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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: When the end of the year approaches, I find myself looking at things more realistically and then consider what the Bible says about beginnings and ends. As our nation and world are crumbling before our eyes, it reminds me of what the Bible says about the last days. We are surely in them, aren’t we? – L.D.

 

Dear L.D.: Someday soon the end will come – the end of a world that has been dominated by greed, evil, and injustice. The Bible speaks graphically about the end of the world. God’s Word warns of what is coming and calls people to be reconciled to Him. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets” (Acts 3:19-21, NIV).

The revelation of Jesus Christ in the gospel of Matthew tells us that the present world system will pass away and come to a dramatic end. These passages tell us that Jesus will come again and set up His kingdom of righteousness where evil and death will no longer exist. Jesus promised the establishment of a new order – the kingdom of God. He used images that were dramatic and compelling, but He did not engage in fantasy. He told his followers, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV).

He indicated that when certain things come to pass, we can be assured that the end is near. He indicated that only those who are saved and have spiritual discernment from the Holy Spirit can believe the facts of history and have the hope of the future.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)