Preparing for the Apocalypse

     The terms Apocalypse, Armageddon, End Times, End of the World, etc. have become household words in our day, and due to movies and TV shows like The Walking Dead, Supernatural, End of Days, etc., it seems like the idea of the end of life as we know it is intriguing to many folks.  I took some time to watch some of these shows and found that they have little to do with Biblical truth although they are interesting and entertaining. The Book of Revelation is mentioned and images from it are mentioned, but Jesus Christ and His return are missing from the script. That is OK; entertainment is entertainment. And the current crisis in Syria has certainly pushed End Times thinking to the forefront.   Likewise, from a Biblical point of view, there are many books, websites, shows, etc. dedicated to End Time Prophecy.   Many of the books are concerned with preparing the Saints for the End Times while evangelizing the lost. There is a lot of focus on the Rapture and not "getting left behind."  I am not sure when the Rapture will take place. There are 3 main views which this article will not explore, but regardless of when and how it will be happen, I believe there are going to be difficult times ahead.  I think the main question concerning the end times is not when, where, how, or why, but WHO. Who are you? In other words, in order to persevere in the difficult times ahead, Believers in Christ Jesus must absolutely know who they are in Christ; if they answer this question, then, all the other questions are not matters of fear or confusion, but rather,  a confident expectation of our future. People often ask why I do not teach on the End Times more.  My answer goes something like this: "Folks haven't even figured out the main points of Jesus Christ's first coming yet. I am still discovering what it is all about.  When we get that down, maybe I can start teaching about the Second Coming." The first coming of Jesus Christ changed everything, and it changes the identity of the believer.  If we don't take hold of the awesome, Spiritual Realities of our New Identity in Jesus Christ, we risk becoming like the Seven Sons of Sceva:

¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them,¹⁶ Then the m “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” and the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding." (Acts 19)

The sons of Sceva took on the devil in their own strength, in their own identity and saw themselves separate from Jesus.  They knew Jesus had power and authority, but they did not know Jesus personally, and thus, they did not know themselves. Many believers operate this way. They believe in Jesus Christ, but they see Jesus outside of them, and at best, He is on their side if they behave. And since, they misbehave, they think they are no match for the devil, and try their best to behave so God will get the devil off their back.  So, how in the world can one in this condition really look forward to the End Times?  The number 1 answer is "I hope to be raptured before it gets really difficult. "Hang on til Jesus comes; make a truce with satan and hide out til Jesus comes." If you are hanging on with all your might, I have good news for you.

Right up front, you need to know that as far as the devil is concerned, You are Jesus Christ. "Blashphemy!" one might say, but to deny this truth blasphemes the glorious work of Jesus Christ and diminishes His death, burial, resurrection and ascension on our behalf.  People don't like Bible Thumpers, but I am going to Thump you right now with how the Bible says what is True of Jesus Christ is True of you:

Romans 6:10-11 tells us that we are separate from sin and live in the exact unbroken fellowship with the Father that Jesus does. Romans 8:21 tells us that the same power that rose Christ from the dead lives(is very much at home) in us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that we possess in our New Identity the very same Righteousness of Jesus Christ-You are just as righteous as Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:6 tells us that we are seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realms-Jesus is seated at God's Right hand which denotes total authority over hell, death and the devil. Hebrews 10:14 that we have been made perfect forever by Christ's sacrifice. 1 John 3:30 tells us that we have an anointing that remains and gives us authority over the "many antichrists" that are in the world. Colossians 2:9,10 tells us that we have the fullness of Christ and authority over every principality and power. Chapter 3 tells us that our sins, past, present and future have been completely forgiven, nailed to the cross in Christ.  Romans chapter 6, 7 and 8 tells us that we are dead to sin, dead to the law and alive to God under no condemnation whatsoever. Romans 5 declares our standing and relationship with God has NOTHING at all to do with our behavior and everything to do with Christ Jesus. *And because all these things are true, James says our battle with the devil is quite simple; "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  Satan is the accuser of the brethren, and when you believe all of the above, he flees in fear. We have complete authority over this unoriginal liar.  Believe and receive the above truths and you will be excited and truly "lift up your head for your redemption draws nigh" when you see the world in turmoil and the spirit of antichrist gaining speed in the world.

*these Scriptures only scratch the surface of our New Identity in Christ.