Lawrence Grott
The question we most likely ask when studying prophecy is, “What does the future hold?” With that being said, anyone who has an interest in biblical prophecy has at some point asked themselves this question well, “Where are we in God’s prophetic timeline?” The bible answers these two questions in a plethora of ways. Today we want to look at just one of those ways it answers the second question.
Where are we in God’s prophetic timeline?
In a prior blog we briefly talked about the seven churches in the Book of Revelation chapters two and three. We established that they not only existed at the time John wrote Revelation, but they’re also indicative of the seven different primary characteristics the church has embodied over the last two thousand years. Not only that, but these characteristics manifested in the same chronological order they appear in Revelation.
As you read about these churches, I would like to direct your attention to a different aspect of Christ’s character that is highlighted at the beginning for each church. Each aspect of His character has something to do specifically with the church being addressed, and in turn would apply to the corresponding church age, or phase. At this point I’ll make a statement and we’ll see if we can determine if scripture supports it or not. “I believe we are living in the time characterized by the church of Laodicea, the last predominate church age prior to the return of Christ.”
The argument most people make when they state this is to look at the description of the church of Laodicea and show how it matches the primary character of the modern church. While I agree with this comparison, I want us to take a different approach. Let’s look at how Jesus Himself is described to John.
Revelation 3:14b (NASB) “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ….”
Notice our attention being drawn to God as the creator? You may be surprised to know how important it is to God to be recognized as creator. The very first thing God told us was that He’s the creator and when He did it.
Genesis 1:1 (NASB) In the beginning God created……
One of the things that we see within today’s church is a disregarding of creation and Christians buying in to evolution. Whether it’s theistic or atheistic evolution, they’re heading down the path of not believing in creation the way it’s clearly stated in Genesis (if they haven’t abandoned it already). You may even be asking, “What’s the big deal?” Though there are several reasons, I’ll boil it down to this. Scripture tells us that every word of God is true. If you don’t believe the first thing He tells us about Himself you’ll eventually begin to doubt the rest of what He says, including Jesus coming to earth to be crucified on our behalf in order to save us and restore our relationship with the Father.
The bible says, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established.” (2 Cor 13:1). We have established two witnesses above in Genesis 1:1(Moses) and Revelation 3:14 (John). Let’s get our third witness (Paul).
Romans 1:20 (NASB) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, having been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
When you read Romans 1 in its entirety you’ll understand the gravity and importance God puts on us recognizing Him as creator. It’s so important to Him that there is a special judgement for those who don’t acknowledge Him as creator. Let’s see what that judgement is, and if it’s indicative of the times in which we live.
Romans 1:24:28 (NASB) Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.
It goes on in verses 29-31 to give an additional list of sinful behaviors that very much speak to the condition of modern society. However, don’t think it’s the unsaved world that is being addressed. Romans 1 says who is being addressed in multiple places. They are those who know His nature, His righteousness, and His ordinances. People who claim to be Christians are the ones being addressed and warned. The world doesn’t know or believe these things about God. I’ve talked to Christians who have told me, “I don’t do these things myself, but have no problem with those who do.” Some go so far as to completely support this type of behavior (sin). Many denominations have homosexual clergy and church members as well.
Romans 1:32 (NASB) And, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
What the Holy Spirit is saying through Paul is, although you may not engage in these behaviors yourself, you are deserving of the same judgement and punishment as those who do for supporting them in their sin. Why is that? Because when you do you are sending the message to those who are either weak in faith, or those who have no faith, that willfully sinning against God is ok.
When you take everything we’ve discussed in light of the last 150 years of western society, you’ll notice as the belief in evolution has been introduced and increased, homosexuality and other sexual perversions have also increased at a corresponding rate and have become more acceptable. Although this is a brief explanation I hope it motivates you to study further for yourself. You can read a more in depth explanation of this in chapter eleven of my book: The Purpose for the Passion. I pray this is an encouragement to stand up for the truth of God’s Word in the face of growing opposition, because we have been able to identify the time in which we’re living, knowing that Christ is returning soon. God Bless.
Lawrence Grott
If you’d like to learn more or get a copy of my book: The Purpose for the Passion, please visit me at: https://spiritandtruthministries.life
