The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)
Mommy," a little one confided at bedtime, "I'm so lonely for my friend Jesus. When is He going to come?" That child could hardly know that her little heart's desire has been the longing of the ages. The final words of the Bible give promise of a soon return: "'Surely I am coming quickly.'" And John the revelator, the loyal companion of Jesus, adds, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20).
To see Jesus! To unite forever with Him who loves us more than we can imagine! To have an end of all earthly suffering! To enjoy eternity with resurrected loved ones now at rest! No wonder that since Christ's ascension His friends have looked forward to that day.
One day He will come, though even to the saints His coming will be an overwhelming surprise—for all slumber and sleep in their long wait (Matt. 25:5). At "midnight," in earth's darkest hour, God will manifest His power to deliver His people. Scripture describes the events: "A loud voice" comes out of the "temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, 'It is done!'" This voice shakes the earth, causing such "a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth" (Rev. 16:17, 18). The mountains shake, rocks are scattered everywhere, and the whole earth heaves like the waves of the ocean. Its surface breaks up "and the cities of the nations fell. . . .Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found" (verses 19, 20). "The sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place" (Rev. 6:14).
Despite the chaos descending upon the physical world, God's people take courage as they see "'the sign of the Son of Man'" (Matt. 24:30). As He descends on the clouds of heaven, every eye sees the Prince of life. He comes, this time, not as a man of sorrows, but as victor and conqueror to claim His own. In place of thecrown of thorns, He wears a crown of glory, and "on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Rev. 19:12, 16).
At His coming great despair grips those who have refused to acknowledge Jesus as Saviour and Lord, and have rejected the claim of His law on their lives. Nothing makes the rejecters of His grace so aware of their guilt as that voice that had pleaded so patiently, "'"Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die?"'" (Eze. 33:11). "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'" (Rev. 6:15-17).
But the joy of those who have long looked for Him overshadows the despair of the wicked. The coming of the Redeemer brings to its glorious climax the history of God's people; it is the moment of their deliverance. With thrilling adoration they cry out: "'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'" (Isa. 25:9).
As Jesus draws near, He calls His sleeping saints from the graves and commissions His angels to "'gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other'" (Matt. 24:31). Around the world the righteous dead hear His voice and rise from their graves—glad moment! Then the living righteous are changed "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:52). Glorified and given immortality, together with the resurrected saints they are caught up to meet their Lord in the air to remain with Him forever (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).
The Testimony of Scripture
The certainty of the Second Advent is rooted in the trustworthiness of the Scripture. Just before His death Jesus told His disciples that He would be returning to His Father to prepare a place for them. But He promised, "'I will come again'" (John 14:3).
As Christ's first coming to this earth had been prophesied, so His second coming is also foretold through all of Scripture. Even before the Flood God told Enoch that it was Christ's coming in glory thatwould end sin. He prophesied, "'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him'" (Jude 14, 15).
One thousand years before Christ, the psalmist spoke of the Lord's coming to gather His people, saying, "Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people: 'Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice'" (Ps. 50:3-5).
Christ's disciples rejoiced in the promise of His return. Amid all the difficulties they encountered, the assurance this promise brought never failed to renew their courage and strength. Their Master was coming back to take them to His Father's house!
The Guarantee the First Advent Provides
The Second Advent is closely tied to Christ's first advent. If Christ had not come the first time and won a decisive victory over sin and Satan (Col. 2:15), then we would have no reason to believe that He will eventually come to end Satan's dominion of this world and to restore it to its original perfection. But since we have the evidence that He "appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," we have reason to believe that He "will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation" (Heb. 9:26, 28).
Christ's Heavenly Ministry
Christ's revelation to John makes it clear that the heavenly sanctuary is central to the plan of salvation (Rev. 1:12, 13; 3:12; 4:1-5; 5:8; 7:15; 8:3; 11:1, 19; 14:15, 17; 15:5, 6, 8; 16:1, 17). The prophecies that indicate that He has begun His final ministry on behalf of sinners add to the assurance that soon He will return to take His people home (see chapter 23 of this book). The confidence that Christ is actively working to bring to consummation the redemption already accomplished at the cross has brought great encouragement to Christians who are looking forward to His return.
The Manner of Christ's Return
As Christ spoke about the signs that would indicate that His coming was near, He also indicated concern that His people not be deceived by false claims. He warned that before the Second Advent "'false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.'" He said, "'If anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or "There!" do not believe it'" (Matt. 24:24, 23). Forewarned is forearmed. To enable believers to distinguish between the genuine event and a false coming, several Biblical passages reveal details of the manner in which Christ will return.
A Literal and Personal Return
When Jesus ascended in a cloud, two angels addressed the disciples, who were still gazing up after their departed Lord: "'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven'" (Acts 1:11).
In other words, they said that the same Lord who had just left them—a personal, flesh-and-blood being, not some spirit entity (Luke 24:36-43)—would return to earth. And His Second Advent would be as literal and personal as His departure.
A Visible Return
Christ's coming will not be an inward, invisible experience but a real meeting with a visible Person. Leaving no room whatsoever for doubt as to the visibility of His return, Jesus warned His disciples against being taken in by a secret second coming by comparing His return to the brilliance of lightning (Matt. 24:27).
Scripture clearly states that the righteous and the wicked will simultaneously witness His coming. John wrote, "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him" (Rev. 1:7), and Christ noted the response of the wicked: "'All the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory'" (Matt. 24:30).
An Audible Return
Adding to the picture of a universal awareness of Christ's return is the Biblical assertion that His coming will be made known by sound as well as sight: "The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God" (1 Thess. 4:16). The "'great sound of a trumpet'" (Matt. 24:31) accompanies the gathering of His people. There is no secrecy here.
A Glorious Return
When Christ returns, He comes as a conqueror, with power and "'in the glory of His Father with His angels'" (Matt. 16:27). John the revelator portrays the glory of Christ's return in a most dramatic way. He pictures Christ riding on a white horse and leading the innumerable armies of heaven. The supernatural splendor of the glorified Christ is apparent (Rev. 19:11-16).
A Sudden, Unexpected Return
Christian believers, longing and looking for Christ's return, will be aware when it draws near (1 Thess. 5:4-6). But for the inhabitants of the world in general, Paul wrote, "The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:2, 3; cf. Matt. 24:43).
Some have concluded that Paul's comparison of Christ's coming to that of a thief indicates that He will come in some secret, invisible manner. However, such a view contradicts the Biblical picture of Christ'sreturn in glory and splendor in view of everyone (Rev. 1:7). Paul's point is not that Christ's coming is secret, but that, for the worldly minded, it is as unexpected as that of a thief.
Christ makes the same point by comparing His coming with the unexpected destruction of the antediluvian world by the Flood. "'For as in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man'" (Matt. 24:38, 39, NIV). Though Noah had preached for many years about a coming flood, it took most people by surprise. There were two classes of people living. One class believed Noah's word and went into the ark and was saved, the other chose to stay outside the ark and the "'flood came and took them all away'" (Matt. 24:39).
A Cataclysmic Event
Like the simile of the Flood, Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the metal image depicts the cataclysmic manner in which Christ will establish His kingdom of glory (see chapter 4 of this book). Nebuchadnezzar saw a great image whose "'head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.'" Then "'a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth'" (Dan. 2:32-35).
Through this dream God gave Nebuchadnezzar a synopsis of world history. Between his day and the establishment of Christ's everlasting kingdom (the stone), four major kingdoms or empires and then a conglomeration of weak and strong nations would consecutively occupy the world's stage.
Ever since the days of Christ interpreters have identified the empires as Babylon (605-539 B.C.), Medo-Persia (539-331 B.C.), Greece (331-168 B.C.), and Rome (168 B.C.-A.D. 476). As prophesied, no other empire succeeded Rome. During the fourth and fifth centuries A.D. it broke into a number of smaller kingdoms that later became the nations of Europe. Through the centuries, powerful rulers—Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Hitler—have tried to establish another world empire. Each failed, just as the prophecy said: "'They will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay'" (Dan 2:43).
Finally, the dream focuses on the dramatic climax: the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. The stone cut out without hands represents Christ's kingdom of glory (Dan. 7:14; Rev. 11:15), which will be established without human effort at the Second Advent.
Christ's kingdom is not to exist simultaneously with any human empire. When He was on earth during the sway of the Roman Empire, the stone kingdom that crushes all nations had not yet come. Only after the phase of the iron and clay feet, the period of the divided nations, would it arrive. It is to be set up at the Second Advent when Christ separates the righteous from the wicked (Matt. 25:31-34).
When it comes, this stone or kingdom will strike the "'image on its feet of iron and clay'" and "'it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, '" leaving not a trace of them (Dan. 2:34, 44, 35). Indeed, the Second Advent is an earth-shaking event.
The Second Advent and the Human Race
Christ's second advent will touch both of the great divisions of humanity—those who have accepted Him and the salvation He brings, and those who have turned from Him.
The Gathering of the Elect. An important aspect of the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom is the gathering of all the redeemed (Matt. 24:31; 25:32-34; Mark 13:27) to the heavenly home Christ has prepared (John 14:3).
When a head of state visits another country, only a few persons can be part of the welcoming party. But when Christ comes, every believer who has ever lived, regardless of age, gender, education, economic status, or race, will participate in the grand Advent celebration. Two events make possible this universal gathering: the resurrection of the righteous dead and the translation of the living saints.
1. The resurrection of the dead in Christ
At the sound of the trumpet announcing Christ's return, the righteous dead will be raised incorruptible and immortal (1 Cor. 15:52, 53). At that moment the "dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thess. 4:16). In other words, they are raised before the living righteous are caught up to be with the Lord.
Resurrected ones reunite with those who sorrowed at their departure. Now they exult, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55, KJV). It is not the diseased, aged, mutilated bodies that went down into the grave that come up in the resurrection, but new, immortal, perfect bodies, no longer marked by the sin that caused their decay. The resurrected saints experience the completion of Christ's work of restoration, reflecting the perfect image of God in mind, soul, and body (1 Cor. 15:42-54; see chapter 25 of this book).
2. The translation of the living believers
When the righteous dead are resurrected, the righteous who are living on the earth at the Second Coming will be changed. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15:53).
At Christ's return no group of believers takes precedence over any other believers. Paul reveals that the living and transformed believers "shall be caught up together with them [the resurrected believers] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17; cf. Heb. 11:39, 40). So all the believers will be present at the grand Advent gathering, both the resurrected saints of all ages and those who are alive at Christ's return.
The Death of the Unbelievers
To the saved the Second Advent is a time of joy and exhilaration, but to the lost it will be a time of devastating terror. They have resisted Christ's love and His invitations to salvation so long that they have become ensnared in deceptive delusions (see 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Rom. 1:28-32). When they see the One they have rejected coming as King of kings and Lord of lords, they know the hour of their doom has struck. Overwhelmed with terror and despair, they call upon the inanimate creation to shelter them (Rev. 6:16, 17).
At this time God will destroy Babylon, the union of all apostate religions. "'She will be utterly burned with fire'" (Rev. 18:8). The leader of this confederation—the mystery of iniquity, the lawless one—"the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming" (2 Thess. 2:8). The powers responsible for enforcing the mark of the beast (see chapter 12) will be cast "into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." And the rest of the wicked will be "killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse"—Jesus Christ the Lord (Rev. 19:20, 21).
The Signs of Christ's Soon Return
The Scriptures not only reveal the manner and object of Christ's coming, they also describe the signs that tell of the nearness of this climactic event. The first signs announcing the Second Advent took place more than 1700 years after Christ's ascension, and others have followed, contributing to the evidence that His return is very near.
Signs in the Natural World
Christ predicted that there would "'be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars'" (Luke 21:25), specifying that "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory'" (Mark 13:24-26). In addition, John saw that a great earthquake would precede the signs in the heavens (Rev. 6:12). All of these signs would mark the end of the 1260 years of persecution (see chapter 12).
1. The witness of the earth
In fulfillment of this prophecy "the largest known earthquake," occurred on November 1, 1755. Known as the Lisbon earthquake, its effects were observed in Europe, Africa, and America, covering an area of about 4 million square miles. Its destruction centered on Lisbon, Portugal, wherein a matter of minutes it leveled public and residential buildings, causing scores of thousands of deaths.
While the earthquake's physical effects were large, its impact on the thought of the time was just as significant. Many living then recognized it as a prophetic sign of the endand began to give serious consideration to the judgment of God and the last days. The Lisbon earthquake gave an impetus to the study of prophecy.
2. The witness of the sun and moon
Twenty-five years later the next sign mentioned in prophecy took place—the darkening of the sun and moon. Christ had pointed out the time of the fulfillment of this sign, noting that it was to follow the great tribulation, the 1260 years of papal persecution spoken of elsewhere in Scripture (Matt. 24:29; see chapter 12 of this book). But Christ said that the tribulation that was to precede these signs would be shortened (Matt. 24:21, 22). Through the influence of the Reformation and the movements that grew out of it, the papal persecution was indeed shortened, so that by the middle of the eighteenth century it had almost wholly ceased.
In fulfillment of this prophecy, on May 19, 1780, an extraordinary darkness descended upon the northeastern part of the North American continent.
Recalling this event, Timothy Dwight, president of Yale University, said, "The 19th of May, 1780, was a remarkable day. Candles were lighted in many houses; the birds were silent and disappeared, and the fowls retired to roost. . . . A very general opinion prevailed, that the day of judgment was at hand."
Samuel Williams of Harvard reported that the darkness "approached with the clouds from the southwest 'between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 A.M., and continued until the middle of the next night,' varying in degree and duration in different localities. In some places 'persons could not see to read common print in the open air.'" In Samuel Tenny's opinion "the darkness of the following evening was probably as gross as ever has been observed since the Almighty fiat gave birth to light. . . . If every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable shades, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete."
At 9:00 that night a full moon rose, but the darkness persisted until after midnight. When the moon became visible, it had the appearance of blood.
John the revelator had prophesied the extraordinary events of that day. After the earthquake, he wrote, the sun would become "black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon . . . like blood" (Rev. 6:12).
3. The witness of the stars
Both Christ and John had also spoken about a falling of the stars that would indicate that Christ's coming was near (Rev. 6:13; cf. Matt. 24:29). The great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833—the most extensive display of falling stars on record—fulfilled this prophecy. It was estimated that a single observer could see an average of 60, 000 meteors per hour.It was seenfrom Canada to Mexico and from the mid-Atlantic to the Pacific, many Christians recognizing in it the fulfillment of the Bible prophecy.
An eyewitness said that "there was scarcely a space in the firmament which was not filled at every instant with these falling stars, nor on it, could you in general perceive any particular difference, in appearance; still at times they would shower down in groups—calling to mind the 'fig tree, casting her untimely figs when shaken by a mighty wind.'"
Christ gave these signs to alert Christians to the nearness of His coming so that they might rejoice in their expectation and be fully prepared for it. "'Now when these things begin to happen, '" He said, "'look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.'" He added, "'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near'" (Luke 21:28-31).
This unique witness of earth, sun, moon, and stars, which came in the precise sequence and at the time Christ had predicted, directed the attention of many toward the prophecies of the Second Advent.
Signs in the Religious World
Scripture predicts that a number of significant signs in the religious world will mark the time just preceding Christ's return.
1. A great religious awakening
The book of Revelation reveals the rise of a great, worldwide religious movement before the Second Advent. In John's vision, an angel heralding Christ's return symbolized this movement: "I saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth and to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, 'Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water'" (Rev. 14:6, 7).
The message itself indicates when it is to be proclaimed. The everlasting gospel has been preached throughout all ages. But this message, emphasizing the judgment aspect of the gospel, could only be proclaimed in the time of the end, for it warns that the "hour of His judgment has come." The book of Daniel informs us that in the time of the end its prophecies would be unsealed (Dan. 12:4). At that time people would understand its mysteries. The unsealing took place as the 1260-year period of papal dominance came to its end with the captivity of the pope in 1798. The combination of the exile of the pope and the signs in the natural world led many Christians to study the prophecies about the events leading to the Second Advent, which resulted in a new depth of understanding of these prophecies.
This focus on the Second Advent also brought about a worldwide revival of the Advent hope. As the Reformation sprang up independently in various countries throughout the Christian world, so did the Advent movement. The worldwide nature of this movement is one of the clearest signs that Christ's return is drawing near. As John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ's first advent, so the Advent movement is preparing the way for His second advent—proclaiming the message of Revelation 14;6-12, God's final call to get ready for the glorious return of the Saviour (see chapters 12 and 23 of this book).
2. Preaching of the Gospel
God "'has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness'" (Acts 17:31). In warning us of that day, Christ did not say that it would come when all the world is converted, but that the "'gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come'" (Matt. 24:14). Thus Peter encourages believers to be "looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:12).
Statistics on the translation and distribution of the Bible in this century reveal the growth of the gospel witness. In 1900, the Bible was available in 537 languages. By 1980, it had been translated, in full or in part, into 1, 811 languages, representing nearly 96 percent of the world population. Similarly, the annual distribution of the Scriptures has risen from 5.4 million Bibles in 1900 to 36.8 million Bibles and nearly half a billion Bible portions by 1980.
In addition, Christianity now has at its disposal an unprecedented variety of resources for use in its mission: service agencies, educational and medical institutions, national and foreign workers, radio and television broadcasting, and impressive financial means. Today, powerful shortwave radio stations can beam the gospel to practically every country around the globe. Used under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these unparalleled resources make realistic the goal of evangelizing the world in our time.
Seventh-day Adventists, with a membership that represents about 700 languages and 1, 000 dialects, are proclaiming the gospel in 190 countries. Almost 90 percent of these members live outside of North America. Believing that medical and educational work play essential roles in fulfilling the gospel commission, we operate nearly 600 hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and dispensaries, 19 medical launches, 27 health food factories, 86 colleges and universities, 834 secondary schools, 4, 166 elementary schools, 125 Bible correspondence schools, and 33 language institutes. Our 51 publishing houses produce literature in 190 languages and our shortwave radio stations broadcast to approximately 75 percent of the world population. The Holy Spirit has abundantly blessed our mission thrust.
3. Religious Decline
The widespread proclamation of the gospel does not necessarily mean a massive growth in genuine Christianity. Instead, the Scriptures predict a decline of true spiritualitytoward the end of time. Paul said that "in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Tim. 3:1-5).
So today, love of self, material things, and the world has supplanted the Spirit of Christ in many hearts. People no longer allow God's principles and His laws to direct their lives; lawlessness has taken over. "'And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold'" (Matt. 24:12).
4. A Resurgence of the Papacy
According to Biblical prophecy, at the end of the 1260 years the papacy would receive "a deadly wound" but it would not die (see chapter 12 of this book). Scripture reveals that this deadly wound would heal. The papacy would experience a great renewal of influence and respect—"all the world marveled and followed the beast" (Rev. 13:3). Already today many view the pope as the moral leader of the world.
To a large extent, the papacy's rising influence has come as Christians have substituted traditions, human standards, and science for the authority of the Bible. In doing so, they have become vulnerable to "the lawless one," who works "with all power, signs, and lying wonders" (2 Thess. 2:9).
Satan and his instruments will bring about a confederation of evil, symbolized by the unholy trinity of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, that will deceive the world (Rev. 16:13, 14; cf. 13:13, 14). Only those whose guide is the Bible and who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12) can successfully resist the overwhelming deception this confederation brings.
5. Decline of Religious Freedom
The revival of the papacy will affect Christianity dramatically. The religious liberty obtained at great cost, guaranteed by the separation between church and state, will erode and finally be abolished. With the support of powerful civil governments, this apostate power will attempt to force its form of worship on all people. Everyone will have to choose between loyalty to God and His commandments and loyalty to the beast and his image (Rev. 14:6-12).
The pressure to conform will include economic coercion: "No one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name" (Rev. 13:17). Eventually those who refuse to go along will face a death penalty (Rev. 13:15). During this final time of trouble God will intervene for His people and deliver everyone whose name is written in the book of life (Dan. 12:1; cf. Rev. 3:5; 20:15).
Increase of Wickedness
The spiritual decline within Christianity and the revival of the man of lawlessness have led to a growing neglect of God's law in the church and in the lives of believers. Many have come to believe that Christ has abolished the law and that Christians are no longer obliged to observe it. This disregard of God's law has led to an increase in crime and immoral behavior.
1. Surge in World Crime
The disrespect for God's law current within much of Christianity has contributed to modern society's contempt for law and order. Throughout the world, crime is skyrocketing out of control. A report filed by correspondents from several world capitals stated: "Just as in the United States, crime is on the rise in almost every country around the world." "From London to Moscow to Johannesburg, crime is fast becoming a major menace that is changing the way in which many people live."
2. Sexual Revolution
Disregard for God's law has also broken down the restraints of modesty and purity, resulting in a surge of immorality. Today sex is idolized and marketed through films, television, video, songs, magazines, and advertisements.
The sexual revolution has resulted in the shocking rise of the rate of divorce, aberrations like "open marriage" or mate swapping, the sexual abuse of children, an appalling number of abortions, widespread homosexuality and lesbianism, an epidemic of venereal diseases, and the recently surfaced AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
Wars and Calamities
Before His return, Jesus said, "'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven'" (Luke 21:10, 11; cf. Mark 13:7, 8; Matt. 24:7). As the end draws near and the conflict between the satanic and divine forces intensifies, these calamities will also intensify in severity and frequency, and find an unprecedented fulfillment in our time.
1. Wars.
Although wars have plagued humanity throughout history, never before have they been so global and so destructive. World War I and II caused more casualties and suffering than all previous wars combined.
Many see the prospect of another worldwide conflict. World War II did not eradicate war. Since it ended, there have been some "140 conflicts fought with conventional weapons, in which up to ten million people have died."The threat of an all-out thermonuclear war hangs over our world like the sword of Damocles.
2. Natural disasters.
Disasters appear to have increased significantly in recent years. Recent cataclysms of earth and weather, coming one on top of another, have caused some to wonder whether nature has gone berserk—and if the world is experiencing profound changes in climate and structure that will intensify in the future.
3. Famines.
Famines have occurred many times in the past, but they have not occurred on the scale with which they have in this century. Never before has the world had millions of people suffering from either starvation or malnutrition.The prospects for the future are hardly brighter. The unprecedented extent of starvation clearly signals that Christ's return is imminent.
Be Ready at All Times
The Bible repeatedly assures us that Jesus will return. But will He come a year from now? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? No one knows for sure. Jesus Himself declared, "'Of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only'" (Matt. 24:36).
At the end of His earthly ministry Christ told the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the experience of the church of the last days. The two classes of virgins represent the two kinds of believers who profess to be waiting for their Lord. They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith. Their lamps represent the Word of God, the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Superficially, these two groups appear alike; both go out to meet the Bridegroom, both have oil in their lamps, and their behavior doesn't seem to differ. They have all heard the message of Christ's soon coming and are looking forward to it. But then comes an apparent delay—their faith is to be tested.
Suddenly, at midnight—in the darkest hour of earth's history—they hear the cry, "'"Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!"'" (Matt. 25:6). Now the difference between the two groups becomes apparent: some are not ready to meet the Bridegroom. These "foolish" virgins are not hypocrites; they respect the truth, the Word of God. But they lack the oil—they have not been sealed by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rev. 7:1-3). They have been content with superficial work and have not fallen on Jesus Christ the Rock. They have a form of godliness but are destitute of God's power.
When the Bridegroom comes, only those who are ready go in with Him to the marriage celebration, and the door is shut. Eventually the foolish virgins, who had gone to purchase more will, return and call, "’"Lord, Lord, open to us!"'" But the Bridegroom answers, "’"I do not know you"'" (Matt. 25:11-12)
How sad that when Christ returns to this earth, He will have to speak these words to some whom He loves. He warned, "'Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"'" (Matt. 7:22, 23).
Before the Flood, God sent Noah to alert the antediluvian world to the coming destruction. In a similar way, God is sending a threefold message of warning to prepare the world for Christ's return (see Rev. 14:6-16).
All who accept God's message of mercy will rejoice at the prospect of the Second Advent. Theirs is the assurance, "'"Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"'" (Rev. 19:9). Indeed, "to those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation" (Heb. 9:28).
The Redeemer's return brings to a glorious climax the history of God's people. It is the moment of their deliverance, and with joy and adoration they cry out, "'Behold this is our God; we have waited for Him. . . we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'" (Isa. 25:9).
Tito 2:13X 13 tukilitazamia tumaini lenye baraka na mafunuo ya utukufu wa Kristo Yesu, Mungu mkuu na Mwokozi wetu;
Mathayo 24X 1 Yesu akaenda zake, akatoka hekaluni; wanafunzi wake wakamwendea ili kumwonyesha majengo ya hekalu. 2 Naye akajibu akawaambia, Hamyaoni haya yote? Amin, nawaambieni, Halitasalia hapa jiwe juu ya jiwe ambalo halitabomoshwa. 3 Hata alipokuwa ameketi katika mlima wa Mizeituni, wanafunzi wake wakamwendea kwa faragha, wakisema, Tuambie, mambo hayo yatakuwa lini? Nayo ni nini dalili ya kuja kwako, na ya mwisho wa dunia? 4 Yesu akajibu, akawaambia, Angalieni, mtu asiwadanganye. 5 Kwa sababu wengi watakuja kwa jina langu, wakisema, Mimi ni Kristo; nao watadanganya wengi. 6 Nanyi mtasikia habari za vita na matetesi ya vita; angalieni, msitishwe; maana hayo hayana budi kutukia; lakini ule mwisho bado. 7 Kwa maana taifa litaondoka kupigana na taifa, na ufalme kupigana na ufalme; kutakuwa na njaa, na matetemeko ya nchi mahali mahali. 8 Hayo yote ndiyo mwanzo wa utungu. 9 Wakati huo watawasaliti ninyi mpate dhiki, nao watawaua; nanyi mtakuwa watu wa kuchukiwa na mataifa yote kwa ajili ya jina langu. 10 Ndipo wengi watakapojikwaa, nao watasalitiana, na kuchukiana. 11 Na manabii wengi wa uongo watatokea, na kudanganya wengi. 12 Na kwa sababu ya kuongezeka maasi, upendo wa wengi utapoa. 13 Lakini mwenye kuvumilia hata mwisho, ndiye atakayeokoka. 14 Tena habari njema ya ufalme itahubiriwa katika ulimwengu wote, kuwa ushuhuda kwa mataifa yote; hapo ndipo ule mwisho utakapokuja. 15 Basi hapo mtakapoliona chukizo la uharibifu, lile lililonenwa na nabii Danieli, limesimama katika patakatifu (asomaye na afahamu), 16 ndipo walio katika Uyahudi na wakimbilie milimani; 17 naye aliye juu ya dari asishuke kuvichukua vitu vilivyomo nyumbani mwake; 18 wala aliye shambani asirudi nyuma kuichukua nguo yake. 19 Ole wao wenye mimba na wanyonyeshao siku hizo! 20 Ombeni, ili kukimbia kwenu kusiwe wakati wa baridi, wala siku ya sabato. 21 Kwa kuwa wakati huo kutakuwapo dhiki kubwa, ambayo haijatokea namna yake tangu mwanzo wa ulimwengu hata sasa, wala haitakuwapo kamwe. 22 Na kama siku hizo zisingalifupizwa, asingeokoka mtu ye yote; lakini kwa ajili ya wateule zitafupizwa siku hizo. 23 Wakati huo mtu akiwaambia, Tazama, Kristo yupo hapa, au yuko kule msisadiki. 24 Kwa maana watatokea makristo wa uongo, na manabii wa uongo, nao watatoa ishara kubwa na maajabu; wapate kuwapoteza, kama yamkini, hata walio wateule. 25 Tazama, nimekwisha kuwaonya mbele. 26 Basi wakiwaambia, Yuko jangwani, msitoke; yumo nyumbani, msisadiki. 27 Kwa maana kama vile umeme utokavyo mashariki ukaonekana hata magharibi, hivyo ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. 28 Kwa kuwa po pote ulipo mzoga, ndipo watakapokusanyika tai. 29 Lakini mara, baada ya dhiki ya siku zile, jua litatiwa giza, na mwezi hautatoa mwanga wake, na nyota zitaanguka mbinguni, na nguvu za mbinguni zitatikisika; 30 ndipo itakapoonekana ishara yake Mwana wa Adamu mbinguni; ndipo mataifa yote ya ulimwengu watakapoomboleza, nao watamwona Mwana wa Adamu akija juu ya mawingu ya mbinguni pamoja na nguvu na utukufu mwingi. 31 Naye atawatuma malaika zake pamoja na sauti kuu ya parapanda, nao watawakusanya wateule wake toka pepo nne, toka mwisho huu wa mbingu mpaka mwisho huu. 32 Basi kwa mtini jifunzeni mfano; tawi lake likiisha kuchipuka na kuchanua majani, mwatambua ya kuwa wakati wa mavuno u karibu; 33 nanyi kadhalika, myaonapo hayo yote, tambueni ya kuwa yu karibu, milangoni. 34 Amin, nawaambia, Kizazi hiki hakitapita, hata hayo yote yatakapotimia. 35 Mbingu na nchi zitapita; lakini maneno yangu hayatapita kamwe. 36 Walakini habari ya siku ile na saa ile hakuna aijuaye, hata malaika walio mbinguni, wala Mwana, ila Baba peke yake. 37 Kwa maana kama vile ilivyokuwa siku za Nuhu, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. 38 Kwa kuwa kama vile siku zile zilizokuwa kabla ya Gharika watu walivyokuwa wakila, na kunywa, wakioa na kuolewa, hata siku ile aliyoingia Nuhu katika safina, 39 wasitambue, hata Gharika ikaja, ikawachukua wote, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. 40 Wakati ule watu wawili watakuwako kondeni; mmoja atwaliwa, mmoja aachwa; 41 wanawake wawili watakuwa wakisaga; mmoja atwaliwa, mmoja aachwa. 42 Kesheni basi; kwa maana hamjui ni siku ipi atakayokuja Bwana wenu. 43 Lakini fahamuni neno hili; kama mwenye nyumba angaliijua ile zamu mwivi atakayokuja, angalikesha, wala asingaliiacha nyumba yake kuvunjwa. 44 Kwa sababu hiyo ninyi nanyi jiwekeni tayari; kwa kuwa katika saa msiyodhani Mwana wa Adamu yuaja. 45 Ni nani basi yule mtumwa mwaminifu mwenye akili, ambaye bwana wake alimweka juu ya nyumba yake, awape watu chakula kwa wakati wake? 46 Heri mtumwa yule, ambaye bwana wake ajapo atamkuta akifanya hivyo. 47 Amin, nawaambieni, atamweka juu ya vitu vyake vyote. 48 Lakini mtumwa yule mbaya akisema moyoni mwake, Bwana wangu anakawia; 49 akaanza kuwapiga wajoli wake, na kula na kunywa pamoja na walevi; 50 bwana wake mtumwa huyo atakuja siku asiyodhani, na saa asiyojua, 51 atamkata vipande viwili, na kumwekea fungu lake pamoja na wanafiki; ndiko kutakuwako kilio na kusaga meno.
Matendo 19:11X 11 Mungu akafanya kwa mikono ya Paulo miujiza ya kupita kawaida;
Mathayo 24:14X 14 Tena habari njema ya ufalme itahubiriwa katika ulimwengu wote, kuwa ushuhuda kwa mataifa yote; hapo ndipo ule mwisho utakapokuja.
Ufunuo 1:7X 7 Tazama, yuaja na mawingu; na kila jicho litamwona, na hao waliomchoma; na kabila zote za dunia wataomboleza kwa ajili yake. Naam. Amina.
Ufunuo 14:14-20X 14 Kisha nikaona, na tazama, wingu jeupe, na juu ya wingu hilo ameketi mmoja, mfano wa Mwanadamu, mwenye taji ya dhahabu juu ya kichwa chake, na katika mkono wake mundu mkali. 15 Na malaika mwingine akatoka katika hekalu, akimlilia kwa sauti kuu yeye aliyekuwa ameketi juu ya lile wingu, Tia mundu wako, ukavune; kwa kuwa saa ya kuvuna imekuja; kwa kuwa mavuno ya nchi yamekomaa. 16 Na yeye aliyeketi juu ya wingu akautupa mundu wake juu ya nchi, nchi ikavunwa. 17 Kisha malaika mwingine akatoka katika lile hekalu lililoko mbinguni, yeye naye ana mundu mkali. 18 Na malaika mwingine akatoka katika ile madhabahu, yule mwenye mamlaka juu ya moto; naye akamlilia kwa sauti kuu yule mwenye mundu ule mkali, akisema, Tia mundu wako mkali, ukachume vichala vya mzabibu wa nchi, maana zabibu zake zimeiva sana. 19 Malaika yule akautupa mundu wake hata nchi, akauchuma mzabibu wa nchi, akazitupa zabibu katika shinikizo hilo kubwa la ghadhabu ya Mungu. 20 Shinikizo lile likakanyagwa nje ya mji, damu ikatoka katika shinikizo mpaka kwenye hatamu za farasi, kama mwendo wa maili mia mbili.
Mathayo 24:43-50X 43 Lakini fahamuni neno hili; kama mwenye nyumba angaliijua ile zamu mwivi atakayokuja, angalikesha, wala asingaliiacha nyumba yake kuvunjwa. 44 Kwa sababu hiyo ninyi nanyi jiwekeni tayari; kwa kuwa katika saa msiyodhani Mwana wa Adamu yuaja. 45 Ni nani basi yule mtumwa mwaminifu mwenye akili, ambaye bwana wake alimweka juu ya nyumba yake, awape watu chakula kwa wakati wake? 46 Heri mtumwa yule, ambaye bwana wake ajapo atamkuta akifanya hivyo. 47 Amin, nawaambieni, atamweka juu ya vitu vyake vyote. 48 Lakini mtumwa yule mbaya akisema moyoni mwake, Bwana wangu anakawia; 49 akaanza kuwapiga wajoli wake, na kula na kunywa pamoja na walevi; 50 bwana wake mtumwa huyo atakuja siku asiyodhani, na saa asiyojua,
1 Wakorintho 15:51-58X 51 Angalieni, nawaambia ninyi siri; hatutalala sote, lakini sote tutabadilika, 52 kwa dakika moja, kufumba na kufumbua, wakati wa parapanda ya mwisho; maana parapanda italia, na wafu watafufuliwa, wasiwe na uharibifu, nasi tutabadilika. 53 Maana sharti huu uharibikao uvae kutokuharibika, nao huu wa kufa uvae kutokufa. 54 Basi huu uharibikao utakapovaa kutokuharibika, na huu wa kufa utakapovaa kutokufa, hapo ndipo litakapokuwa lile neno lililoandikwa, Mauti imemezwa kwa kushinda. 55 Ku wapi, Ewe mauti, kushinda kwako? U wapi, Ewe mauti, uchungu wako? 56 Uchungu wa mauti ni dhambi, na nguvu za dhambi ni torati. 57 Lakini Mungu na ashukuriwe atupaye kushinda kwa Bwana wetu Yesu Kristo. 58 Basi, ndugu zangu wapendwa, mwimarike, msitikisike, mkazidi sana kutenda kazi ya Bwana sikuzote, kwa kuwa mwajua ya kwamba taabu yenu siyo bure katika Bwana.
1 Wathesalonike 1:7X 7 Hata mkawa kielelezo kwa watu wote waaminio katika Makedonia, na katika Akaya.
1 Wathesalonike 4:13-18X 13 Lakini, ndugu, hatutaki msijue habari zao waliolala mauti, msije mkahuzunika kama na wengine wasio na matumaini. 14 Maana, ikiwa twaamini ya kwamba Yesu alikufa akafufuka, vivyo hivyo na hao waliolala katika Yesu, Mungu atawaleta pamoja naye. 15 Kwa kuwa twawaambieni haya kwa neno la Bwana, kwamba sisi tulio hai, tutakaosalia hata wakati wa kuja kwake Bwana, hakika hatutawatangulia wao waliokwisha kulala mauti. 16 Kwa sababu Bwana mwenyewe atashuka kutoka mbinguni pamoja na mwaliko, na sauti ya malaika mkuu, na parapanda ya Mungu; nao waliokufa katika Kristo watafufuliwa kwanza. 17 Kisha sisi tulio hai, tuliosalia, tutanyakuliwa pamoja nao katika mawingu, ili tumlaki Bwana hewani; na hivyo tutakuwa pamoja na Bwana milele. 18 Basi, farijianeni kwa maneno hayo.
1 Wathesalonike 5:1-6a href="#close" title="Close" class="close">X 1 Lakini, ndugu, kwa habari ya nyakati na majira, hamna haja niwaandikie. 2 Maana ninyi wenyewe mnajua yakini ya kuwa siku ya Bwana yaja kama vile mwivi ajavyo usiku. 3 Wakati wasemapo, Kuna amani na salama, ndipo uharibifu uwajiapo kwa ghafula, kama vile utungu umjiavyo mwenye mimba, wala hakika hawataokolewa. 4 Bali ninyi, ndugu, hammo gizani, hata siku ile iwapate kama mwivi. 5 Kwa kuwa ninyi nyote mmekuwa wana wa nuru, na wana wa mchana; sisi si wa usiku, wala wa giza. 6 Basi tusilale usingizi kama wengine, bali tukeshe, na kuwa na kiasi.
Wafilipi 2:5-11X 5 Iweni na nia iyo hiyo ndani yenu ambayo ilikuwamo pia ndani ya Kristo Yesu; 6 ambaye yeye mwanzo alikuwa yuna namna ya Mungu, naye hakuona kule kuwa sawa na Mungu kuwa ni kitu cha kushikamana nacho; 7 bali alijifanya kuwa hana utukufu, akatwaa namna ya mtumwa, akawa ana mfano wa wanadamu; 8 tena, alipoonekana ana umbo kama mwanadamu, alijinyenyekeza akawa mtii hata mauti, naam, mauti ya msalaba. 9 Kwa hiyo tena Mungu alimwadhimisha mno, akamkirimia Jina lile lipitalo kila jina; 10 ili kwa jina la Yesu kila goti lipigwe, la vitu vya mbinguni, na vya duniani, na vya chini ya nchi; 11 na kila ulimi ukiri ya kuwa YESU KRISTO NI Bwana, kwa utukufu wa Mungu Baba.
Luka 21:2X 2 Akamwona mjane mmoja maskini akitia mle senti mbili.
2 Timotheo 3:1-5X 1 Lakini ufahamu neno hili, ya kuwa siku za mwisho kutakuwako nyakati za hatari. 2 Maana watu watakuwa wenye kujipenda wenyewe, wenye kupenda fedha, wenye kujisifu, wenye kiburi, wenye kutukana, wasiotii wazazi wao, wasio na shukrani, wasio safi, 3 wasiowapenda wa kwao, wasiotaka kufanya suluhu, wasingiziaji, wasiojizuia, wakali, wasiopenda mema, 4 wasaliti, wakaidi, wenye kujivuna, wapendao anasa kuliko kumpenda Mungu; 5 wenye mfano wa utauwa, lakini wakikana nguvu zake; hao nao ujiepushe nao.
Ufunuo 22:20X 20 Yeye mwenye kuyashuhudia haya asema, Naam; naja upesi. Amina; na uje, Bwana Yesu.
Mathayo 25:5X 5 Hata bwana arusi alipokawia, wote wakasinzia wakalala usingizi.
Mathayo 25:6X 6 Lakini usiku wa manane, pakawa na kelele, Haya, bwana arusi; tokeni mwende kumlaki.
Ufunuo 16:17X 17 Na huyo wa saba akakimimina kitasa chake juu ya anga. Sauti kuu ikatoka katika hekalu, katika kile kiti cha enzi, ikisema, Imekwisha kuwa.
Ufunuo 16:18X 18 Pakawa na umeme na sauti na radi; na palikuwa na tetemeko la nchi kubwa, ambalo tangu wanadamu kuwako juu ya nchi hapakuwa namna ile, jinsi lilivyokuwa kubwa tetemeko hilo.
Ufunuo 16:20X 20 Kila kisiwa kikakimbia, wala milima haikuonekana tena.
Ufunuo 6:14X 14 Mbingu zikaondolewa kama ukurasa ulivyokunjwa, na kila mlima na kisiwa kikahamishwa kutoka mahali pake.
Mathayo 25:30X 30 Na mtumwa yule asiyefaa, mtupeni mbali katika giza la nje; ndiko kutakuwako kilio na kusaga meno.
Matendo 1:9-11X 9 Akiisha kusema hayo, walipokuwa wakitazama, akainuliwa, wingu likampokea kutoka machoni pao. 10 Walipokuwa wakikaza macho mbinguni, yeye alipokuwa akienda zake, tazama, watu wawili wakasimama karibu nao, wenye nguo nyeupe, 11 wakasema, Enyi watu wa Galilaya, mbona mmesimama mkitazama mbinguni? Huyu Yesu aliyechukuliwa kutoka kwenu kwenda juu mbinguni, atakuja jinsi iyo hiyo mlivyomwona akienda zake mbinguni.
Ufunuo 1:7X 7 Tazama, yuaja na mawingu; na kila jicho litamwona, na hao waliomchoma; na kabila zote za dunia wataomboleza kwa ajili yake. Naam. Amina.
Ufunuo 19:12X 12 Na macho yake yalikuwa kama mwali wa moto, na juu ya kichwa chake vilemba vingi; naye ana jina lililoandikwa, asilolijua mtu ila yeye mwenyewe.
Ufunuo 19:16X 16 Naye ana jina limeandikwa katika vazi lake na paja lake, MFALME WA WAFALME, NA Bwana WA MABwana.
Ezekieli 33:11X 11 Waambie, Kama mimi niishivyo, asema Bwana MUNGU, sikufurahii kufa kwake mtu mwovu; bali aghairi mtu mwovu, na kuiacha njia yake mbaya, akaishi. Ghairini, ghairini, mkaache njia zenu mbaya; mbona mnataka kufa, Enyi nyumba ya Israeli?
Ufunuo 6:15, 16X 15 Na wafalme wa dunia, na wakuu, na majemadari, na matajiri, na wenye nguvu, na kila mtumwa, na mwungwana, wakajificha katika pango na chini ya miamba ya milima, 16 wakiiambia milima na miamba, Tuangukieni, tusitirini, mbele za uso wake yeye aketiye juu ya kiti cha enzi, na hasira ya Mwana-Kondoo.
Ufunuo 6:17X 17 Kwa maana siku iliyo kuu, ya hasira yao, imekuja; naye ni nani awezaye kusimama?
Isaya 25:9X 9 Katika siku hiyo watasema, Tazama, huyu ndiye Mungu wetu, Ndiye tuliyemngoja atusaidie; Huyu ndiye Bwana tuliyemngoja, Na tushangilie na kuufurahia wokovu wake.
Mathayo 24:31X 31 Naye atawatuma malaika zake pamoja na sauti kuu ya parapanda, nao watawakusanya wateule wake toka pepo nne, toka mwisho huu wa mbingu mpaka mwisho huu.
Yohana 5:28X 28 Msistaajabie maneno hayo; kwa maana saa yaja, ambayo watu wote waliomo makaburini wataisikia sauti yake.
1 Wakorintho 15:52X 52 kwa dakika moja, kufumba na kufumbua, wakati wa parapanda ya mwisho; maana parapanda italia, na wafu watafufuliwa, wasiwe na uharibifu, nasi tutabadilika.
1 Wathesalonike 4:16, 17X 16 Kwa sababu Bwana mwenyewe atashuka kutoka mbinguni pamoja na mwaliko, na sauti ya malaika mkuu, na parapanda ya Mungu; nao waliokufa katika Kristo watafufuliwa kwanza. 17 Kisha sisi tulio hai, tuliosalia, tutanyakuliwa pamoja nao katika mawingu, ili tumlaki Bwana hewani; na hivyo tutakuwa pamoja na Bwana milele.
Tito 2:13X 13 tukilitazamia tumaini lenye baraka na mafunuo ya utukufu wa Kristo Yesu, Mungu mkuu na Mwokozi wetu;
Waebrania 9:28X 28 kadhalika Kristo naye, akiisha kutolewa sadaka mara moja azichukue dhambi za watu wengi; atatokea mara ya pili, pasipo dhambi, kwa hao wamtazamiao kwa wokovu.
2 Petro 3:13X 13 Lakini, kama ilivyo ahadi yake, mnatazamia mbingu mpya na nchi mpya, ambayo haki yakaa ndani yake.
Isaya 65:17X 17 Maana, tazama, mimi naumba mbingu mpya na nchi mpya, na mambo ya kwanza hayatakumbukwa, wala hayataingia moyoni.
Yohana 14:3X 3 Basi mimi nikienda na kuwaandalia mahali, nitakuja tena niwakaribishe kwangu; ili nilipo mimi, nanyi mwepo.
Yuda 1:14, 15X 14 Na Henoko, mtu wa saba baada ya Adamu, alitoa maneno ya unabii juu ya hao, akisema, Angalia, Bwana alikuja na watakatifu wake, maelfu maelfu, 15 ili afanye hukumu juu ya watu wote, na kuwaadhibisha wote wasiomcha Mungu, kwa ajili ya kazi zao zote za upotevu walizozitenda bila kumcha Mungu, na kwa ajili ya maneno magumu yote ambayo hao wenye dhambi wasiomcha Mungu wameyanena juu yake.
Zaburi 50:3-5X 3 Mungu wetu atakuja wala hatanyamaza, Moto utakula mbele zake, na tufani yavuma sana ikimzunguka pande zote. 4 Ataziita mbingu zilizo juu, Na nchi pia awahukumu watu wake. 5 Nikusanyieni wacha Mungu wangu Waliofanya agano nami kwa dhabihu.
Matendo 1:9–11X 9 Akiisha kusema hayo, walipokuwa wakitazama, akainuliwa, wingu likampokea kutoka machoni pao. 10 Walipokuwa wakikaza macho mbinguni, yeye alipokuwa akienda zake, tazama, watu wawili wakasimama karibu nao, wenye nguo nyeupe, 11 wakasema, Enyi watu wa Galilaya, mbona mmesimama mkitazama mbinguni? Huyu Yesu aliyechukuliwa kutoka kwenu kwenda juu mbinguni, atakuja jinsi iyo hiyo mlivyomwona akienda zake mbinguni.
Wafilipi 2:15X 15 mpate kuwa wana wa Mungu wasio na lawama, wala udanganyifu, wasio na ila kati ya kizazi chenye ukaidi, kilichopotoka; ambao kati ya hao mnaonekana kuwa kama mianga katika ulimwengu,
Waebrania 9:26, 28X 26 kama ni hivyo, ingalimpasa kuteswa mara nyingi tangu kuwekwa msingi wa ulimwengu; lakini sasa, mara moja tu, katika utimilifu wa nyakati, amefunuliwa, azitangue dhambi kwa dhabihu ya nafsi yake. 28 kadhalika Kristo naye, akiisha kutolewa sadaka mara moja azichukue dhambi za watu wengi; atatokea mara ya pili, pasipo dhambi, kwa hao wamtazamiao kwa wokovu.
Ufunuo 1:12, 13X 12 Nikageuka niione ile sauti iliyosema nami. Na nilipogeuka, niliona vinara vya taa saba vya dhahabu; 13 na katikati ya vile vinara nikaona mtu mfano wa Mwanadamu, amevaa vazi lililofika miguuni, na kufungwa mshipi wa dhahabu matitini.
Ufunuo 3:12X 12 Yeye ashindaye, nitamfanya kuwa nguzo katika hekalu la Mungu wangu, wala hatatoka humo tena kabisa, nami nitaandika juu yake jina la Mungu wangu, na jina la mji wa Mungu wangu, huo Yerusalemu mpya, ushukao kutoka mbinguni kwa Mungu wangu, na jina langu mwenyewe, lile jipya.
Ufunuo 4:1-5X 1 Baada ya hayo naliona, na tazama, mlango ukafunguka mbinguni, na sauti ile ya kwanza niliyoisikia kama sauti ya baragumu ikinena nami, ikisema, Panda hata huku, nami nitakuonyesha mambo ambayo hayana budi kuwako baada ya hayo. 2 Na mara nalikuwa katika Roho; na tazama, kiti cha enzi kimewekwa mbinguni na mmoja ameketi juu ya kile kiti; 3 na yeye aliyeketi alionekana mithili ya jiwe la yaspi na akiki, na upinde wa mvua ulikizunguka kile kiti cha enzi, ukionekana mithili ya zumaridi. 4 Na viti ishirini na vinne vilikizunguka kile kiti cha enzi, na juu ya vile viti naliona wazee ishirini na wanne, wameketi, wamevikwa mavazi meupe; na juu ya vichwa vyao walikuwa na taji za dhahabu. 5 Na katika kile kiti cha enzi kunatoka umeme na sauti na ngurumo. Na taa saba za moto zilikiwaka mbele ya kile kiti cha enzi, ndizo Roho saba za Mungu.
Ufunuo 5:8X 8 Hata alipokitwaa kile kitabu, hao wenye uhai wanne na wale wazee ishirini na wanne wakaanguka mbele za Mwana-Kondoo, kila mmoja wao ana kinubi, na vitasa vya dhahabu vilivyojaa manukato, ambayo ni maombi ya watakatifu.
Ufunuo 7:15X 15 Kwa hiyo wako mbele ya kiti cha enzi cha Mungu, nao wanamtumikia mchana na usiku katika hekalu lake, na yeye aketiye katika kiti cha enzi atatanda hema yake juu yao.
Ufunuo 8:3X 3 Na malaika mwingine akaja akasimama mbele ya madhabahu, mwenye chetezo cha dhahabu, akapewa uvumba mwingi, ili autie pamoja na maombi ya watakatifu wote juu ya madhabahu ya dhahabu, iliyo mbele ya kiti cha enzi.
Ufunuo 11:1, 19X 1 Nikapewa mwanzi kama fimbo; na mmoja akaniambia, Inuka, ukalipime hekalu la Mungu, na madhabahu, na hao wasujuduo humo. 19 Kisha Hekalu la Mungu lililoko mbinguni likafunguliwa, na sanduku la agano lake likaonekana ndani ya hekalu lake. Kukawa na umeme, na sauti, na radi, na tetemeko la nchi, na mvua ya mawe nyingi sana.
Ufunuo 14:15, 17X 15 Na malaika mwingine akatoka katika hekalu, akimlilia kwa sauti kuu yeye aliyekuwa ameketi juu ya lile wingu, Tia mundu wako, ukavune; kwa kuwa saa ya kuvuna imekuja; kwa kuwa mavuno ya nchi yamekomaa. 17 Kisha malaika mwingine akatoka katika lile hekalu lililoko mbinguni, yeye naye ana mundu mkali.
Ufunuo 15:5, 6, 8X Na baada ya hayo nikaona, na hekalu la hema ya ushuhuda mbinguni lilifunguliwa; 6 na wale malaika saba, wenye mapigo saba, wakatoka katika hekalu, wamevikwa mavazi ya kitani safi, ya kung'aa, wamefungwa vifuani mwao mishipi ya dhahabu. 8 Hekalu likajazwa moshi uliotoka kwenye utukufu wa Mungu na uweza wake. Wala hapakuwa na mtu aliyeweza kuingia ndani ya hekalu, hata yatimizwe mapigo saba ya wale malaika saba.
Ufunuo 16:1, 17X 1 Nikasikia sauti kuu kutoka hekaluni, ikiwaambia wale malaika saba, Enendeni, mkavimimine vile vitasa saba vya ghadhabu ya Mungu juu ya nchi. 17 Na huyo wa saba akakimimina kitasa chake juu ya anga. Sauti kuu ikatoka katika hekalu, katika kile kiti cha enzi, ikisema, Imekwisha kuwa.
Waebrania 9:26, 28X 26 kama ni hivyo, ingalimpasa kuteswa mara nyingi tangu kuwekwa msingi wa ulimwengu; lakini sasa, mara moja tu, katika utimilifu wa nyakati, amefunuliwa, azitangue dhambi kwa dhabihu ya nafsi yake. 28 kadhalika Kristo naye, akiisha kutolewa sadaka mara moja azichukue dhambi za watu wengi; atatokea mara ya pili, pasipo dhambi, kwa hao wamtazamiao kwa wokovu.
Ufunuo 15:8X 8 Hekalu likajazwa moshi uliotoka kwenye utukufu wa Mungu na uweza wake. Wala hapakuwa na mtu aliyeweza kuingia ndani ya hekalu, hata yatimizwe mapigo saba ya wale malaika saba.
Ufunuo 16:15X 15 (Tazama, naja kama mwivi. Heri akeshaye, na kuyatunza mavazi yake, asiende uchi hata watu wakaione aibu yake.)
Mathayo 24:23X 23 Wakati huo mtu akiwaambia, Tazama, Kristo yupo hapa, au yuko kule msisadiki.
Matendo 19:11X 11 Mungu akafanya kwa mikono ya Paulo miujiza ya kupita kawaida;
Luka 24:36 – 43X 36 Na walipokuwa katika kusema habari hiyo, yeye mwenyewe alisimama katikati yao, akawaambia, Amani iwe kwenu. 37 Wakashituka, wakaogopa sana, wakidhani ya kwamba wanaona roho. 38 Akawaambia, Mbona mnafadhaika? Na kwa nini mnaona shaka mioyoni mwenu? 39 Tazameni mikono yangu na miguu yangu, ya kuwa ni mimi mwenyewe. Nishikenishikeni, mwone; kwa kuwa roho haina mwili na mifupa kama mnavyoniona mimi kuwa nayo. 40 Na baada ya kusema hayo aliwaonyesha mikono yake na miguu yake. 41 Basi walipokuwa hawajaamini kwa furaha, huku wakistaajabu, aliwaambia, Mna chakula cho chote hapa? 42 Wakampa kipande cha samaki wa kuokwa. 43 Akakitwaa, akala mbele yao.
Mathayo 24:27X 27 Kwa maana kama vile umeme utokavyo mashariki ukaonekana hata magharibi, hivyo ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu.
Ufunuo 17X 1 Akaja mmoja wa wale malaika saba, wenye vile vitasa saba, akanena nami, akisema, Njoo huku, nitakuonyesha hukumu ya yule kahaba mkuu aketiye juu ya maji mengi; 2 ambaye wafalme wa nchi wamezini naye, nao wakaao katika nchi wamelevywa kwa mvinyo ya uasherati wake. 3 Akanichukua katika Roho hata jangwani, nikaona mwanamke, ameketi juu ya mnyama mwekundu sana, mwenye kujaa majina ya makufuru, mwenye vichwa saba na pembe kumi. 4 Na mwanamke yule alikuwa amevikwa nguo ya rangi ya zambarau, na nyekundu, amepambwa kwa dhahabu, na kito cha thamani, na lulu, naye alikuwa na kikombe cha dhahabu mkononi mwake, kilichojawa na machukizo, na machafu ya uasherati wake. 5 Na katika kipaji cha uso wake alikuwa na jina limeandikwa, la siri, BABELI MKUU, MAMA WA MAKAHABA NA MACHUKIZO YA NCHI. 6 Nikamwona yule mwanamke amelewa kwa damu ya watakatifu, na kwa damu ya mashahidi wa Yesu. Nami nilipomwona nikastaajabu ajabu kuu. 7 Na yule malaika akaniambia, Kwani kustaajabu? Nitakuambia siri ya mwanamke huyu, na ya mnyama huyu amchukuaye, mwenye vile vichwa saba na zile pembe kumi. 8 Yule mnyama uliyemwona alikuwako, naye hayuko, naye yu tayari kupanda kutoka kuzimu na kwenda kwenye uharibifu. Na hao wakaao juu ya nchi, wasioandikwa majina yao katika kitabu cha uzima tangu kuwekwa misingi ya ulimwengu, watastaajabu wamwonapo yule mnyama, ya kwamba alikuwako, naye hayuko, naye atakuwako. 9 Hapo ndipo penye akili zenye hekima. Vile vichwa saba ni milima saba anayokalia mwanamke huyo. 10 Navyo ni wafalme saba. Watano wamekwisha kuanguka, na mmoja yupo, na mwingine hajaja bado. Naye atakapokuja imempasa kukaa muda mchache. 11 Na yule mnyama aliyekuwako naye hayuko, yeye ndiye wa nane, naye ni mmoja wa wale saba, naye aenenda kwenye uharibifu. 12 Na zile pembe kumi ulizoziona ni wafalme kumi, ambao hawajapokea ufalme bado, lakini wapokea mamlaka kama wafalme muda wa saa moja pamoja na yule mnyama. 13 Hawa wana shauri moja, nao wampa yule mnyama nguvu zao na mamlaka yao. 14 Hawa watafanya vita na Mwana-Kondoo, na Mwana Kondoo atawashinda, kwa maana Yeye ni Bwana wa Mabwana, na Mfalme wa Wafalme, na hao walio pamoja naye ndio walioitwa, na wateule, na waaminifu. 15 Kisha akaniambia, Yale maji uliyoyaona, hapo aketipo yule kahaba, ni jamaa na makutano na mataifa na lugha. 16 Na zile pembe kumi ulizoziona, na huyo mnyama, hao watamchukia yule kahaba, nao watamfanya kuwa mkiwa na uchi, watamla nyama yake, watamteketeza kabisa kwa moto. 17 Maana Mungu ametia mioyoni mwao kufanya shauri lake, na kufanya shauri moja, na kumpa yule mnyama ufalme wao hata maneno ya Mungu yatimizwe. 18 Na yule mwanamke uliyemwona, ni mji ule mkubwa, wenye ufalme juu ya wafalme wa nchi.
Mathayo 24:30X 30 ndipo itakapoonekana ishara yake Mwana wa Adamu mbinguni; ndipo mataifa yote ya ulimwengu watakapoomboleza, nao watamwona Mwana wa Adamu akija juu ya mawingu ya mbinguni pamoja na nguvu na utukufu mwingi.
1 Wathesalonike 4:13X 13 Lakini, ndugu, hatutaki msijue habari zao waliolala mauti, msije mkahuzunika kama na wengine wasio na matumaini.
Mathayo 24:31X 31 Naye atawatuma malaika zake pamoja na sauti kuu ya parapanda, nao watawakusanya wateule wake toka pepo nne, toka mwisho huu wa mbingu mpaka mwisho huu.
Mathayo 16:27X 27 Kwa sababu Mwana wa Adamu atakuja katika utukufu wa Baba yake pamoja na malaika zake; ndipo atakapomlipa kila mtu kwa kadiri ya matendo yake.
Ufunuo 19:11-16X 11 Kisha nikaziona mbingu zimefunuka, na tazama, farasi mweupe, na yeye aliyempanda, aitwaye Mwaminifu na Wa-kweli, naye kwa haki ahukumu na kufanya vita. 12 Na macho yake yalikuwa kama mwali wa moto, na juu ya kichwa chake vilemba vingi; naye ana jina lililoandikwa, asilolijua mtu ila yeye mwenyewe. 13 Naye amevikwa vazi lililochovywa katika damu, na jina lake aitwa, Neno la Mungu. 14 Na majeshi yaliyo mbinguni wakamfuata, wamepanda farasi weupe na kuvikwa kitani nzuri, nyeupe, safi. 15 Na upanga mkali hutoka kinywani mwake ili awapige mataifa kwa huo. Naye atawachunga kwa fimbo ya chuma, naye anakanyaga shinikizo la mvinyo ya ghadhabu ya hasira ya Mungu Mwenyezi. 16 Naye ana jina limeandikwa katika vazi lake na paja lake, MFALME WA WAFALME, NA Bwana WA MABwana.
Danieli 2:34, 44, 35X 34 Nawe ukatazama hata jiwe likachongwa bila kazi ya mikono, nalo jiwe hilo likaipiga sanamu miguu yake, iliyokuwa ya chuma na udongo, likaivunja vipande vipande. 44 Na katika siku za wafalme hao Mungu wa mbinguni atausimamisha ufalme ambao hautaangamizwa milele, wala watu wengine hawataachiwa enzi yake; bali utavunja falme hizi zote vipande vipande na kuziharibu, nao utasimama milele na milele. 35 Ndipo kile chuma, na ule udongo, na ile shaba, na ile fedha, na ile dhahabu, vilivunjwa vipande vipande pamoja vikawa kama makapi ya viwanja vya kupepetea wakati wa hari; upepo ukavipeperusha hata pasionekane mahali pake; na lile jiwe lililoipiga hiyo sanamu likawa milima mikubwa, likaijaza dunia yote.
Mathayo 24:31X 31 Naye atawatuma malaika zake pamoja na sauti kuu ya parapanda, nao watawakusanya wateule wake toka pepo nne, toka mwisho huu wa mbingu mpaka mwisho huu.
Mathayo 25:34, 35X 34 Amin, nawaambia, Kizazi hiki hakitapita, hata hayo yote yatakapotimia. 35 Mbingu na nchi zitapita; lakini maneno yangu hayatapita kamwe.
Marko 13:27X 27 Ndipo atakapowatuma malaika na kuwakusanya wateule wake toka pepo nne, toka upande wa mwisho wa nchi hata upande wa mwisho wa mbingu.
Yohana 14:3X 3 Basi mimi nikienda na kuwaandalia mahali, nitakuja tena niwakaribishe kwangu; ili nilipo mimi, nanyi mwepo.
1 Wakorintho 15:52, 53X 52 kwa dakika moja, kufumba na kufumbua, wakati wa parapanda ya mwisho; maana parapanda italia, na wafu watafufuliwa, wasiwe na uharibifu, nasi tutabadilika. 53 Maana sharti huu uharibikao uvae kutokuharibika, nao huu wa kufa uvae kutokufa.
1 Wathesalonike 4:16X 16 Kwa sababu Bwana mwenyewe atashuka kutoka mbinguni pamoja na mwaliko, na sauti ya malaika mkuu, na parapanda ya Mungu; nao waliokufa katika Kristo watafufuliwa kwanza.
1 Wakorintho 15:55X 55 Ku wapi, Ewe mauti, kushinda kwako? U wapi, Ewe mauti, uchungu wako?
1 Wakorintho 15:42-54X 42 Kadhalika na kiyama ya watu. Hupandwa katika uharibifu; hufufuliwa katika kutokuharibika; 43 hupandwa katika aibu; hufufuliwa katika fahari; hupandwa katika udhaifu; hufufuliwa katika nguvu; 44 hupandwa mwili wa asili; hufufuliwa mwili wa roho. Ikiwa uko mwili wa asili, na wa roho pia uko. 45 Ndivyo ilivyoandikwa, Mtu wa kwanza, Adamu, akawa nafsi iliyo hai; Adamu wa mwisho ni roho yenye kuhuisha. 46 Lakini hautangulii ule wa roho, bali ule wa asili; baadaye huja ule wa roho. 47 Mtu wa kwanza atoka katika nchi, ni wa udongo. Mtu wa pili atoka mbinguni. 48 Kama alivyo yeye wa udongo, ndivyo walivyo walio wa udongo; na kama alivyo yeye wa mbinguni, ndivyo walivyo walio wa mbinguni. 49 Na kama tulivyoichukua sura yake yule wa udongo, kadhalika tutaichukua sura yake yeye aliye wa mbinguni. 50 Ndugu zangu, nisemayo ni haya, ya kuwa nyama na damu haziwezi kuurithi ufalme wa Mungu; wala uharibifu kurithi kutokuharibika. 51 Angalieni, nawaambia ninyi siri; hatutalala sote, lakini sote tutabadilika, 52 kwa dakika moja, kufumba na kufumbua, wakati wa parapanda ya mwisho; maana parapanda italia, na wafu watafufuliwa, wasiwe na uharibifu, nasi tutabadilika. 53 Maana sharti huu uharibikao uvae kutokuharibika, nao huu wa kufa uvae kutokufa. 54 Basi huu uharibikao utakapovaa kutokuharibika, na huu wa kufa utakapovaa kutokufa, hapo ndipo litakapokuwa lile neno lililoandikwa, Mauti imemezwa kwa kushinda.
2 Wathesalonike 2:9-12X 9 Maana, ndugu, mnakumbuka taabu yetu na masumbufu yetu; kwa kuwa mchana na usiku tulifanya kazi tusije tukamlemea mtu wa kwenu awaye yote, tukawahubiri hivi Injili ya Mungu. 10 Ninyi ni mashahidi, na Mungu pia, jinsi tulivyokaa kwenu ninyi mnaoamini, kwa utakatifu, na kwa haki, bila kulaumiwa; 11 vile vile, kama mjuavyo, jinsi tulivyomwonya kila mmoja wenu kama baba awaonyavyo watoto wake mwenyewe, tukiwatia moyo na kushuhudia; 12 ili mwenende kama ilivyo wajibu wenu kwa Mungu, mwenye kuwaita ninyi ili mwingie katika ufalme wake na utukufu wake.
Ufunuo 6:16, 17X 16 wakiiambia milima na miamba, Tuangukieni, tusitirini, mbele za uso wake yeye aketiye juu ya kiti cha enzi, na hasira ya Mwana-Kondoo. 17 Kwa maana siku iliyo kuu, ya hasira yao, imekuja; naye ni nani awezaye kusimama?
Ufunuo 19:20, 21X 20 Yule mnyama akakamatwa, na yule nabii wa uongo pamoja naye, yeye aliyezifanya hizo ishara mbele yake, ambazo kwa hizo aliwadanganya watu wale walioipokea ile chapa ya huyo mnyama, nao walioisujudia sanamu yake; hao wawili wakatupwa wangali hai katika lile ziwa la moto liwakalo kwa kiberiti; 21 na wale waliosalia waliuawa kwa upanga wake yeye aliyeketi juu ya yule farasi, upanga utokao katika kinywa chake. Na ndege wote wakashiba kwa nyama zao.
Luka 21:25X 25 Tena, kutakuwa na ishara katika jua, na mwezi, na nyota; na katika nchi dhiki ya mataifa wakishangaa kwa uvumi wa bahari na msukosuko wake;
Marko 13:24-26X 24 Lakini siku zile, baada ya dhiki hiyo, jua litatiwa giza, na mwezi hatautoa mwanga wake. 25 na nyota za mbinguni zitakuwa zikianguka, na nguvu zilizo mbinguni zitatikisika. 26 Hapo ndipo watakapomwona Mwana wa Adamu akija mawinguni kwa nguvu nyingi na utukufu.
Ufunuo 6:12X 12 Nami nikaona, alipoifungua muhuri ya sita, palikuwa na tetemeko kuu la nchi; jua likawa jeusi kama gunia la singa, mwezi wote ukawa kama damu,
Ufunuo 12:6X 6 Yule mwanamke akakimbilia nyikani, ambapo ana mahali palipotengenezwa na Mungu, ili wamlishe huko muda wa siku elfu na mia mbili na sitini.
Ufunuo 14:6,7X 6 Kisha nikaona malaika mwingine, akiruka katikati ya mbingu, mwenye Injili ya milele, awahubiri hao wakaao juu ya nchi, na kila taifa na kabila na lugha na jamaa, 7 akasema kwa sauti kuu, Mcheni Mungu, na kumtukuza, kwa maana saa ya hukumu yake imekuja. Msujudieni yeye aliyezifanya mbingu na nchi na bahari na chemchemi za maji.
Danieli 12:4X 4 Lakini wewe, Ee Danieli, yafunge maneno haya, ukakitie muhuri kitabu, hata wakati wa mwisho; wengi wataenda mbio huko na huko, na maarifa yataongezeka.
Ufunuo 14:6-12X 6 Kisha nikaona malaika mwingine, akiruka katikati ya mbingu, mwenye Injili ya milele, awahubiri hao wakaao juu ya nchi, na kila taifa na kabila na lugha na jamaa, 7 akasema kwa sauti kuu, Mcheni Mungu, na kumtukuza, kwa maana saa ya hukumu yake imekuja. Msujudieni yeye aliyezifanya mbingu na nchi na bahari na chemchemi za maji. 8 Kisha mwingine, malaika wa pili, akafuata, akisema, Umeanguka, umeanguka Babeli, mji ule ulio mkubwa, maana ndio uliowanywesha mataifa yote mvinyo ya ghadhabu ya uasherati wake. 9 Na mwingine, malaika wa tatu, akawafuata, akisema kwa sauti kuu, Mtu awaye yote akimsujudu huyo mnyama na sanamu yake, na kuipokea chapa katika kipaji cha uso wake, au katika mkono wake, 10 yeye naye atakunywa katika mvinyo ya ghadhabu ya Mungu iliyotengenezwa, pasipo kuchanganywa na maji, katika kikombe cha hasira yake; naye atateswa kwa moto na kiberiti mbele ya malaika watakatifu, na mbele za Mwana-Kondoo. 11 Na moshi wa maumivu yao hupanda juu hata milele na milele, wala hawana raha mchana wala usiku, hao wamsujuduo huyo mnyama na sanamu yake, na kila aipokeaye chapa ya jina lake. 12 Hapa ndipo penye subira ya watakatifu, hao wazishikao amri za Mungu, na imani ya Yesu.
Mathayo 24:14X 14 Tena habari njema ya ufalme itahubiriwa katika ulimwengu wote, kuwa ushuhuda kwa mataifa yote; hapo ndipo ule mwisho utakapokuja.
2 Petro 3:12X 12 mkitazamia hata ije siku ile ya Mungu, na kuihimiza; ambayo katika hiyo mbingu zitafumuliwa zikiungua, na viumbe vya asili vitateketea na kuyeyuka?
Mathayo 24:12X 12 Na kwa sababu ya kuongezeka maasi, upendo wa wengi utapoa.
Ufunuo 13:3X 3 Nikaona kimoja cha vichwa vyake kana kwamba kimetiwa jeraha la mauti, na pigo lake la mauti likapona. Dunia yote ikamstaajabia mnyama yule.
Ufunuo 16:13, 14X 13 Nikaona roho tatu za uchafu zilizofanana na vyura, zikitoka katika kinywa cha yule joka, na katika kinywa cha yule mnyama, na katika kinywa cha yule nabii wa uongo. 14 Hizo ndizo roho za mashetani, zifanyazo ishara, zitokazo na kuwaendea wafalme wa ulimwengu wote kuwakusanya kwa vita ya siku ile kuu ya Mungu Mwenyezi.
Ufunuo 16:13X 13 Nikaona roho tatu za uchafu zilizofanana na vyura, zikitoka katika kinywa cha yule joka, na katika kinywa cha yule mnyama, na katika kinywa cha yule nabii wa uongo.
Ufunuo 3:13X 13 Yeye aliye na sikio, na alisikie neno hili ambalo Roho ayaambia makanisa.
Ufunuo 13:17, 15X 17 tena kwamba mtu awaye yote asiweze kununua wala kuuza, isipokuwa ana chapa ile, yaani, jina la mnyama yule, au hesabu ya jina lake. 15 Akapewa kutia pumzi katika ile sanamu ya mnyama, hata ile sanamu ya mnyama inene, na kuwafanya hao wote wasioisujudu sanamu ya mnyama wauawe.
Ufunuo 14:9-12X 9 Na mwingine, malaika wa tatu, akawafuata, akisema kwa sauti kuu, Mtu awaye yote akimsujudu huyo mnyama na sanamu yake, na kuipokea chapa katika kipaji cha uso wake, au katika mkono wake, 10 yeye naye atakunywa katika mvinyo ya ghadhabu ya Mungu iliyotengenezwa, pasipo kuchanganywa na maji, katika kikombe cha hasira yake; naye atateswa kwa moto na kiberiti mbele ya malaika watakatifu, na mbele za Mwana-Kondoo. 11 Na moshi wa maumivu yao hupanda juu hata milele na milele, wala hawana raha mchana wala usiku, hao wamsujuduo huyo mnyama na sanamu yake, na kila aipokeaye chapa ya jina lake. 12 Hapa ndipo penye subira ya watakatifu, hao wazishikao amri za Mungu, na imani ya Yesu.
Danieli 12:1X 1 Wakati huo Mikaeli atasimama, jemadari mkuu, asimamaye upande wa wana wa watu wako; na kutakuwa na wakati wa taabu, mfano wake haukuwapo tangu lilipoanza kuwapo taifa hata wakati uo huo; na wakati huo watu wako wataokolewa; kila mmoja atakayeonekana ameandikwa katika kitabu kile.
Mathayo 24:37-39X 37 Kwa maana kama vile ilivyokuwa siku za Nuhu, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu. 38 Kwa kuwa kama vile siku zile zilizokuwa kabla ya Gharika watu walivyokuwa wakila, na kunywa, wakioa na kuolewa, hata siku ile aliyoingia Nuhu katika safina, 39 wasitambue, hata Gharika ikaja, ikawachukua wote, ndivyo kutakavyokuwa kuja kwake Mwana wa Adamu.
Mwanzo 6:2X 2 wana wa Mungu waliwaona hao binti za wanadamu ya kuwa ni wazuri; wakajitwalia wake wo wote waliowachagua.
Mwanzo 6:11X 11 Dunia ikaharibika mbele za Mungu, dunia ikajaa dhuluma.
Yakobo 5:1-6X 1 Haya basi, enyi matajiri! Lieni, mkapige yowe kwa sababu ya mashaka yenu yanayowajia. 2 Mali zenu zimeoza, na mavazi yenu yameliwa na nondo. 3 Dhahabu yenu na fedha yenu zimeingia kutu, na kutu yake itawashuhudia, nayo itakula miili yenu kama moto. Mmejiwekea akiba katika siku za mwisho. 4 Angalieni, ujira wa wakulima waliovuna mashamba yenu, ninyi mliouzuia kwa hila, unapiga kelele, na vilio vyao waliovuna vimeingia masikioni mwa Bwana wa majeshi. 5 Mmefanya anasa katika dunia, na kujifurahisha kwa tamaa; mmejilisha mioyo yenu kama siku ya machinjo. 6 Mmehukumu mwenye haki mkamwua; wala hashindani nanyi.
Mathayo 24:7X 7 Kwa maana taifa litaondoka kupigana na taifa, na ufalme kupigana na ufalme; kutakuwa na njaa, na matetemeko ya nchi mahali mahali.
Marko 13:7, 8X 7 Nanyi mtakaposikia habari za vita na uvumi wa vita, msitishwe; hayo hayana budi kutukia, lakini ule mwisho bado. 8 Kwa maana taifa litaondoka kupigana na taifa, na ufalme kupigana na ufalme; kutakuwa na matetemeko ya nchi mahali mahali; kutakuwako na njaa; hayo ndiyo mwanzo wa utungu.
Mathayo 24:7X 7 Kwa maana taifa litaondoka kupigana na taifa, na ufalme kupigana na ufalme; kutakuwa na njaa, na matetemeko ya nchi mahali mahali.
Mathayo 24:36X 36 Walakini habari ya siku ile na saa ile hakuna aijuaye, hata malaika walio mbinguni, wala Mwana, ila Baba peke yake.
Mathayo 7:21-24X 21 Si kila mtu aniambiaye, Bwana, Bwana, atakayeingia katika ufalme wa mbinguni; bali ni yeye afanyaye mapenzi ya Baba yangu aliye mbinguni. 22 Wengi wataniambia siku ile, Bwana, Bwana, hatukufanya unabii kwa jina lako, na kwa jina lako kutoa pepo, na kwa jina lako kufanya miujiza mingi? 23 Ndipo nitawaambia dhahiri, Sikuwajua ninyi kamwe; ondokeni kwangu, ninyi mtendao maovu. 24 Basi kila asikiaye hayo maneno yangu, na kuyafanya, atafananishwa na mtu mwenye akili, aliyejenga nyumba yake juu ya mwamba;
Mwanzo 6:13X 13 Mungu akamwambia Nuhu, Mwisho wa kila mwenye mwili umekuja mbele zangu; kwa sababu wameijaza dunia dhuluma, basi nitawaharibu pamoja na dunia.
Mwanzo 19X 1 Basi, wale malaika wawili wakaja Sodoma jioni; na Lutu alikuwa amekaa mlangoni pa Sodoma. Lutu akawaona akaondoka akaenda kuwalaki, akainama kifudifudi. 2 Akasema, Bwana zangu, karibuni nawasihi mwingie nyumbani mwa mtumwa wenu, mkalale, mkanawe miguu yenu, hata asubuhi mwondoke na mapema mkaende zenu. Wakasema, Sivyo, lakini tutakaa uwanjani usiku kucha. 3 Akawasihi sana, nao wakaja, wakaingia nyumbani mwake. Akawafanyia karamu, akawapikia mikate isiyochachwa nao wakala. 4 Hata kabla hawajalala, watu wa mji, wenyeji wa Sodoma, wakaizunguka nyumba, vijana kwa wazee, watu wote waliotoka pande zote. 5 Wakamwita Lutu, wakamwambia, Wa wapi wale watu waliokuja kwako usiku huu? Uwatoe kwetu, tupate kuwajua. 6 Lutu akawatokea mlangoni, akafunga mlango nyuma yake. 7 Akasema, Basi, nawasihi, ndugu zangu, msitende vibaya hivi. 8 Tazama, ninao binti wawili ambao hawajajua mtu mume, nawasihi nitawatolea kwenu mkawafanyie vilivyo vyema machoni penu, ila watu hawa msiwatende neno, kwa kuwa wamekuja chini ya dari yangu. 9 Wakasema Ondoka hapa! Kisha wakanena, Mtu huyu mmoja amekuja kwetu kuketi hali ya ugeni; naye kumbe, anataka kuhukumu! Basi tutakutenda wewe vibaya kuliko hawa. Wakamsonga sana huyo mtu, huyo Lutu, wakakaribia wauvunje mlango. 10 Lakini wale watu wakanyosha mikono yao, wakamwingiza Lutu kwao nyumbani, wakaufunga mlango. 11 Kisha wakawapiga hao watu walioko mlangoni kwa upofu, wadogo kwa wakubwa, hata wakachoka kwa kuutafuta mlango. 12 Basi wale watu wakamwambia Lutu, Je! Unaye mtu hapa zaidi? Mkwe, wanao, na binti zako, na wo wote ulio nao katika mji, uwatoe katika mahali hapa; 13 maana tutapaharibu sisi mahali hapa, kwa kuwa kilio chake kimezidi mbele za Bwana; naye Bwana ametupeleka tupaharibu. 14 Lutu akatoka akasema na wakweze, waliowaposa binti zake, akasema, Ondokeni mtoke katika mahali hapa kwa sababu Bwana atauharibu mji huu. Lakini akawa kama achezaye machoni pa wakweze. 15 Hata alfajiri ndipo malaika wakamhimiza Lutu, wakisema, Ondoka, mtwae mkeo na binti zako wawili waliopo hapa, usipotee katika maovu ya mji huu. 16 Akakawia-kawia; nao wale watu wakamshika mkono, na mkono wa mkewe, na mkono wa binti zake wawili, kwa jinsi Bwana alivyomhurumia, wakamtoa wakamweka nje ya mji. 17 Ikawa walipomtoa nje, mmoja alisema, Jiponye nafsi yako usitazame nyuma, wala usisimame katika hilo bonde po pote; ujiponye mlimani, usije ukapotea. 18 Lutu akawaambia, Sivyo, bwana wangu! 19 Tazama, mtumwa wako ameona kibali machoni pako, nawe umezidisha rehema zako ulizonifanyia kwa kuponya nafsi yangu, nami siwezi kukimbilia mlimani nisipatwe na yale mabaya, nikafa. 20 Basi mji huu u karibu, niukimbilie, nao ni mdogo, nijiponye sasa huko, sio mdogo huu? Na nafsi yangu itaishi. 21 Akamwambia, Tazama, nimekukubali hata kwa neno hili, kwamba sitauangamiza mji huo uliounena. 22 Hima, ujiponye huko, maana siwezi kufanya neno lo lote, hata uingiapo humo. Kwa hiyo jina la mji ule likaitwa Soari. 23 Jua lilikuwa limechomoza juu ya nchi Lutu alipoingia Soari. 24 Ndipo Bwana akanyesha juu ya Sodoma na juu ya Gomora kiberiti na moto toka mbinguni kwa Bwana. 25 Akaangusha miji hiyo na Bonde lote, na wote waliokaa katika miji hiyo, na yote yaliyomea katika nchi ile. 26 Lakini mkewe Lutu akatazama nyuma yake, akawa nguzo ya chumvi. 27 Ibrahimu akatoka asubuhi kwenda mahali aliposimama mbele za Bwana, 28 naye akatazama upande wa Sodoma na Gomora na nchi yote ya hilo Bonde, akaona, na tazama, moshi wa nchi ukapanda, kama moshi wa tanuru. 29 Ikawa Mungu alipoiharibu miji ya Bondeni, Mungu akamkumbuka Ibrahimu, akamtoa Lutu katika maangamizi alipoiangamiza miji hiyo aliyokaa Lutu. 30 Lutu akapanda kutoka Soari akakaa mlimani, na binti zake wawili pamoja naye, kwa sababu aliogopa kukaa katika Soari. Akakaa katika pango, yeye na binti zake wawili. 31 Yule mkubwa akamwambia mdogo, Baba yetu ni mzee, wala hakuna mtu mume katika nchi atuingilie kama ilivyo desturi ya dunia yote. 32 Haya, na tumnyweshe baba yetu mvinyo, tukalale naye, ili tumhifadhie baba yetu uzao. 33 Wakamnywesha baba yao mvinyo usiku ule, akaondoka huyo mkubwa akalala naye, wala yeye hana habari alipolala wala alipoondoka. 34 Ikawa siku ya pili, mkubwa akamwambia mdogo, Tazama, nimelala jana na baba yangu, tumnyweshe mvinyo tena usiku huu, ukaingie ukalale naye. 35 Wakamnywesha tena baba yao mvinyo usiku ule, akaondoka mdogo akalala naye, wala yeye hana habari alipolala wala alipoondoka. 36 Basi hao binti wote wawili wa Lutu wakapata mimba kwa baba yao. 37 Yule mkubwa akazaa mwana, akamwita jina lake Moabu; huyo ndiye baba wa Wamoabi, hata leo. 38 Na yule mdogo naye akazaa mwana akamwita jina lake Benami; huyo ndiye baba wa Waamoni hata leo.
Ufunuo 19:9X 9 Naye akaniambia, Andika, Heri walioalikwa karamu ya arusi ya Mwana-Kondoo. Akaniambia, Maneno haya ni maneno ya kweli ya Mungu.
Isaya 25:9X 9 Katika siku hiyo watasema, Tazama, huyu ndiye Mungu wetu, Ndiye tuliyemngoja atusaidie; Huyu ndiye Bwana tuliyemngoja, Na tushangilie na kuufurahia wokovu wake.
