Hastening Toward the Day: Are These the Very Last Days?
Unprecedented global changes matched by unusual signs in nature recently have many Christians contemplating – could Christ’s long-awaited return for His Bride rapidly be approaching? As speculation rises regarding a potential 2023 rapture timing, it is wise to analyze the convergence of developments through the lens of Scripture. Could this generation indeed be the terminal one preceding Daniel’s 70th week? Are we hastening toward the Day of the Lord?
Examining the Signs Aligning in Our Times
In His Mount Olivet eschatological discourse, Jesus cites characteristics marking the season of His coming – a period likened to birth pangs increasing in frequency and intensity (Matt. 24:4-14). Deception…wars and rumors thereof…famines…pestilences…earthquakes…these distinguish the beginning of sorrows. Yet toward the end, more nuanced spiritual and geopolitical dynamics unfold. “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold,” He says in vs. 12. Scripture connects apostasy and persecution with the time of the end as well (1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Tim. 3:1-7).
Intriguingly, in the century since Israel’s rebirth, statistical data reveals sharp societal changes. For example, Barna research indicates only 6 percent of Americans espouse a biblical worldview now compared to 46 percent in 1995x. Some link the marked decline to increasingly permissive laws. According to Pew studies, Americans approving homosexual relations rose 30 points from 2001 to 2019xx as activist court rulings proliferated. This widespread rejecting of God’s created order relates to Scripture’s warning that many fall away, are handed over to deception, and no longer tolerate sound doctrine in the last days (2 Tim. 3:1-5, 2 Thess. 2:3).
Besides surging immorality, Jesus pinpoints another signal issue – “many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matt. 24:11). Indeed, since the 1980s, the proliferation of cults and evangelicals embracing New Age practices exploded according to the Zondervan Guide to Cultsxxi. Disillusioned by disempowering, institutional Christianity, Millennials increasingly identify as “Spiritual But Not Religious” – embracing eastern mysticismxxii. Books rejecting the biblical Jesus saturate mainstream outlets, fulfilling the prophecy about antichrists already arising (1 John 2:18).
Birth Pang Notables: Israel, Technology, and Tribulation Candidates
But amidst the rise of heresy, two prominent developments signal our late hour even more. First, Jesus says the parable of the fig tree pictures the generation witnessing Israel rebudding as the one destined for the Messiah’s return (Matt. 24:32-34). Over 75 years have passed since 1948. And secondly, he notes days preceding His arrival as marked by technology-driven globalization fomenting an unprecedented Tribulation hour on earth (Matt. 24:21-22).
Intriguingly, since 2000, scholars observe rapidly expanding means for “wars and rumors thereof” (vs. 6) through social media, cyber tactics, AI, encrypted messaging, automation expansionxxiii, etc. Israeli intelligence now monitors Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Turkey’s pan-Islamism threatening her securityxxv, and Russia/Iran’s deep Syrian incursionsxxvi as potential biblically-prophesied Magog alliance enablersxxvii. This matches Scripture saying people would “faint from fear” regarding global conflicts in the very end (Luke 21:26). Some believe tribulation events are merely waiting for a confirming of the covenant to unleash (Dan 9:27).
Signs From Heaven: Feast Alignments and Revelatory Astronomy
Beyond natural signs described by Christ, intriguing astronomical developments match Revelation 12’s symbolism precisely. The 2017 Great Sign showing the Sun clothing Virgo the Virgin while she wears a crown of twelve stars and stands with Mars/Venus beneath her feet xxviii was deemed God’s final warning alarm before judgmentxxix. It occurred as Jupiter (the King Planet representing Christ) entered Virgo after a 41-week retrogradexxx. Considering embalming procedures lasted this period, some link Jupiter’s gestation period symbolism to the dead in Christ rising first at the rapture before the tribulation turmoil unfolds on earthxxxi.
Adding to the perceived urgency are 2014 and 2015’s back-to-back Blood Moons on Passover and Sukkot – only the 8th appearance since Jesus’ First Comingxxxii. Then March 20, 2015 saw a Total Solar Eclipse occurring once every 100 years on Nisan 1xxxiii. Does this relate to the unique seasonal change and throne room judgment John witnesses in Rev. 4:1-2 and 22:12-13, 20? Finally, 2023 holds potential Pentecost feast alignment for the long-expected Marriage Supper and rewarding the faithful servantxxxiv.
The Overlooked Wedding Ceremony Symbolism
Pre-tribulation rapture models cite New Testament wedding analogiesxxxv describing Jesus preparing a heavenly home before returning for His spotless Bride at a soon, unrevealed hour (John 14:3). The Father determines the wedding date once the groom completes preparations (Matt. 24:36). Paul echoes Christ’s repeated, urgent exhortation to watch, be sober, and encourage one another anticipating this climactic event (1 Thess. 4:13-18, 1 Cor. 15: 51-52).
The ancient Jewish wedding ceremony – with the woman consecrated/set apart, the groom fetching his bride after seven days, the chamber door shut for exclusive intimacy, the postnuptial feast, etc. – closely mirrors what Scripture says about the marriage supper of the Lamb after rapture to occur swiftly and unexpectedly like a thief when all seems normal on earth (Luke 12:35-40, Rev. 19:7-9)xxxvi.
Might God orchestrate the catching away around July 26 – Tu B’Av on the Hebrew Calendar – drawing a poignant parallel? In ancient times, Tu B’Av signified Israel’s seventh month when women dressed in white to find their mates, hoping to participate in messianic bliss at the marriage feastxxxvii. Hauntingly, Jewish lore says this joyful purification custom began after rebellion cost God’s wrath on the Exodus generationxxxviii. For contemporary believers, might 2023 align with Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:4-9 that those walking in the light and wakefulness will escape approaching wrath?
Responding with Passion: What Does Readiness Require?
As intrigue builds, mockers proliferate (2 Pet. 3:4). Unfortunately, dwelling exclusively on day counts or celestial signs reflects misplaced priorities. The wise focus on purifying their hearts and walking in ever-increasing Christlikeness no matter the hour. We must hold even taboo, unfulfilled speculation loosely while still heeding Jesus’ repeated command: “Watch!” (Mark 13:37).
Peter exhorts diligence to confirm we carry kingdom fruit of the Spirit, leading others to salvation, and destroying fortresses exalting themselves against the true knowledge of God (2 Pet. 1:10, 1 Cor. 3:12-15). Let us walk as children of the day – not forsaking gathering, stirring each other toward righteous works, loving fervently, abstaining from sensuality and youthful passions, shining like luminaries with the Word of Life. The Lord alone sees and tests the thoughts, holding the keys of Sheol and death (Rev. 1:18).
Maranatha Even So, Come Lord Jesus!
While we cannot endorse any given year absent crystal clarity from the Lord Himself, one point remains unavoidable – we daily approach closer to that long-expected instant when eternity will irrevocably dawn. Events are unquestionably unfolding to usher in history’s final chapters. May Christ’s followers increasingly model Peter’s charge to hasten the day of God, when the elements melt with fervent heat as foretold (2 Pet. 3:12).
Whenever He comes, even if amidst a year like 2023, may the bridegroom find His bride faithful – having presented ourselves pure before Him as a chaste virgin betrothed (2 Cor. 11:2-4). The Spirit and bride say come. Come Lord Jesus! Our eyes yearn to see the King in His beauty. Maranatha!