Are The "End Times" Upon Us?

The following excerpt is taken from Who's ? Right: Mankind, Religions & The End Times by Kelly Warman-Stallings

“Signs of the Times”

In biblical history, many prophets foresaw and correctly predicted various future occurrences that have happened during the existence of mankind. For centuries, religious scholars and ministers of the gospel have been saying that the “End Times” are upon us. Even the Apostles believed that Jesus would return, to set up His kingdom, during their own lifetime. Now, nearly 2,000 years later, Christians continue warning of the imminent destruction of mankind and the return of Jesus Christ. The Muslims stoutly believe their savior, Mohammed, is soon to make his appearance and cleanse the planet of its unholy and unworthy inhabitants. Even the Jews agree that their Messiah will purify the world after exterminating those who practice evil and are unworthy of eternal life.

So many prophecies have already been fulfilled since the dawning of the Anno Domini era, while other predictions have yet to be executed. It is interesting to note that all Bible prophecy revolves around the “Children of Israel” and the promises made to their Hebrew ancestors so long ago. An extreme worldwide interest rests upon this small, persecuted country. Most of the planet is intrigued with the current events that surround Israel. Today, there are more and more of the Jewish faith believing in Jesus Christ and His message. More than ever before, in the history of the Jewish nation, have this race of people come to accept and believe that Jesus was indeed the Messiah they had waited for. 

 

To many believers, the Christian’s Holy Bible is a simple textbook. It has taught us where man has come from and how man should live in order to survive. It is also considered the Creator’s outline of what is to come and what mankind should prepare for.

The Prophetic Signs:

Such prophets as Isaiah, Daniel and Jesus have foretold and forewarned mankind of incredible events that will occur concerning the “End Times”. The oracles were steadfast in warning of a doomsday scenario, as well. For many believers of Christian, Islamic and Judaic faiths, some of the ancient predictions have already arrived.

While all three major religions disagree on chronological order, certain events and interpretations, they all agree an “End Times” occurrence is assured. The following is a partial list of prophecies that have already been fulfilled:  

Wars and Rumors of Wars (Matthew 24:6)

For centuries wars have been fought, but in the last one hundred years or so, mankind has had more than its fair share of battles. There have been over 16 major wars since the turn of the 20th century A. D., which does not include the various battles and skirmishes fought around the globe.

(Major 20th century wars: Boer War, Boxer Rebellion, Russo-Japanese War, Turkish/Ottoman Revolt, Chinese Revolution, World War I, Russian Revolution, Spanish Civil War, Japan/China War, World War II, Korean War, Hungarian Revolution, Bay of Pigs Invasion, Vietnam War, Middle East Six Day War, Desert Storm War, Afghanistan War, Iraq War)

[For a full list of ongoing wars and conflicts, please visit Ongoing Military Conflict]

The increase in warfare grew considerably, if not astronomically, in the 20th century. Not one decade has gone by without a war somewhere in this world being fought. Not one generation has passed away without there being a battle to contend with. Mankind has definitely struggled through their fair share of skirmishes these last 100 years or so. To many believers, this prophecy has not only been fulfilled, but continues to escalate as we enter the 21st century.

Earthquakes in Diverse Places (Matthew 24:7)   

The increase in earthquake activity has multiplied many times over since the beginning of mankind. Just since the 1990’s, the scientists claim earthquakes have been shaking the planet in various places almost on a monthly basis or more. Then you have earthquakes erupting where they had lain dormant for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The horrid tsunami of Indonesia (that claimed over 270,000 lives in 2004) was caused from an underwater earthquake, measuring 9.2, in the Indian Ocean; in a diverse place.

[For a full list of world earthquakes in the 20th and 21st centuries, please visit List of Earthquakes]

Supervolcanoes (capable of producing an exceedingly large explosion and a giant caldera) are scattered throughout the world. Many have not had activity for hundreds of thousands of years and in the last decade these giant, catastrophic volcanoes are starting to awaken (i.e. Yellowstone National Park). According to the website, earthmountainview.com, there have been over 1,000 small earthquakes registered at Yellowstone - some that measured at a magnitude of 3.8 - just since the beginning of 2010.   

Increased Knowledge (Daniel 12:4)

One cannot deny how advanced mankind has become. Since the 1950’s, we have seen the invention of the television, spaceships and corporate computers, just to name a few. In the last 25 years alone, mankind has invented cell phones, personal computers and video games. Many machines (such as appliances) are used and utilized around the planet today. Our ancestors would be amazed at such luxuries we [mankind] take for granted today. Mankind has been bestowed with such an incredible intelligence, in comparison to the ancients, that many people of various faiths believe this is a sign of the “End Times” that was foretold centuries ago.

[For more information about increased knowledge, please visit Increased Knowledge at the Time of the End]

“Nor let it disturb you, dearest brethren, if with some, in these last times, either an uncertain faith is wavering, or a fear of God without religion is vacillating, or a peaceable concord does not continue. These things have been foretold as about to happen in the end of the world; and it was predicted by the voice of the Lord, and by the testimony of the apostles, that now that the world is failing, and the Antichrist is drawing near, everything good shall fail, but evil and adverse things shall prosper.” - Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage

 

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Cyprian (Latin: Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus) was an important Early Christian writer, many of whose Latin works are extant. He was born around the beginning of the 3rd century A.D. in North Africa, perhaps at Carthage, where he received a classical education. After converting to Christianity, he became a bishop in 249 and eventually died a martyr at Carthage on September 14, 258.

 

 

[For more information about the "End Times",  please visit Who's ? Right: Mankind, Religions & The End Times]