Signs, Sign, & Non-signs, of the End
Warnings not to be mislead:
- “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5)
- “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” (Luke 21:8)
The Bible says nothing about any ‘signs of the end,’ in contrast to what is popularly believed by people, and taught by preachers. The Bible says not to look for, or expect to know, a time for the end, but rather, be ready at all times. (Matthew 24:42-44; Mark 13:33-35) Jesus condemned ‘sign-seeking’ when he said:
“The only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah”—Matthew 12:39 NLT
Can you see a sign? No, not until the very end. “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Mathew 24:30) No, the “sign of the Son of Man” is not seen yet, because it is not the end. Do you (or will you) need someone such as a preacher, scholar or group to tell you Jesus has returned? “When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.” (Luke 21:30) No, everyone on earth will see it, and know it, then, because “you can see for yourselves.” There is no way to know in advance until it actually happens.