Wars and rumors of wars, nations rising up against nations, earthquakes and famines, add artificial intelligence to the mix and Alex McFarland of Exploring the Word on AFR says we're hurtling headlong toward the second coming of Christ.
“All true Christians agree that Jesus is going to come back. I do believe in a literal seven-year tribulation. I believe in the rapture. I believe in the battle of Armageddon.”
He tells the Today's Issues crew not all Christians agree with him on the specifics.
“There is a belief called amillennialism that doesn't believe in some of the literalness of Revelation 4-22,” McFarland says.
In this belief, what the Bible says about the seven-year tribulation, return of Christ and His thousand-year reign are symbolic or are taking place right now in a spiritual realm. McFarland says the "Left Behind" version of the end times, which he believes to be correct, is not being taught in many seminaries.
The “Left Behind” series of 16 novels was co-written by Tim LaHaye, an evangelical pastor and prophecy teacher, and Jerry B. Jenkins, a novelist. The books were published between 1995-2007.
“I really don't think the majority of pastors are able or willing to preach about biblical eschatology because they've not been taught that,” McFarland said.
He says this is particularly true with younger pastors.
“It is virtually impossible to find a pastor under 50 that believes in the rapture.”
But McFarland says the times are unfolding exactly how biblical authors predicted thousands of years ago. Next up is the return of Christ the King to Earth.
“Acts 1:11, the angels told the disciples said, 'this same Jesus will return in like manner.' And God has a 100% track record in keeping his promises.”
