End is Near!
Solemn warnings have been given to us in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy about the events that precede the coming of Jesus and the end of the world. Jesus said, “And the shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth, distress of nations, with perplexity; sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after these things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:25, 26.
We have just witnessed the terrible act of terrorism in the United States. A great number of lives are lost and countless millions in property damage.
America Under Attack – Sept. 11.2001
In the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, four U.S. passenger planes were apparently hijacked and crashed, including two jets that flew into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and a plane that struck the Pentagon. The death toll is unknown.
Many are asking, “Why does God permit these terrible calamities to happen?” Because without God permitting, Satan cannot do his destructive acts. Are they not as the voice of God telling us to get ready, because the end is near and the complete destruction of every city and of every sinner will then take place?
Sister White writes, “When God’s restraining hand is removed, the destroyer begins his work.
Then in our cities the greatest calamities will come.” Last Day Events, p. 111.
“God has a purpose in permitting these calamities to occur. They are one of His means of calling men and women to their senses.” Last Day Events, p. 28.
Many professed Christians have fallen into a sleepy condition spiritually. These calamities should awaken them to realize that the time for the preparation for the end is almost finished.
Soon all will be too late.
These disasters should not come to us as a surprise because for years we have had warnings about them.
“On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and were erected to glorify their owners and builders… The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fireproof buildings and said: ‘They are perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction.” Test. Vol. 9, p. 12-13.
“From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word from the Lord, one touch of His mighty power, and these massive structures will fall. Scenes will take place the fearfulness of which we cannot imagine.” LS 412.
“I saw an immense ball of fire fall among some beautiful mansions, causing their instant destruction. I heard someone say: ‘We knew that the judgements of God were coming upon the earth, but we did not know that they would come so soon.'” Test. Vol. 9, p. 28.
“In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempest floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power.” CH 461.
Satan is doing his destructive acts in the world, but yet God is in control. He watches over His faithful flock with protective tender care. Nothing can happen to them unless it is for their benefit somehow.
“The world is not without a ruler. The program of coming events is in the hands of the Lord. The majesty of heaven has the destiny of nations as well as the concerns of His church is His own charge.” Test. Vol. 5, p. 753.
In our own Gospel song we sing, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way.” Trust that the Lord will take care of His people among these last day events, and obey Him in all things. It is our only safety in these perilous times.
AMEN
Timo Martin