One of the main criticisms I hear from skeptics when the position is taken that we may be living near or at the End of the Age is this: there have been many generations that thought they were the last, yet here we are. It is a valid argument on the surface. However, if we dig deeper, there is support for the idea that this present time and near future is different. Allow me to list five of the factors that support the view that we are the final generation. I can only make each point briefly, but there are links for several of the points to previous posts in which I have gone into greater detail.
Israel became a nation. Let’s assume that May 14, 1948 was a fulfillment of Matthew 24:32-34: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” No one can seem to agree as to how long a generation is. Regardless, 67½ years ago, the fig tree, Israel, once again became a political nation, and I believe the roots of a spiritual harvest among the Jewish people began as well.
The spread of knowledge. Sure, we have had eras when knowledge was increased, but most would agree that the information explosion we’re currently experiencing is unprecedented. This would fulfill the prophecy in Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
6,000-year rule of man followed by a thousand-year Sabbath. Scholars can’t agree on either of the two possible starting points of the six thousand years: (1) when Adam and Eve were created, or (2) when they sinned and were kicked out of the garden. Regardless, we are around 6,000 years later. Another fascinating study is on the final 3,000 of the 7,000 years.
The Shemitah Cycle. There is a spiritually based seven-year cycle called the Shemitah (Exodus 21:2; 23:10–11; Leviticus 25:1–7; Deuteronomy 15:1–6 and 31:10–13). After every seven cycles is a Jubilee Year. There seems to be a pattern in the last hundred years that is worth noting: concentric circles that are getting smaller. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration allowed the Jewish people to begin returning to their homeland. In 1967, Jerusalem was once again under Jewish control. What will the end of the next cycle bring? Consider this – as far as I can tell, there is only one portion of land left to be under Jewish sovereignty, and that is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Keep an eye on it in the next year in particular. Most should be aware of what role it plays at the End of the Age.
The Great Commission may be fulfilled soon. Did you know that in the next four to five years, every people group will have a Gospel witness, and that Bible translations will be underway in all remaining languages? This may mean the fulfillment of what I believe is the most important sign of the End of the Age. Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
If this is the End of the Age, then what? What are you supposed to do about it? In my humble opinion, there are two things you should do.
- First, you should be aware of the signs that seem to be appearing now that foretell Jesus’ returning. Be aware of what is being discussed in prophetic circles without becoming obsessed or fearful. Hold lightly to the words of men. God still speaks to and through His people, but measure everything against the authority of His Word.
- Second, focus with even greater intensity on God’s calling for your life. Regardless of your occupation, we are all servants of God called to be led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in silence before your Creator. He will guide you.
Until such a day as we may live to see the End of the Age, be found faithful by the One Who loves you, Who saved you, and Who is returning to usher in an indescribable eternity.