Prophecies That Must Be Fulfilled Before Jesus Returns
Eschatology is the study of the "end times" before God's last judgment on the world. According to Biblical Christianity, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and deity of the Christian faith, was crucified and then resurrected three days after his death. Forty days later, Christ ascended into heaven, promising to return someday. This return, often called the Second Coming of Christ, will be marked by the fulfilling of several prophecies from the Old and New Testaments.
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Prophecies by Jesus
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In the New Testament gospel of Matthew, Jesus cites the prophecies that must be fulfilled before he returns, known as the Second Coming. He explains in Matthew 24:5-11 that "false prophets and Christs" will appear, teaching doctrines that "will mislead many." He also declares in Matthew 24:6-9 that "wars and rumors of wars" will afflict the earth, in addition to famines and natural disasters. Finally, in Matthew 24:14, he explains that before he can return, the "gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world."
Prophecies by Paul
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In the New Testament epistles of First and Second Timothy, Paul lists two prophecies that must be fulfilled before the end times can come. In I Timothy 4:1-3, he explains that there will be an increase of apostasy, meaning that many will deny the Christian faith. According to II Timothy 3:1-5,7, godlessness and wickedness will increase throughout the earth. Paul explains that humanity will be "lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant... and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
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Prophecies in Revelation
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The book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, consists of many eschatological prophecies. Revelation 9:16 states that there will be a 200-million-strong army that will rise up. Revelation 13:16-17 states that people in the last days will receive the "mark of the beast" either on the right hand or the forehead, and that "no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name."
Prophecies in the Old Testament
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The Old Testament book of Daniel includes many prophecies that must be fulfilled before the return of Jesus Christ. Daniel 2:40-43 states that "the fourth kingdom as strong as iron" will rise up and become one again. Another prophecy in Daniel 12:4 states that "Many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."
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