Recently a friend asked me, “What is your doctrine about the end times?” As I thought about it I realized because there are so many different factors involved in end time teaching it may be hard for people to identify what I believe to be the central and most essential doctrinal factors.
I have actually stated my core belief about the end times numerous times. In fact, it’s very simple and relevant to real life. You see, much of what people believe about the end times really doesn’t matter. For example, what you believe about the rapture really doesn’t matter because your beliefs aren’t going to change when and how it happens.
Then the question emerges, “What if I’m wrong about the rapture? I could put all of my hope in it happening one way and then be totally devastated if I’m wrong.” There are some subjects in the Bible that are crystal clear; however, there are other subjects that get more confusing the more we talk about them. For example, we know that no matter how bad it gets Jesus will return and establish His Kingdom here on Earth. We can find some comfort and some sense of justice from this.
We know for 3 ½ years the antichrist will bring tribulation on the Earth to all who believe in God as Jehovah, i.e. Jews and Christians. We know this will be a worldwide tribulation, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We know that for the next 3 ½ years God will bring tribulation on the antichrist and his followers.
But that doesn’t answer the question, “What do I believe about the end times?” There are many things I believe that I think are important but not essential. But here is what I believe is essential. I believe it is essential that every believer learns to yield to the grace (power) of God. I’m not talking about the doctrine of grace – some vague idea of grace as a state of being, or some permissive liberal lifestyle – I am talking about the grace that worked in Jesus that made Him able to do all that He did and endure all that He faced. I believe this and this alone will give us the strength to face and overcome any obstacle or any persecution.
I believe every believer should learn to hear and follow God in their heart. This will be the key to making decisions in a time when the world is unstable and all the previously trusted ways of maneuvering through life are no longer reliable. I believe this is the key to following God to safety and protection for ourselves and our families.
If these two factors are a real way of life for us it really won’t matter what does or doesn’t happen. We’ll always be able to follow God and always have the strength to do what He leads us to do. Everything else is irrelevant! This is why I produced the new series, When Grace Reigns and Darkness Prevails. This series holds the true spiritual survivalist’s preparation secrets! This series, while dealing with the negatives of the future, offers more realistic hope for whatever is ahead than anything I‘ve ever heard. And if we never see the end in our lifetime this series fully equips us to face any disaster.
Be sure to get your copy today! You can download the MP3 version and listen within minutes or get the CDs; either way, you’ll be equipping yourself for anything the future brings!
What do you think is the most important thing you should do to prepare for the end?
I totally agree that the most important thing is learning to draw on God’s grace and rest in Him. But you said you feel it doesn’t really matter what view a person has about the end times because their beliefs won’t change when the rapture or tribulation happens. That’s true of course – but wouldn’t you agree that their view can greatly influence their walk with God? Whether the pre-trib rapture view is correct or not, I think it can lead a believer to get lazy or apathetic, causing them to think, “There’s really no reason to prepare or be concerned because God is going to rescue us before things get bad anyway.” Not that we should be worried or fearful if POST-trib is correct, but if it IS true, it would be really bad for us if we haven’t SPIRITUALLY prepared ourselves for the time of great trial (and I’m not talking about just making sure we’re saved, but that our relationship with the Lord is really mature). Otherwise, we’ll be emotionally falling apart as “hell” is breaking loose around us. So our belief about the end times really is important. You “catch my drift bro?” – ps- I noticed you still didn’t share your stance on when you believe the rapture happens (pre, mid, or post trib) and why. But maybe you’ve posted or shared that elsewhere – I’m new to your ministry and I love what you’re about! (thanks to Sid Roth’s show)
thank you for your comments. And Dr. Richards teaches that the Word is not clear on pre, mid. or post trib so that obviously is not that important or the Bible would be clear. However, wht is important is that we develop or relationship with the Holy Spirit so we are prepared no matter what happens. Dr. Richards is currently writing a book about this subject and it should be edited and out in a couple months.
Hi Dr. Jim!
I was just wondering about your thoughts on people who are into things like Course Of Miracles, where they seem to be operating principles that line up with the word (Walking in Love, Peace and Faith), Yet they leave out the finished work of Jesus? I wonder if they’re the “friend” referred to in Matthew 22 that gets thrown out of the wedding feast, into out darkness for not having on a wedding garment (Robe of Righteousness?).
Hi Sean,
It is not up to us to judge whether someone has the Robe of Righteousness, only God knows someone’s heart. However, any teaching that does not include what Jesus did on the cross is not the Gospel, and is actually a doctrine of demons. I am not familiar with the Course of Miracles so I do not know what their belief system is but no matter how good the teaching if it is not based on the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ then it is not an organization I would recommend to believers.