Paul did not want us to be ignorant of a great end-time mystery, that of the return of Israel to the faith. He said Israel had experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles would come in. Then their eyes would once again be opened and all Israel would be saved as in a day - Rom 11.25-27.

 The Apostle John consistently warned about the spirit of antichrist. He taught that many antichrists had appeared even in his day. While many today are concerned about the final antichrist that appears at the end of time, John warned about the spirit of antichrist, which infected many. He gave specific criteria for identifying them.

What if you knew that the end of all things was very close to happening. What would you think would be the most important things to be doing? Peter answers that question.

Just recently, Jewish people began turning to their Jewish Messiah in record numbers. At the close of the 20th century there were less than 10 Messianic congregations in Israel. Now there more than 60.

 But John also taught that knowing what a true believer looks like will help identify the false. There are those who call themselves Christian but, really are preaching a false gospel, one of total acceptance no matter how you live. He says to be clear minded and self controlled. Why are these so important? Because they help us pray effectively. People will be hiding in caves, false reports will be everywhere - He is here, He is there! Some will be scoffing denying He is coming.

We should not be to quick about judging other believers because when the Lord comes, He will judge all things and bring the hidden things to light. But, we must be careful not to live like the world lives. Accepting the world's standards as God's standards is deception. When God judges, He will not judge according to the world's standards - but His.

 One that says God will not judge sin or one of prosperity, which is really aimed at their prosperity! The true message of the Gospel is that he who sins will die, but he who humbles himself and repents will be forgiven and restored to life eternal. Others teach that you can overcome if you but have a purpose driven life or a positive mental attitude. Some will be announcing false messiahs. We will need to know the truth to pray effectively. Sometimes we may need to hide. As Proverbs says, "The wise man sees the trouble coming and hides, but the fool passes on and is punished." Sometimes we may need to pass right through the trouble, as in Psalm 91.7, "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."

Even in Paul's day there were confusing teachings about the return of the Lord. Paul taught that there are two events that would precede the coming of the Lord: a great falling away and the rise of the antichrist. The falling away refers to those who know about Christianity but do not surrender to it's standards. They succumb to the deception of the devil in the last days.

 These kinds of doctrines glorify man and not God. John writes,

 "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." - ! John 5.7,8.

 Fear weakens faith and must pray with faith to see answers.

Also, our attitudes toward others are very important.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." - 1 Peter 4.8

 

Paul also taught that the resurrection of the righteous dead and the catching away  of the believers who remain will happen at the same time - when the last trumpet of God sounds.

The Latin for the phrase 'catch away' is 'rapio' from which comes the word rapture. Much confusion exists about this doctrine but, Paul clearly sets parameters for it's happening: 1) a 'great falling away' happens first, 2) the antichrist appears, and 3) the 1st resurrection happens just before it.

 The true believer on earth will be led by the Holy Spirit, not by his positive attitudes. He will be washed and made clean through the word of God and its application in his life. And he will take up his cross and follow Jesus, trusting in the blood of Jesus to redeem him and nothing else. The result of this kind of lifestyle will be that we love our brother and walk in the light. You cannot hate your brother or live with one foot in the kingdom and one foot in the world and be comfortable in this kind of life. During the Korean Conflict many of our soldiers collaborated with the enemy even before they were tortured. Sometimes they treated each other worse than the enemy did. After the war, the Army realized they had not mentally prepared our soldiers to face capture and began training programs to help soldiers prepare for what might happen if captured. Peter does this as well.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." - 1 Peter 4.12-14.
 
Paul would say, "Don't live for the rapture - live for Christ, and you will be prepared for the rapture!"

John also wrote the Revelation, which contains many truths about the return of Jesus Christ and, you are promised a blessing if you read it.