that they are of no earthly good." What does the Bible teach about focusing on unfulfilled prophecies?

A close look at Scripture reveals quite the opposite. Second Corinthians 4:16-18 says:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The apostle Paul was clear: our earthly bodies are fading away. What is eternal is what matters most.

What does it mean to focus on the eternal? First, it includes a deep, daily emphasis on Jesus Christ. He is the one who made us, saves us, and has made a way for us to live with him in heaven.

Second, focusing on the eternal includes an intense study of the Word of God. Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV), serving as an extension of God himself. As we discussed earlier, about 27 percent of the text of the Bible is predictive prophecy, indicating its importance for our lives today.

Third, our eternal focus must include current applications. The saying that we can be of "no earthly good" is true if we spend time studying details about the future without regard for how these teachings apply to our lives today. But God provided prophecies like those found in the book of Revelation to sustain us during difficult moments. Prophecy should also inspire us toward holy living and sharing our faith with those around us.

The prophet Daniel received an overwhelming view of the last days in a vision from God. When he asked about the vision, he was told, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:9-10). God told Daniel that he was to be faithful till the end, knowing that the Lord would fulfill his promises even if Daniel didn't fully understand them.

A proper focus on the prophetic teachings of the Bible will motivate us to live godly lives that serve others with Christ's love. We'll also be sensitive to the need to share the gospel with everyone possible, knowing the consequences that await those who reject his message. Our goal is not only to understand what the Bible teaches about the end times but also to apply these teachings in helping others join us in the future glory that awaits us in the presence of Jesus.

3. WHAT IS THE EZEKIEL 38 BATTLE?

Ezekiel 38:1-17 describes a battle between Israel and many nations that will come against it. God will supernaturally intervene to help Israel win. Many people have asked us questions concerning these verses, including about the identities of the nations and the timing of this battle.

First, the Ezekiel 38 battle has not yet taken place. There has been no united effort by the nations involved against Israel in which God has miraculously defeated these enemies. This means the battle must occur in the future. Some argue that the Ezekiel 38 war could occur at any moment, while others argue that it will take place during the future seven-year tribulation period.

The Bible itself does not specify the timing of the attack and victory. The popular Left Behind book and movie portray the battle early in the series, with Israel defeating a military attack. Others suggest that the details in verse 11, particularly that Israel will be living in a time of safety, are an indication that the battle will occur during the first three-and-a-half years of the tribulation before the Antichrist defiles the future Jewish temple. This is most likely, though not certain.

A look at the nations involved also reveals important details. Gog of the land of Magog refers to the land located north of the Black Sea and its leader. This is currently Russia (or at least part of it), indicating that this nation will play a leadership role in a response against Israel during this battle.

Other nations mentioned in the text include Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, and Togarmah. The first three nations-Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal-refer to areas around the Black Sea that include Russia and the surrounding lands, perhaps including some of the nations that were part of the former Soviet Union. Persia refers to modern-day Iran. Ethiopia (or "Cush" in some translations) refers to modern Sudan. Put refers to Libya, while Gomer and Togarmah refer to parts of Turkey. Some also argue that Beth Togarmah is instead Armenia.

The summary of the passage involves a leader from the land of Magog uniting the other nations in a battle against Israel. God supernaturally provides victory, with other nations watching from the outside, including Sheba, Dedan, and others (which likely includes modern Saudi Arabia or the Arabian Peninsula).

Tarshish and its merchants include an unclear reference, with some taking the traditional view of Spain as Tarshish. Others believe it refers to Western nations, including Europe and the Americas.

The battle will show God's power as the ultimate victor. Those who oppose Israel will be defeated as part of the Lord's unfolding future plans. It's important to also note that this battle is different from the battle involving a reference to Gog and Magog in Revelation 20 that addresses an uprising at the end of the millennial kingdom.

4. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT RUSSIA IN THE END TIMES?

Many have asked whether Russia is included in the prophecies of the Bible. The nation is often noted among the discussions of Ezekiel 38. Magog, found in Ezekiel 38:1, is a group of nations north of the Black Sea that includes modern Russia. This nation will lead a future coalition of nations in a battle against Israel, according to Ezekiel 38. God promises to...