How should we deal with end-times prophecies?
Questions:
I have seen an abundance of things on the internet recently of people who claim the end times are “near” and we are currently seeing biblical prophecy unfold. I have seen these videos swarming since the pandemic on every internet platform. They are using world events such as the drying of the Euphrates River, rusting of the moon, agenda 2030, lab-grown meat, digital id, and climate change as their proof. Even worse, most of these people are claiming that they are receiving visions and end times dreams from god. I believe they are getting most of their “proof” from books such as Matthew, Revelation, and Daniel.
I know that we will not know the day or the hour, but all of this is very overwhelming for me as I am young and just starting my career. My mother has warned me that this stuff has always been said, and people have always been predicting the “last days,” but it seems to have become more prominent since 2020 started. What is your biblical opinion or advice on this? Should I ignore all of the dispensational and denominational people who are claiming the last days are this decade?
Thanks for your help.
Answer:
Predictions of Jesus' imminent return have always been numerous. It appears to be more so now because you are living in the current times. People have a tendency to forget or ignore what has happened in the past. "There is no remembrance of earlier things; And also of the later things which will occur, There will be for them no remembrance Among those who will come later still" (Ecclesiastes 1:11). Our communication is more rapid today, so we are also more aware of what people say in other parts of the world. See Date Setters for a partial list of numerous predictions regarding the second coming.
As you noted, we must start with what has been clearly stated: "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" (Matthew 24:36). Therefore, anyone claiming to know the date is lying. What do we do about such false teachers? "Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting" (Romans 16:17-18). It is easy to get pulled into false messages if we are not on guard. When you realize that someone is teaching falsehoods, you reject them and their message. Don't continue listening to their teachings.
