Since childhood, I have been fascinated by end-time events and Bible prophecy. Over the years, however, I have also seen how an unhealthy or unbiblical approach to prophecy can cause real grief and confusion in the lives of sincere Christians. Fear of the future and anxiety about what lies ahead can overwhelm some believers to the point where they feel they will never measure up to God’s standard and eventually give up their faith. Others, lacking a solid biblical foundation in proper interpretation—“line upon line, verse upon verse”—wander into a maze of conspiracy theories. Sadly, these detours lead many to question their standing with God and rob them of the peace and security that come from a life-giving relationship with Jesus and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
Many years ago, I came across a powerful book by the late Marvin Moore entitled The Crisis of the End Time, with the vital subtitle: Keeping Your Relationship with Jesus in Earth’s Darkest Hour. That subtitle holds the essential key to understanding prophecy correctly. Studying end-time events without a living relationship with Jesus never ends well, no matter how sincere the student may be. Jesus said it clearly: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). Whenever individuals or groups look to anything—or anyone—other than Jesus as the central focus and fulfillment of biblical prophecy, they commit a serious and dangerous error. Brothers and sisters, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus!
Today’s topic in the New Beginnings series is “Surviving the Coming Tribulation.” Without a genuine relationship with Jesus, even the title alone could strike fear in the heart of a seeker. The truth is that end-time tribulation is approaching; the signs around us point to it, and Scripture affirms it. But despite the conflict ahead, we have the blessed assurance of victory in Christ. Revelation offers a triumphant declaration even before the final crisis unfolds: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). Victory is promised before the tribulation begins.
Today, my faith rests firmly on Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. Whatever the future holds, I will keep trusting, keep believing, and remain confident that I am forever secure in Jesus. Hallelujah, Amen.
Maranatha.
Pastor Glenn DeSilva