When Will You Believe?
by Bill Rudge
Prophecies have at times been misunderstood by the Jews and the Church. The Jews didn't see all of the Messianic prophecies attained (such as global peace) so they rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They did not understand that the remaining prophecies in the Hebrew Bible would be fulfilled at His Second Coming.
In similar fashion, when the Second Coming of Christ was delayed, many in the Church concluded the remaining prophecies were merely to be spiritually achieved or were already attained. However, just as Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous precise Messianic prophecies during His first coming, He will likewise complete the remaining ones at His Second Coming.
Amazing prophecies written thousands of years ago are coming about or have the potential in the very near future to be accomplished. How many specific prophecies have to occur before the Jews will admit that the New Testament is divinely inspired and Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah? How many prophecies have to happen before the Church acknowledges that Jesus Christ is returning soon, and Revelation is about to be consummated?
When the Temple is rebuilt on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, then will you believe? Or how about when there is a global society with a one-world monetary system, government, and religion? Perhaps, when a seven-year peace treaty is signed with Israel you will believe? Maybe it will take a cashless society with the inability to buy or sell without a mark on your hand or forehead to open your eyes? When the image of the Antichrist is worshiped by the inhabitants of the earth, then will you believe? When the two witnesses will be seen lying in the street of Jerusalem for three-and-a-half days? Or maybe when Jerusalem is surrounded by hostile nations? What about when the actual battle of Armageddon occurs and Christ returns in all His glory, will you then finally believe?
During a discussion on Bible prophecy and the book of Revelation, a prominent scientist said to me, "Five years ago I thought anyone who believed in the book of Revelation was crazy, but now I am convinced that in our lifetime Revelation will be fulfilled." I concur with him wholeheartedly.
The preceding is excerpted from Bill Rudge's The Last Days book which is available from Bill Rudge's Bookstore.
Copyright © 1999 by Bill Rudge
