Signs of the End Times and the Last Days
VBC Albuquerque · Oct 22, 2023
This sermon distinguishes between the end times (the period from Christ's resurrection to His return) and the latter days (the conclusion of an era before judgment). Two interpretive views are presented: the Preterist view that events occurred in 70 AD, and the Futurist view that they will occur in the future, especially during a 7-year tribulation. The sermon lists seven signs and emphasizes deception as the greatest danger, along with Satan's counterfeiting through the Beast and False Prophet.
The sermon begins by analyzing the disciples' questions about when the destruction of the Jerusalem temple would occur, what signs would indicate Christ's return, and what would signal the end times. The disciples misunderstood, thinking all three events would happen simultaneously and that the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Through the Olivet Discourse, Jesus teaches them that God's kingdom is still in the future, requiring patience and faithfulness. This is the purpose of the five parables that follow the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25.
The sermon presents a clear distinction between the end times and the latter days. The latter days, or the church age, refer to the period from Christ's resurrection and ascension to heaven until the day He returns to rapture the Church to heaven. We are currently living in these latter days, as taught in Hebrews 1:2. The end times, or the consummation, means the conclusion of an era before Christ returns to rule or judge mankind. Jesus' teaching in the Olivet Discourse includes signs and portents during the latter days and the 7-year tribulation period, especially the final 3.5 years known as the Great Tribulation.
The sermon presents two interpretive frameworks of the Olivet Discourse. The Preterist View holds that all events recorded in Matthew 24:2-25 already occurred and were fulfilled with the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD, although the second coming, bodily resurrection, and final judgment are still future. The Futurist View holds that Christ's return will occur in two stages: the rapture (a sudden snatching away to take the Church to heaven), followed by a 7-year tribulation period of unprecedented severity, and then Christ's return to rule with the saints for 1,000 years. This belief is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and holds that the Church will escape the horrific 7-year tribulation.
The sermon lists seven signs or portents of Christ's return and the end times: (1) deception, (2) wars and rumors of wars, (3) famines, (4) earthquakes and pestilences, (5) religious persecution, (6) betrayal, and (7) gospel preaching to all nations. These signs have occurred, are occurring, and will continue throughout human history, increasing like birth pains approaching the end. During the 7-year tribulation, especially the final 3.5 years, these signs will reach an unprecedented climax in history.
The sermon emphasizes that deception is the most important and dangerous sign, more critical than physical warfare, because when truth is distorted and changed, humanity, society, and the world increasingly deteriorate. Jesus teaches that truth is the most important anchor for life. The sermon warns of the antichrist, false prophets, and Satan's counterfeiting. Satan creates a counterfeit trinity consisting of Satan (counterfeit of God the Father), the Beast (counterfeit of the Son of God), and the False Prophet (counterfeit of the Holy Spirit), opposing the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Beast receives worship like Jesus Christ, has a seal placed on its followers, and experiences a counterfeit resurrection. The False Prophet performs counterfeit miracles to deceive people into worshiping the Beast, just as the Holy Spirit performs miracles to draw people to worship Christ. The sermon concludes with a warning that we must live in faith and readiness, as if today or tomorrow Jesus will return, for He comes like a thief in the night, and no one knows the hour or day.