Dear Minister: Are we living in the end times?
– Not Ready
Answer: The short answer is, “yes, these are the End Times.” But the Book of Revelation is often mistakenly interpreted to be a predictive timeline of the end of the world. This unique New Testament apocalypse was actually written to first-century believers, but it is still for our benefit. The central message of John’s Revelation is that the “great turning point” in history has already occurred, the end has begun.
You say you’re not ready, but the point of the message to the “seven churches” is to warn, and call them to “repent.” The Spirit warns them to “return” (Rev. 2:5), to “obey” (Rev. 3:3), to “beware” (Rev. 2:10), to “wake up” (Rev. 3:2-3), to “hold fast” (Rev. 3:11), to “listen” and to “open the door” (Rev. 3:20). Revelation exposes false teachings and denounced idolatry and warns against the abuse of authority. While unveiling the glory and majesty of the risen “King of the nations” (Rev. 15:3) to the churches, John expresses hope for “the rest of humankind” (Rev. 9:20), that through the times of “wrath” (Rev. 16:1) all would have opportunity to repent.
It feels like the “end” because everything appears to be getting worse. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains that the “enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat,” meaning things will get bad. But he said good things, “wheat,” will also grow. And he instructed us, “Let them both grow together” (Matt. 13:25,30).
Do we withdraw from society, politics, and entertainment? No. Paul encouraged churches to live in accord with civil law. But Revelation warns against becoming too comfortable, too open to the surrounding culture. When we repent, we change the way we live. We do not allow ourselves to be seduced into compromising our loyalty to Jesus, even if society threatens us with punishment for failure to participate in their idolatry.
Revelation is a message of God’s rule, bringing peace and justice to all creation, every nation, and every structure of human existence, for all eternity in the new heaven and new earth. Things will get better, but Revelation exhorts the church to “wake up and strengthen what remains” (Rev. 3:2-3).
Though we may struggle, we are given hope. Jesus leads his churches to look forward to a new reality. Churches are exhorted to remain faithful to Christ’s vision for all humanity, especially in the face of hostility. Revelation is not a mystery, or a road map to gain access to heaven. It is the testimony of Jesus, calling the reader to be ready, to exalt and worship him, and to live for his eternal purpose.
John Henry
Director YWAM Converge
Ocean City, NJ
Ywamconverge.org
