End Times Prophecy --Are we there yet?

[kctheshootinfool]

Are we there yet?

Ever since Christ lived, people have been predicting the end of the world -- the second coming of Christ. End-times prophecy is running rampant today, maybe even moreso today than in years past. Most Biblical scholars believe all the prophecies before Jesus' second coming have been fulfulled, and the current "signs of the times" are a full indication that the end -- i.e., the rapture, tribulation, and the second coming -- are likely within our lifetime, even within the next decade or two.

50 years ago Israel became it's own nation. The european union is believed to be the 'rise of the revived roman empire', from which the antichrist will come. The euro-dollar is believed to be the mark of the one-world currency, China and Russia's rise to power is believed to be the fortold kings of the north and east in Revelation and Daniel. Now, this conflict with Iran's nuclear program is believed to possibly mark the beginning of the attack on Israel from Persia.

Of course, there were those who believed Hitler was the antichrist. Many leaders of the past have been mistaken for the antichrist as well. So obviously our radar isnt very accurate.

This is not limited to Christianity. Others also believe the fact that the Mayan calendar ends in December, 2012 indicates an end to the world (at least as we know it).

The Bible says we will not know the day or the hour, not even the angels will know, but it does warn us to be watchful for the signs. So, from a religious perspective or otherwise, are we really looking at the beginning of the end? If so, how close are we? Or, is the analysis of today's "signs" just as erroneous or meaningless as the signs of the past?

[Antagonist]

We're certainly looking at the beginning of the end... with all the pollution, the fast growing of 3d world countries and the depletion of our recources it is very likely that there will be a largescaled famine anytime soon.
Or the collapse of the world economy which will lead to a large number of deaths just as the famine. We don't know how to survive nowadays. I think it's about time for us to watch Ben Mears' bush craft on a daily basis

[etFONEhome44]

"Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming."

Of course, the fig tree putting on leaves can very well be Israel being reconstituted in 1948.

Or it might not be. Do you have any evidence supporting that interpretation? Interpreting prophesy can be very tricky.

prophecy can be very tricky, this may help a bit though
1-THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
(Scripture)

NOW LEARN A PARABLE (or lesson) OF THE FIG TREE; WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET TENDER (or begins to sprout), AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (and leaves appear), YE KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NIGH (or approaching): SO LIKEWISE YE (or in the same way), WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, (you are to) KNOW THAT IT (the time) IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU (the truth), THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS (away), TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED (or happen)-Mt 24:32-34.
NOW LEARN A PARABLE (or this lesson) OF THE FIG TREE; WHEN HER BRANCH IS YET TENDER (or begins to sprout), AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (or leaves appear), YE KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NEAR (or approaching): SO YE IN LIKE MANNER (or in the same way), WHEN YE SHALL SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, (you are to) KNOW THAT IT IS NIGH (or near), EVEN (right) AT THE DOORS. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS (away), TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE DONE (or have happened)-Mk 13:28-30.
Jesus had just given a list of things to look for culminating with His return. Then He continued, AND WHEN THESE THINGS "BEGIN" (or start) TO COME TO PASS (or happen),THEN LOOK (or stand) UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS (high); FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH (you are about to be liberated-JNT6). AND HE SPAKE TO THEM A PARABLE; BEHOLD (look at) THE FIG TREE, AND ALL THE TREES; WHEN THEY NOW SHOOT FORTH (or as soon as they sprout leaves-JNT7), YE SEE AND KNOW OF YOUR OWN SELVES THAT SUMMER IS NOW NIGH (or near) AT HAND. SO LIKEWISE (or even so) YE WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, KNOW YE (you are to know) THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH (or near) AT HAND. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION (or people) SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED (or all these things have happened-NIV)-Lk 21:28-32.

2-IS ISRAEL THE FIG TREE?
The word "fig" is mentioned in the Scriptures sixty-four times. THUS SAITH THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL; LIKE THESE GOOD FIGS, SO WILL I ACKNOWLEDGE THEM THAT ARE CARRIED AWAY CAPTIVE OF JUDAH, WHOM I HAVE SENT OUT OF THIS PLACE INTO THE LAND OF THE CHALDEANS FOR THEIR GOOD-Jere 24:5. We see the word "figs," being used to represent the Jews that are carried away.
THE LORD SHOWED ME, AND, BEHOLD, TWO BASKETS OF FIGS...ONE BASKET HAD VERY GOOD FIGS, EVEN LIKE THE FIGS THAT ARE FIRST RIPE: AND THE OTHER BASKET HAD VERY NAUGHTY FIGS, WHICH COULD NOT BE EATEN, THEY WERE SO BAD. THEN SAID THE LORD UNTO ME, WHAT SEEST THOU, JEREMIAH? AND I SAID, FIGS; THE GOOD FIGS, VERY GOOD; AND THE EVIL, VERY EVIL, THAT CANNOT BE EATEN, THEY ARE SO EVIL. AGAIN THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME UNTO ME, SAYING, THUS SAITH THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL; LIKE THESE GOOD FIGS, SO WILL I ACKNOWLEDGE THEM THAT ARE CARRIED AWAY CAPTIVE OF JUDAH, WHOM I HAVE SENT OUT OF THIS PLACE INTO THE LAND OF THE CHALDEANS FOR THEIR GOOD. FOR I WILL SET MINE EYES UPON THEM FOR GOOD, AND I WILL BRING THEM AGAIN TO THIS LAND: AND I WILL BUILD THEM, AND NOT PULL THEM DOWN; AND I WILL PLANT THEM, AND NOT PLUCK THEM UP. AND I WILL GIVE THEM A HEART TO KNOW ME, THAT I AM THE LORD: AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD: FOR THEY SHALL RETURN UNTO ME WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART. AND AS THE EVIL FIGS, WHICH CANNOT BE EATEN, THEY ARE SO EVIL-Jere 24:1-8. The word "figs" is used here eight times denoting the Jews.
NOW IN THE MORNING AS HE RETURNED INTO THE CITY, HE HUNGERED. AND WHEN HE SAW A FIG TREE IN THE WAY, HE CAME TO IT, AND FOUND NOTHING THEREON, BUT LEAVES ONLY, AND SAID UNTO IT, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY-Mt 21:18,19; ref Mk 11:12-14,20,21. The fig tree withered away, as it was producing no fruit. It may be noted that the word "fig" here represents Israel, and the word "tree" represents nation.
The nation of Israel did wither and was destroyed. Nevertheless, the nation of Israel was reborn and will fulfill God’s mission during the Tribulation.
THEREFORE HIS HEIGHT WAS EXALTED ABOVE ALL THE TREES OF THE FIELD (or nations)…THE CEDARS IN THE GARDEN OF GOD COULD NOT HIDE HIM: THE FIR TREES WERE NOT LIKE HIS BOUGHS, AND THE CHESTNUT TREES WERE NOT LIKE HIS BRANCHES; NOR ANY TREE IN THE GARDEN OF GOD WAS LIKE UNTO HIM IN HIS BEAUTY. I HAVE MADE HIM FAIR BY THE MULTITUDE OF HIS BRANCHES: SO THAT ALL THE TREES OF EDEN, THAT WERE IN THE GARDEN OF GOD, ENVIED HIM. AND STRANGERS, THE TERRIBLE OF THE NATIONS, HAVE CUT HIM OFF, AND HAVE LEFT HIM…TO THE END THAT NONE OF ALL THE TREES (or nations) BY THE WATERS EXALT THEMSELVES FOR THEIR HEIGHT…AND I CAUSED LEBANON TO MOURN FOR HIM, AND ALL THE TREES OF THE FIELD FAINTED FOR HIM. I MADE THE NATIONS TO SHAKE AT THE SOUND OF HIS FALL-Ezek 31:5,8,9,12,14-16. It may be noted, the word "tree" is often used as a symbol for a nation.

reference from website:
http://www.parentalguide.com/Documents/ ... g_tree.htm

[Jerada Davidhefter]

ANDROMEDA NO!!!

The end is coming. It is not near, but it is coming. Certainly our sun expanding, Andromeda hurtling towards us, nuclear war, the large Hadron Collider generating a black hole, global warming, John McCain's election, Scientology, robotic warfare, alien invasion, the continuation of the Twilight series, Pat Robertson, Peter Hitchens, Bill O'Reilly, those who oppose Bill O'Reilly, those affiliated with Bill O'Reilly, another production of Wicked, The artist formerly known as Hannah Montana, Facebook and MySpace joining forces (FaceSpace), an invasion of Iran, text messaging replacing human speech, an all-in-one paper-shredder-toothbrush-cell phone, or the development of the McDonalds' political party will spell doom for humanity.


All of the above are move viable, and will occur sooner, than Rapture.

[OnceConvinced]

No doubt the world will end one day, but when it does if it happens to line up with anyone's prophecy it will be a complete coincedence. People have been trying to predict the end for centuries, but one thing they have in common is they are all completely and utterly wrong. Proven by the fact that you are reading this thread right now.

[Cathar1950]

ANDROMEDA NO!!!

The end is coming. It is not near, but it is coming. Certainly our sun expanding, Andromeda hurtling towards us, nuclear war, the large Hadron Collider generating a black hole, global warming, John McCain's election, Scientology, robotic warfare, alien invasion, the continuation of the Twilight series, Pat Robertson, Peter Hitchens, Bill O'Reilly, those who oppose Bill O'Reilly, those affiliated with Bill O'Reilly, another production of Wicked, The artist formerly known as Hannah Montana, Facebook and MySpace joining forces (FaceSpace), an invasion of Iran, text messaging replacing human speech, an all-in-one paper-shredder-toothbrush-cell phone, or the development of the McDonalds' political party will spell doom for humanity.


All of the above are move viable, and will occur sooner, than Rapture.

I just don't get the point of text messaging. It is like passing notes in school. It should only be done if you have to and there is no alternative. I have friends that can type faster with there phone buttons then I can talk and I don't want to ever do it enough that I have learned how.
As for McDonald's I am more worried about the Berger King as Ronald is a clown.
I think we should start sending our garbage to Mars so there will be something there when we have to move.
I suspect we are crops planted by some others for food and they will becoming back when we are ripe then they will leave a few seeds and come back for a second cutting in a few thousand years.
This might be where the Berger King comes in.
It is all so clear now.

[Ilias Ahmad]

[center]In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful[/center]

It is my firm belief as a Muslim that the time in which we are living in is akhr az-zaman (the end times). Many of the prophecies contained in the Holy Qur'an and especially from the authentic ahadeeth have come to pass.

Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) said: Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler then he should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even a little will die as those who died in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance (Sahih Bukhari: Kitabul Fitan)

I find it very interesting that Imam Bukhari collected this hadith into his Kitabul Fitan (Book of the end times tribulations). It is one of the signs of the hour that rebellion against the rulers will increase, especially among the Muslims. This is the re-emergence of khawarij group, who in the time of the Khulafa Rashideen. Their slogan was La hukm ila lillah (there is no judgment except by Allah). They martyred the third khalifa, Hazrat Usman (radhi Allahu 'anhu) because they believed he was not ruling by the law of Allah only. When Hazrat 'Ali (radhi Allahu 'anhu) became the khalifa, they initially gave him their support. But when he began to open arbitration with the governor of Syria, Ameer Muawiya (radhi Allahu 'anhu) they rebelled and assassinated him as well. Rebellion and terrorism are the hallmarks of the khawarij. Their ideology has been revived in recent times by the "takfiris", most notably Syed Qutb, who inspired the terrorism of al-Qaida. Like the khawarij of old, al-Qaida and similar groups want to rebel against and overthrow the Saudi government. This is why Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) warned against disobeying the ruler. If the ruler is oppressive, the Muslims should bear their hardship with patience and steadfastness. But whoever starts rebellion and chaos, than such people die the death of jahiliyah, the days of ignorance which preceded the coming of Islam.

The Holy Qur'an says: Ya 'ayyuha lladheena aamanoo 'atee'oo Allaha wa 'atee'oo arrasoola wa 'oolee al'amri minkum which means "O you who believe, obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those who have been given the authority from among you" (4:59)

Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) has also mentioned eleven major signs which will indicate that the Day of Judgment is neigh: (taken from Sahih Bukhari) Allah's Apostle said, "The Hour will not be established till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine..."

This prophecy has been fulfilled in many examples. The Second World War was the greatest war in history of mankind in terms of the casualties and deaths which resulted. Millions of soldiers, as well as non-combatants, died on both sides. And in accordance with the prophecy, both sides were following the same religion, Christianity.

"...till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear, and each one of them will claim that he is Allah's Messenger..."

Many such individuals have appeared from the Muslim ummah claiming to be prophets and messengers of Allah, though they are all dajjaloon (liars). The most notorious example is Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani. Others include Mirza Hussein Ali ("Bahaullah"), and Rashad Khalifa to list some famous personalities.

"...till the religious knowledge is taken away..."

And this will occur by the death of real religious scholars ('ulama). When the real 'ulama are replaced by "pseudo-scholars" than this is a sign that religious knowledge is being taken away. Today's generation of Muslims is sorely lacking in religious knowledge, especially in comparison with the preceding generations. Muslims look up to various people for leadership, the so called sufi "pirs", the Western educated intellectuals, the secular politicians, etc. But very few Muslims seek knowledge and advice from the 'ulama (the religious scholars), whom are referred to as the "inheritors of the prophets" in an authentic hadith.

"...Earthquakes will increase in number..."

The increasing frequency of earthquakes (and other natural disasters for that matter) is a well known fact. What is also significant is that these natural disasters will become more disastrous, especially with the increasing urbanizations and population concentration throughout the world. The recent earthquake in northeast Pakistan and Kashmir in 2006, as well as the devastating tsunami of southeast Asia are all heavenly signs.

...time will pass quickly...

It could mean major events will occur more frequently (less time will elapse in between). This is evident in our fast paced, media centered world. Time seems to be passing quickly, at an exponential rate. The phenomena has been described in another hadith where Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) said that the signs of the Day of Judgment is like a pearl necklace which has been cut. As soon as one pearl falls, the other pearls follow at an increased exponential rate.

...afflictions will appear...

All manner of afflictions and trials are beginning to appear, which have no precedent in human history. Viruses are organic, they are adapting to modern medicine through mutation, thus they are far more lethal than anything we have witnessed before.

...Al-Harj (killing) will increase...

Harj is an Ethiopian word. The Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) did not understand this word, and Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) explained it to mean killing. In a general sense, this prophecy is literally fulfilled. Thanks to the technology of modern warfare, the sheer number of people who are killed in modern wars and the potential for a nuclear attack will have an unfathomable death toll.

It may also be that Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) was referring to a great upcoming religious war between Muslims and the Ethiopians. Elsewhere, it is mentioned that the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam, will be destroyed by an Ethiopian army. This war would definitely be characterized by the sheer amount of killing and slaughtering.

...till wealth will be in abundance ---- so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, 'I am not in need of it'...

This prophecy is relating to coming Mahdi, who will be a Muslim ruler and a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salam). One of the signs of the Mahdi is that he will miraculously give out such an abundance of wealth that the people will no longer have materialistic needs, and one of the pillars of Islam, zakat (alms-giving), will seem obsolete.

...till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings...

This prophecy has been literally fulfilled, and the multitude of skyscrapers which characterize almost every major city of the world is a testament to it. This prophecy should be complemented by another hadith which elaborates: "when the shepherds of the black (camels) would exult themselves in buildings, this is one of the signs" (sahih muslim) and another: "that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings" (sahih muslim: kitabul 'eeman)
Currently, the highest man made building, which has surpassed the CN Tower in Toronto, is the new tower constructed in Dubai, who only a few generations ago were destitute nomadic herders.

...till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, 'Would that I were in his place!'...

This prophecy will become more and more manifest as the Hour approaches. Generally, each time will become worse than its preceding period. The state of affairs will eventually become so bad that death itself will seem more desirable by more and more people.

...and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (embrace Islam) but that will be the time when (as the Quran says: no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith (6:158)

And this is the ultimate event, which will indicate that the Day of Judgment is truly imminent and about to occur. The sun will one day rise from the west, instead of the east, and this will truly be an amazing event. The people of Earth will at that time know that Islam is the true religion, but it will be too late for them and they will earn no good by believing at that particular time.

So these are some of the signs which Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) has mentioned. Many have already been fulfilled. The 'ulama are generally agreed that all the signs which should precede the appearance of the Mahdi have already appeared, so we should expect the true Mahdi to surface anytime now.

[Jerada Davidhefter]

Thank you, Ilias Ahmad, no more needs to be said. You are invaluable to the cause. Such violence is... profound.

Rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wa salam) said: Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler then he should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even a little will die as those who died in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance (Sahih Bukhari: Kitabul Fitan)

[JoeyKnothead]

BOO!














HAHAHAHAHA! I love scaring end timers! What is really scary about the whole end times deal is there are folks in positions of power who believe it, and are doing there dangedest to make sure it comes true.

[Cathar1950]

BOO!


HAHAHAHAHA! I love scaring end timers! What is really scary about the whole end times deal is there are folks in positions of power who believe it, and are doing there dangedest to make sure it comes true.

A terror filled end of the world is a bad self-fullfilling prophesy.
People that think they are going to be rapture when things go bad should lot be leading us or making discisions about us.
Granted we could always be on borrowed time as there are enough things happening in te universe that could take us out.
I remember reading one person's comment that we will long for the cold war when we thought our enemy were atheists that felt they had something to loose and not gain a whole after life if they lose.

[nygreenguy]

Hasnt this been said for millennium now? Heck, the bible says it would happen while some of his friends were still alive!

Seeing as how not a single biblical prophecy has ever come true, I dont see why anyone should put any weight on this one.