This world can often feel like a dark place. Sometimes it’s hard to see light and hope in the midst of all the suffering and pain we see around us. Constant media headlines reveal the deep struggle, the pain, and brokenness so many have known.
God’s promises are true and He is faithful to bring them all to pass. Every single one. Jesus gives us eternal hope, rooted in Him, the promise of heaven, and the reminder that He will come again.
Pastor and author Chuck Swindoll share these known facts from the Bible:
· One out of every 30 verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ’s return or the end of time.
· Of the 216 chapters in the New Testament, there are well over 300 references to the return of Christ.
· 23 of the 27 New Testament books mention Christ’s return.
· In the Old Testament, such well-known and reliable men of God as Job, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, as well as most of the minor prophets mention Christ’s return in their writings.
Instead of fearing the end times, or battling uncertainty over future events, simply knowing God’s word will give us the power to live out our days with the understanding and wisdom that He is still at work, even when difficult things surround us.
He hasn’t lost control, not ever.
1. Mark 13:24-27
“But in those days, following that distress, “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”
2. Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
3. Matthew 24:36
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
“…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
5. 1 Corinthians 15:52
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
6. Luke 21:25-28
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
7. John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
8. Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
9. Matthew 24:27
“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
10. Revelation 19:12-16
“His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
11. Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.”
12. Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
And as believers, we can have deep confidence, an anchor of hope, that the world may not always understand…for we know that this life isn’t all there is. God has more in store, still to come. And it’s greater than we could ever imagine. Take heart, stay strong, He is with us, and He will surely come again!
If you find yourself reading this today, and don’t know for sure if you’re a believer or have never made the choice to give your life to Christ, don’t waste another moment. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Heaven is real and so is hell. He gives us the choice, for how we want to live, and for what we choose to live for. Jesus loves you and gave his life for you, He longs to bring you freedom and forgiveness from the sin you have battled, and He promises to restore and renew your life. Just talk to Him today, like you would a friend, ask Him to forgive you for the sin and wrong in your own life, for choosing to go your own way. Acknowledge that He died for you on the cross, taking your sin and shame, so that you wouldn’t have to. Confess that He alone is Lord and Savior and that He rose again and lives today. Thank Him for a new life, for forgiveness, and for purpose and hope. Know that you are never alone. He promises to be with you always and gives the eternal security that nothing in this world could ever offer. Peace.
John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog debbiemcdaniel.com.
