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Why Study End TimesNote, this article is part of a topical study series.
“Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast...”
Daniel 7:19 “Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision...” Daniel 8:17 “I will make thee know what shall be in the last end...” Daniel 8:19 “...I Daniel understood by books the number of the years...” Daniel 9:2 “Know therefore and understand...” Daniel 9:25 “...can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matthew 16:3 “...whoso readeth, let him understand...” Matthew 24:15 “...ye shall know the truth...” John 8:32 This article was written to encourage believers to study the Scriptures to know the prophecies that God has specifically given for us to know concerning the times that lay ahead of us.
"But thou, O Daniel,
shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4 The prophecies that were given to Daniel and later explained by the angel Gabriel... Examples from already fulfilled propheciesWe can see a clear parallel with the first coming of Christ. There were some (such as Simeon and the wise men from the east) that were eagerly looking and knew from the Scriptures that Christ would come. We look here at a number of scriptural reasons we need to study the prophecies concerning Jesus second coming, so that we are not like the Pharisees who could not discern the times. The Example of Simeon“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,” Simeon was waiting to see the Christ... The wise men
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of
Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to
Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have
seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of
the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be
born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:
for thus it is written by the prophet,”
Matthew 2:1-5 Here, the wise men were able to answer where Christ would be born, because they knew the prophecy in Micah 5:2 which said:
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the
thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been
from of old, from everlasting.”
Micah 5:2
The Command to Look and to WatchNot only do we have examples of already fulfilled prophecies, but we also have many specific commands to be watching and be looking for Jesus to come again.
“Looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come....
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:42-44 Studying the prophecies concerning Jesus' second coming is one thing that we can do to help us to be more aware and prepared for that glorious day when we shall see Him face to face. Related Articles
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