In the crazy year of 2020, there's been a boost in people talking about the End Times, sharing memes on the Mark of the Beast and the Antichrist and all such things. Have you seen it? Some of these are really funny, but I've noticed a lot of confusion about Bible prophecy in the timeline of events. It’s a well-debated topic, and one I really don’t feel qualified to write about. In fact, my feelings of inadequacy are what's taken me so long to put this out after my August poll on Instagram (see below).
But eschatology - or the study of the end times - is one of my favorite topics in the Bible, and one of the subjects I most enjoy studying and talking about. I'd love to encourage you to learn more about it too! That's why I'm pushing through my insecurities to post this blog.
Back in August I did a poll on my Instagram stories asking 3 questions about the End Times:
The consensus of responses was surprising – Yes! Jesus is coming back soon. No! I don’t feel like I know much about Bible prophecy, and Yes! I wish my pastor would talk more on the subject. People want to know more about Bible Prophecy!
So I decided to help encourage you in the direction of reading and studying Bible prophecy for yourself.
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I know some people who say, "What does it matter studying Bible prophecy? What's going to happen will happen." I believe it's important for these reasons:
Read the book of Revelation and receive a blessing.
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End Times prophecy is spread throughout the Bible. Below is a list of scriptures for you to read. But first: I’m a BIG proponent of studying the Bible and learning to understand it through the help of the Holy Spirit alone. I do believe there are good commentaries out there, and some very good resources that can be helpful. But I believe they should never be your first stop, “go to” before you put in the effort of reading/studying the Word yourself.
Why? Well the older I get in my faith, (I became a born again Believer in Jesus Christ when I was 8 years old) the more I’ve come to realize that nobody, and I mean Nobody has it all figured out. No scholar, popular pastor, Bible study teacher, or best selling author has it all 100% correct. We HAVE to stop depending on other people to feed us without question. We should and must question everything we’re taught and evaluate it up against God’s Word. (This is a whole other blog post and one that's been simmering inside me for some time. But I digress.)
That being said, I know godly people on different sides of the timeline of events. I know there are good, godly teachers and preachers on different sides as well. I think these different viewpoints should always push us to the Bible for more study and to prayer that the Holy Spirit would help us discern the truth.
God gave us Bible prophecy not to conceal the future but to reveal it. The word “revelation” comes from the Greek work apocalypse which means “unveiling.” And as I mentioned above, Revelation is the only book of the Bible that promises the reader a blessing just by reading it! (Revelation 1:3)
So if Revelation scares you, and you’re a born-again Believer in Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. Reading this book will be a blessing to you. But if you’re not a born-again Believer, there are some very real truths here that you need to know, because the future of God’s wrath is coming on the unbelieving world who has rejected Jesus. If you want to know more about becoming born-again, scroll on down to the Good News at the bottom.
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We can’t fully understand End Times prophecy by reading Revelation alone. Below you’ll find a list of verses/passages that I will be adding to as I read and do my own study.
I encourage you to:
(*I've listed a few resources below with the scriptures to give you some basis for what is being described, without which some things are very hard to understand)
Then, and only then, after a careful reading - maybe several times! - consult some commentaries/resources. I've listed some of my favorites at the bottom of this post.
I hope you enjoy this study and that it gives you peace (or shows you that you need to do business with God) and that you find it as much of a blessing as I do. 💗
(I will be adding to this as I study and learn)
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list. If I've missed something, please let me know in the comments below, and I will add it.
Seeing past prophecy fulfilled gives us confidence in future prophecy and the hope to come.
Below you'll find my favorite places to look for a breakdown of current events in light of Bible prophecy as well as Bible prophecy teaching.
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If reading the above scriptures fills you with fear, I encourage you to examine your heart and your relationship with God. The Bible tells us that we are separated from God by our sin (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23). We can't do anything or be anything good enough to bridge that gap. Sin requires a blood sacrifice, but only the blood Jesus was powerful enough to cover our sins and bridge that gap to God. (Hebrews 10:4) That's why God sent His Son Jesus to be our sacrifice to cleanse us of our sins (John 3:16, 1 John 4:9). It's a free gift if you only believe and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9)
After this, you are made new - clean in the eyes of God. (1 John 1:7) It's so simple, even a child can understand. But many struggle with this, thinking they must do something to earn salvation. Remember this, friend: Salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.
As a born-again Christian, it's important to get involved in a Bible-preaching, Bible-believing local church that will help you grow as a new Believer. If you're looking for where to start in reading God's Word and growing in the grace and knowledge of Him, start with the book of the Gospel of John.
If you believed and trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, celebrate! Because today is a new day. You are no longer a slave to sin, but a child of the living God! (Romans 6:6-8) Your inheritance is eternal life with The Father and Jesus in heaven. (John 11:25-26)
Please send me an email today if you have questions or if you've become born-again!
With love and lettering,
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Krystal Whitten
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