What does the future hold for true Christians?
Many people find predictions about the future intriguing—sometimes even scary! We seem to have a built-in curiosity about what will lie ahead. Even the disciples asked Jesus: "What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). We in the Church know that Jesus told His disciples to watch for a configuration of world-shaking events including wars, increasing violence and ethnic strife, famines, earthquakes and other natural disasters. However, Jesus also outlined a number of specific challenges that Christians and His Church would face as the end of the age draws near. While some prefer not to think about difficulties that will come in the future, Jesus had a reason for warning His disciples that "these things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble" (John 16:1). If we want to avoid being blown off course, falling away and losing our crown, we must be alert to the specific challenges that Jesus and the apostles recorded for our benefit.
Deceivers and Deception
One major challenge that Christians will face as the end of the age approaches is to be able to recognize and avoid deceivers and deception. In a list of warnings, the first item that Jesus mentioned was to "take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name… and will deceive many" (Matthew 24:4–5, 11). Today, not only do hundreds of different denominations claim to be Christian, while teaching different doctrines, there are also hundreds of spin-off groups from the Church of God, promoting their own unique ideas about the "truth" of God. However, most of what is labeled "Christian" in this modern religious smorgasbord is not, in fact, Christian truth. We must remember that Jesus also predicted the rise of miracle-working religious leaders who would be so convincing that even the elect might be deceived—if they are not alert and do not remember the biblical warnings (Matthew 24:24).
The Apostle Paul warned that false teachers (led by a wrong spirit) would come along, preaching a different gospel and teaching about a Jesus who does not even resemble the Christ of the Bible (2 Corinthians 11:1–4). Paul unashamedly calls these misguided teachers "ministers" of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). He calls them "savage wolves" who will draw people away from the truth with their misleading ideas and distorted arguments (Acts 20:29–31). Jesus calls such individuals "wolves… in sheep's clothing" because although they may appear humble and sincere, their teachings result in division and confusion and lead people astray. We live in a world where millions of professing Christians have been deceived into believing that the gospel is about "giving your heart to the Lord" and going to heaven. Millions believe that Jesus was born on December 25, and that He did away with the laws of God, and that He has replaced the Sabbath day with Sunday worship. Yet neither the Bible nor history support these ideas.
Even in the Church of God, many have become focused on doctrinal novelties, renewed acceptance of old errors, and quirky personal ideas—even while ignoring that long-pondered end-time prophecies are bursting into reality on the world scene, right around them. Some in God's Church prefer to focus on their personal salvation, instead of on fulfilling Christ's commission to preach the gospel and warn the world (Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15). Considering how the world has been deceived (Revelation 12:9), it is not surprising that Scripture also directs strong warnings against deception to Christians who live at the end of the age.
The Bible reveals many ways to recognize deceptive teachers (even those who may seem very sincere). Jesus said that deceptive teachers can be identified by their fruits (Matthew 7:15–20). Fruits take time to appear and ripen. This is why it is important to learn about a person's track record over a span of years, to find out where the ideas proclaimed by a particular teacher came from—and to find out where these ideas lead people. Have these ideas contributed to unity or to division? Have they led people out of the Church? Peter reveals that false teachers will twist Scripture to suit their own personal interpretations, that they will act presumptuously and be dismissive of (or will abuse) Church government, and that they will speak derogatorily of doctrinal teachings they do not fully understand (2 Peter 1:20; 3:16; 2:10–12). Paul cautioned against becoming involved in disputes over words and ideas and discussions that go around in circles (2 Timothy 2:14–18). He also predicted that "the time will come" when individuals called into the Church will let go of the truth to embrace fables, and will wander off after teachers with "new" ideas (2 Timothy 4:1–5).
God recorded these warnings to keep us from stumbling, yet many people seem to feel: "I won't be deceived… it won't happen to me." If you tend to think this way, you might want to re-read Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12, and 1 Corinthians 10:12. We need to remember that Jesus meant what He said when He warned that "many will come in My name… and will deceive many."
Judgments and Decisions
Christians living at the end of the age will face another major challenge. They will need to make crucial judgments and critical decisions—especially in matters of religion. We live in Satan's world (2 Corinthians 4:4), where he has muddied the religious waters in a deliberately confusing way (1 Corinthians 14:33). While some assume that it is wrong to make judgments (Matthew 7:1), Jesus' warning to "beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15–20) requires us to make judgments and decisions. This is especially important in the Church of God today, where brethren encounter many differing fellowships claiming to have branched off from the same source. Although it might be comforting to feel that "I'm OK, since at least I'm in some branch of the Church," such comfort may be misleading. Jesus did not say, "I will build My churches." He said, "I will build My Church" (Matthew 16:18). Today, it is important to ask: why do these separate fellowships exist? And does it make any difference which fellowship you decide to join?
Although these differing fellowships all came out from the same source, they exist separately because they teach and believe different things. They are not all the same, otherwise they would be together. They are not of the same mind, and they are not making the same judgments. This is not the biblical description of the Church established by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). These fellowships do not walk together, because they are not in agreement on doctrine, on government, on prophecy— or on numerous other matters (Amos 3:3). In fact, some so-called "branches" are openly hostile to others. This is not a good sign, especially when Jesus prayed to the Father that His disciples would "be one just as We are one" (John 17:20–22). Jesus also warned that a "house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25)— so a house with "different branches" does not sound like the house that Christ is building (Ephesians 2:19–22). The Apostle Paul predicted that schisms and divisions would occur, and would eventually reveal who is following the teachings of Jesus Christ and who is not (1 Corinthians 11:18–19). Jesus also spoke of pruning branches and discarding those branches that do not bear appropriate fruit (John 15:1–8). These warnings should make us think!
God clearly reveals that while He has a few in the Sardis church who "have not defiled their garments," that church as a whole is described as "dead" (Revelation 3:1–4) Why would one choose to be part of a dead church? The Laodicean church is prophesied to be dominant at the end of the age, yet this lukewarm, self-satisfied church is described as "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked" and in need of real repentance, even though they are God's people (Revelation 3:14–18). Members of this church—which ostensibly keeps the commandments of God—will be chastened by God and will go through the Tribulation in the hope that they will repent and change (Revelation 3:19; 12:17). However, the Philadelphia church—which perseveres in doing the work of God and does not stray from His teachings—will be protected and rewarded (Revelation 3:8–11; 12:14–16). These verses indicate that it will matter a great deal which "branch" a person decides to be part of! These are just a few examples of situations that will require end-time Christians to make crucial judgments and critical decisions. To make correct decisions will require seeking God's guidance, obtaining wise counsel and exercising spiritual discernment. Simply going along with the crowd could prove to be a costly mistake.
Trials and Offenses
Jesus mentioned another challenge that will confront true Christians as the end of the age nears. He warned that His true disciples will be hated and persecuted for their beliefs, and for the message they are commissioned to deliver—and that this "unwanted attention" will cause some to be offended and leave, and even cause some to turn against the Church (Matthew 24:9–10; John 15:18–24; 16:1–2). This is why Jesus told His disciples to "count the cost" of discipleship to see if they were really serious about staying the course and enduring to the end (Luke 14:25–35; Matthew 24:13).
As we go through trials, we can discover—and God can see—what our true priorities are. God tested Abraham in various situations to see what his real priorities were. Would he follow God's instructions, or would he try to do things his own way (Genesis 12:10–20; 16:1–6; 22:1–12)? The Israelites were tested to see if they would follow Moses' leadership, and many failed the test because they made wrong decisions and followed misguided leaders who promoted their own ideas of how things should be done (Numbers 16). Saul and Solomon each veered off course when placed in a position of authority, and people followed them in the wrong direction. The early Church was repeatedly troubled by doctrinal disputes and disagreements over procedure (Acts 15:1–2; 36–40; 1 Corinthians 15:12). The Apostle John mentions that self-appointed teachers thought nothing of challenging and confronting God's appointed leaders, and even put true believers out of the Church (3 John vv. 9–10). The Bible indicates that these kinds of trials will increase as the end of the age draws closer.
When we encounter trials, we need to remember God's admonitions and promises. We are told to be "diligent" studying Scripture to gain a correct understanding (2 Timothy 2:15), to "test all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to obtain a multitude of wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14). When the situation looks bleak, we need to remember that God knows our circumstances and will make a "way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). We are also told that "all things" will work to the good in the long run, if we trust God and do our part (Romans 8:28). We need to make sure we do not become offended and fall away over decisions that do not go our way or over legitimate actions taken by Church leaders with whom we do not agree (Luke 7:23).
Authority and Government
Another challenge stems from the times we live in. Today, disrespect for authority and government is widespread. We live in a "do your own thing" age. This attitude also affects the Church. Peter warned that "there will be false teachers" who will "despise authority" because they are "presumptuous" and "self-willed" (2 Peter 2:1, 10). Today, many feel that they do not want to be "under" anyone else, and that people should decide for themselves what the Bible says and how the Church should teach and function! However, this approach only leads to division and confusion—which is not how God operates (1 Corinthians 14:33).
This approach also overlooks one of the sad lessons of history. The Bible reveals that during the time of the judges, "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). During this period, the Israelites existed as a confederacy of twelve independent tribes with no strong central government. It was a time of anarchy and civil war. Historians describe the "disastrous consequences" of this breakdown of authority "when men became a law unto themselves, setting their own standards of permissiveness" (Eerdman's Handbook of the Bible, p. 225). These are the tragic historical fruits of "doing your own thing"—whether in your own life, in a nation or in the Church—and this is a challenge we face today.
To prevent chaos and confusion, God has established government in the Church. Jesus gave His appointed Church leaders the authority to make binding decisions in matters of doctrine and procedure (Matthew 16:18–19). This was based on historical precedents (Exodus 18:21–26) that also reveal the negative consequences of democratic rule (see Numbers 14:1–4; 16:1–3, 12–13; Nehemiah 9:17). We see God's government in action when a council of elders made a decision to resolve a doctrinal dispute over circumcision (Acts 15:1–29). This major doctrinal teaching of the Church was not left up to individual opinions. The New Testament also reveals that there were differences of opinion over how to keep the Sabbath, how to administer divorce, and about eating meat and food offered to idols. In each case, the Church had to make decisions about practices to be followed. The Bible clearly states that the Church is to be the arbitrator of decisions about doctrine (2 Peter 1:20). The epistles reveal that the apostles had and used authority within the Church, even though their doing so was not always respected or appreciated (1 Corinthians 4:6–21). This is also true today.
The Bible reveals that disrespect for authority has a satanic origin (Isaiah 14:12–15; 1 Samuel 15:23), yet disregard for authority in the Church is often presented with seemingly sincere and righteous intentions. One major challenge we face today is learning to recognize, understand and respect the authority and government that God has placed in His Church. Jesus Himself functioned within this system (Luke 2:51; Matthew 26:39). So did the apostles (Galatians 2:1–2). Those who hope to rule with Christ in the kingdom must learn how to function within the government of God—not in opposition to it.
Teamwork
American culture has exported to the world its core value of "rugged individualism." If someone or something "cramps your style" or challenges your opinions, it is considered noble to strike out on your own and do your own thing. This self-centered philosophy has filtered into the Church, bringing an emphasis on personal salvation and a "just God and me" approach to religion and Scripture. It ignores the role of the Church in spiritual matters, and works against the concept of teamwork. However, the Bible describes the Church as a body made up of many parts that work together in unity without schism (1 Corinthians 12:12–25). Bombarded with the many powerful individualistic messages that permeate our modern society, Christians today face a real challenge in learning to work together as a team.
While each Christian's individual example is essential (Matthew 5:13–16), Christ's commission to "go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15) is most effectively done today by many Christians working together as a team. It takes both talents and funds to produce radio and television programs, and to publish and distribute magazines and booklets. It requires the services of many people to handle mail, to properly account for donations and to provide a trained ministry to serve those whom God is calling. This is why Paul stressed the importance of unity and teamwork— that "the whole body" should be "joined and knit together by what every joint supplies" (Ephesians 4:1–16). Paul told the church at Corinth that each part of the body has an essential role to play, and that "God has set the members, each one of them, in the body [not "bodies"] just as He pleased" (1 Corinthians 12:18). In terms of anatomy and physiology, all systems of the body must function together smoothly for the body to remain healthy and survive. If one system fails, or if different organs decide to "do their own thing," the body will die. These lessons should not be lost on Christians at the end of this highly individualistic age!
Jesus Christ called and trained disciples who had come from many different walks of life—fishermen, tax collectors, scholars, revolutionaries, housewives and prostitutes. He had to patiently deal with their doubts, questions, interpersonal squabbles and rivalries as He molded them into a team. Later, the apostles had to overcome their personal differences as they learned to work together to carry out the Great Commission. Today, we face the same challenge of learning to work together as a team—and it will become even more important as the end grows nearer. If we hope to reign with Christ and be in the kingdom of God, we must remember and be able to meet the challenges that Jesus said would confront His true disciples at the end of the age!