Pre-Trib Research Center Conference
December 7, 2022
Globalism – The Great World Consumption
Church Age Global Chaos, The Precursor to Antichrist’s Universal System
Richard R. Schmidt, D.Min, Ph.D.
Web Sites: ProphecyFocus.org and MyUGBC.com
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INTRODUCTION
What is truth? Pilate asked this important question when he conducted the hearing for Jesus Christ to determine the innocence or guilt of the charges the Jewish religious leadership had accused Him of committing (John 18:38). This probing question is still as valid today as it was 2,000 years ago. Citizens of countries around the world are constantly asking, “What is Truth?” Every day, the world’s populace is inundated with alleged facts, delivered to them through various government sources and the media. Many people, Christians included, are in a state of panic and fear, as they digest the confusing and conflicting reports on COVID-19, public safety, climate change, global warming, economic challenges, inflation, digital currency, gender identity, and other challenging subjects.
What is truth? God clearly states that His Word, the Scriptures are truth (Ps. 119:160). The following pages examine multiple global issues from a strict Biblical perspective. Secular and Christian conspiracy theories, and speculation about the past, present, and future governmental controls continue to instill fear, panic, and at times unbiblical behavior. Truth, and only documented truth, provides understanding and the source of how one should react to what is currently taking place domestically and internationally.
The globalists who seek to implement a one-world system are very real. However, getting their agenda to come to fruition is a massive undertaking, which involves disturbing strategic work that is taking place at this very moment. The fact that the globalists are implementing the beginning stages of the one-world system should not come as a surprise to those who embrace the pretribulation Rapture of the Church Age Christians. The stage is being set in the present, to prepare for the rising of the curtain, and unveiling of the complete fulfillment of God’s prophetic Word regarding the events of the seven-year Tribulation as revealed in Revelation 4:2-19:21 and many other passages in the Old and New Testament.
We will examine relevant Biblical passages that mandate the one-world religion, government, and economy (Rev. 13), which comprise God's prophetic sovereign judgment for a world which has, is and will on a whole reject Jesus Christ. The reader is challenged to consider their response to the current and future guaranteed catastrophic conditions that will shock the conscience. This documented paper provides factual, alarming truths, which synchronizes current events with impending Bible prophecy.
Despite the beginning stages of globalism that are absolutely in the formative stages, there is no need to fear the present or the future. There is a way to find peace and comfort in the midst of the chaos that is starting to unfold. The Scriptures provide the answer through starting and maintaining a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It all starts by receiving the gift of eternal life through faith alone in what Jesus accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection. “For by grace [God’s free unmerited gift] you have been saved [saved from your sin and the eternal penalty of sin in the lake of fire] through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works [as nothing you can do outside of exercising faith in what Jesus did for you can assure you will go to heaven], lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
PERILOUS/DANGEROUS TIMES SETTING THE CONDITIONS FOR GLOBALISM
But know this, 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. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1–5)
Summary of Perilous Current Events
What constitutes “perilous times” in the last days? The apostle Paul reveals several issues in 2 Timothy 3 that point directly to perilous times, which could also be translated “dangerous times”.[1] Consider the following topics that continue to shock not only the Christian community but also conservatives who may or may not embrace a Biblical worldview. Does the worldwide reach of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the historic global changes that resulted from it, constitute the advent of perilous times? Are the volatile issues of gender identity and gender fluidity, including the propagation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) lifestyles, indicators of perilous times? The mainstream media, public schools, government officials, businesses, and activists across the U.S. and around the world aggressively promote the normalization of these constructs, which are antithetical to God’s created order and design for marriage.
Is lawlessness a sign that we are in the last days? Consider the lawlessness that currently exists in the U.S. where the criminal justice system often fails to hold criminals accountable for their crimes against people and property. Consider the following factors that contribute to the rise in lawlessness:
- Liberal judicial systems criminally charge a minimal number of actual offenders with a crime.
- District attorneys often defer prosecution, which means the judicial system will not, at the present time, hold the criminal accountable for the current offense, but the offender might be held accountable for the current crime if arrested again.
- Judges assign little or no bail, which expedites the release of serious offenders from jail and back to the streets.
- Courts impose minimum sentences for criminal activity. This action not only fails to deter criminal activity it invites it.
Are the wars currently taking place around the world, evidence that the last days are upon us? Does the current war between Ukraine and Russia, and the positions of China, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and the United States point to the perilous and dangerous times referred to by the apostle Paul?
Many Christians around the world are suffering horrific persecution to the point of incarceration and torture; vigilantes burn their homes down, churches are destroyed, unconscionable crimes are committed against women and children, and thousands are literally murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ by brutal and degenerate people. The World Watch List tracks the fifty countries that have the highest rate of persecution against Christians. Though America does not fall into this category, the following worldwide persecution statistics should garner the attention of every believer in Jesus Christ.
While persecution against Christians takes many forms, it is defined as any hostility experienced as a result of identifying with Jesus Christ. From Sudan to Afghanistan, from Nigeria to North Korea, and from Colombia to India, followers of Christianity are targeted for their faith. They are attacked. They are discriminated against at work and at school. They risk sexual violence, torture, arrest, and much more.
In the first 9 months of the 2022 World Watch List reporting period, there have been:
- Over 360 million Christians living in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination
- 5,898 Christians killed for their faith
- 5,110 churches and other Christian buildings attacked
- 6,175 believers detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, or imprisoned
- 3,829 Christians abducted[2]
Does this horrific treatment of Christians constitute perilous and dangerous times?
Is the globalists’ alarming rhetoric regarding climate change, or global warming, and the changes implemented to address it a sign that we are in the last days? The United States stopped the Keystone pipeline that once provided the means for energy independence from other countries, but now America must once again rely on hostile countries to provide the resources necessary to supply its people with the fuel needed to function, with that fuel costing a significantly higher price than if produced at home. Does this lack of energy independence and the seeking of help from other nations point to the scenario of the last days?
Is the government and secular educational push for the critical race theory, and the once again heightened racial tensions in the United States of America, resulting in protests, riots, destruction of property, and even the loss of life, does that constitute the perilous times the apostle Paul referred to? Is the significant rise in socialism around the world, and now at an extremely accelerated pace for implementation in the United States of America, does that constitute perilous times? Is the rise of Marxism, which is the next fatal step after socialism, and the dictatorial outcomes, is that result pointing to the perilous times Paul warned about in 2 Timothy 3:1?
Is the abandonment of truth a sign that we are in the last days? Consider the rise in relativism, pluralism, syncretism, and dualism, and the downplaying and mockery of the Biblical worldview. The massive rise of secularism within the Christian community has resulted in a very confusing syncretism of the Scriptures with anti-Biblical doctrines and philosophies. Is this one more evidence that the perilous times of 2 Timothy 3:1 is present?
When considering that a former President of the United States made the statement that America is now in a post-Christian era, does that constitute that the world is now in perilous times? If yes, this points to the time when Jesus will return to take the Church Age saints home with Him to heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54). Is the government’s initiative to implement a new digital clean currency, which gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, proof that the last days are upon us?
Is the considerable rise in executive orders from the President of the United States, which circumvents the checks and balances for which the constitution provided, a sign of the last days? Does the move towards unilateral authority to make massive policy changes, with catastrophic economic implications and consequences for the health and safety of the people, constitute perilous times?
Consider the broad use of what conservatives’ term fake news, which is the deceptive spinning of the truth by the liberal media: does that constitute dangerous and perilous times? Does the significant change in technology and the massive increase in what is known as the information age constitute dangerous and perilous times? The massive increase of computers, the digitized world, social media, the internet, and the digital stronghold on power grids, industry, communication, the military, local, state, and federal security, and a plethora of other significant digital endeavors; do these things constitute perilous times?
Does the current move toward digital currencies in the United States and the potential for a global currency constitute dangerous times? Consider the significant uptick in implanting chips not only in animals but also in human beings. Digital implants are rapidly increasing in popularity. The implanted chips provide access to buildings, vending machines, various personal records, and many other things where one no longer has to carry keys or cumbersome paperwork.
The Christian community must consider whether these and many other contemporary issues are setting the stage for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled, and determine the appropriate response to what I suggest are the last days of the Church Age. When you draw your conclusions regarding these issues, consider the necessity of placing yourself on a heightened state of spiritual alert, as you and your brothers and sisters in Christ carefully, and deliberately, don the appropriate spiritual armor as we daily, and hourly enter the battle to not only keep spiritually sharp but use our influence as ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ in the most effective manner (2 Cor. 5:20). As the war between good and evil escalates, the Christian community, during the final period of the last days, which are by Biblical definition perilous and dangerous times, must renew its spiritual vigor to accomplish the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, 1 Tim. 1:15).
Biblical Indicators of Perilous Times
The student of the future needs only to understand the truths of God’s prophetic Word contained in the Scriptures. We will examine three key Bible passages that provide the doctrinal truths and prophetic calendar of events that God’s Word guarantees will take place. Once we understand the chronological order of end times events, we will delve into current events, many of which will shock the conscience. The purpose is to accentuate the absolute necessity of God's people to take advantage of every opportunity to tell the greatest news ever given to mankind, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). It is imperative to encourage Christians to keep serving the Lord with an unshakeable Biblical worldview, before the opportunity expires, and the one-world satanic system comes to fulfillment during the catastrophic seven-year Tribulation period.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11– 14)
Second Timothy 3:1
But know this, that in the last days perilous (dangerous) times (seasons) will come. The apostle Paul makes an emphatic statement regarding what must occur during the last days. Know this, is a straightforward phrase calling for the reader to pay close attention to what follows. Paul’s letter carries the weight of God, as “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
What are we to know? Paul states that in the last days, perilous times will come. The first question that requires an answer is, what are the last days? Dr. Andy Woods, a true scholar of the Scriptures and one who upholds the dispensational interpretation of Scripture, provides an interesting insight into the identity of the last days in an informative sermon he gave at Sugarland Bible Church in Texas, where he is the Senior Pastor.
Now what are the last days? Many people think well, that is the seven-year tribulation period and the millennial kingdom that follows. But you see that the tribulation period is related to God's program with Israel. This is a Church Age letter written by Paul to a pastor. So he is not talking about the tribulation period and the millennial kingdom that follows. He is talking about what is going to happen as the Church Age reaches its conclusion.[3]
Dr. Woods explanation defines exactly what the apostle was writing about in 2 Timothy 3:1.[4]
Dr. Mark Hitchcock wrote in his excellent book, and one which this author highly recommends, The End, the following statements.
When talking about the last days and end times, we have to distinguish between the “last days” for the church, which we are in now, and the last days for Israel, which is still in the future.
So “end times” is a broad umbrella term, and “last days” is more specific. When we talk about the end times, we are referring to all the events beginning with the Rapture all the way to eternity. Thus, the end times include the Rapture, which ends the last days for the church, and the last days for Israel, which follow the Rapture.
Moving into the New Testament the term “last days” refers most often to the last days of the church, and the church age (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Peter 3:3).[5]
Examine the indicators of the last days of the Church Age as listed in chart 1. Not one generation since the first century escaped the issues Paul presents. The historical facts show that there have always been issues with sinful humankind that bear witness to the nineteen characteristics of the last days as recorded by Paul. Why? The Scriptures make the sinful aptitude of humanity perfectly clear in a multitude of passages. Paul quotes Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah in Romans 3:10-18 to prove this fact. The apostle Paul provides a concluding statement that documents the sinful condition of every person ever born into this world except for Jesus Christ, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
Paul provides nineteen characteristics that men will exhibit in the last days. Dr. Andy Woods provides an excellent point regarding the certainty of this prophecy.
Timothy is a pastor. Paul is describing a time when the spirit of the world will invade the church. And the church in essence will become just like the thinking and the value system of the world. Once that time hits, Timothy, and all those that are seeking to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, will encounter difficulty and danger. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times,” notice this last expression, “will come.” This is not something that you can opt out of.[6]
CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES
2 TIMOTHY 3:1–5
But know this, 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. And from such people turn away!
Chart 1
John MacArthur adds another important insight into this passage.
The most serious and lamentable aspect of such rejection of God and His Word is that the danger comes from within the church. As noted several times, near the end of his third missionary journey Paul sent for the Ephesian elders to meet with him at Miletus. Pouring out his heart to them, he warned, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29–30, emphasis added).[7]
The following definitions summarize each of the nineteen characteristics that are prevalent in the last days. Let it be a reminder of what every Christian should guard against as they seek to live a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus.
Lovers of Themselves
“Lovers of themselves" is a translation of the Greek word philautos, and means to love oneself or to be selfish. Human beings are self-centered by nature. However, this is antithetical to Christlike behavior, which highlights the age-old problem with human beings, that they are self- centered by nature. This is the antithesis of the attitude that is acceptable to the Lord, as documented in Matthew 20:28, “as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” The attitude of Jesus Christ was to serve, and every Christian should adopt the same attitude as the Lord. Every human being has an innate sinful nature so it is likely they will act in a selfish, all-about-me manner. Selfishness is a primary source of conflict at home, school, work, and in society. James sheds light on the results of selfish desires. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:1–2).
The number one concern of many people who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and unfortunately for many that do, is themselves. A self-absorbed lifestyle aggrandizes oneself and diminishes the value of others, and even God Himself. When one believes they are the epitome of success, or they have made themselves who they are without anyone else’s help, they lose sight that God created them, and provided them with the ability to succeed (Col. 1:16). This leads to a major issue concerning how the average person attempts to go to heaven. Scripture teaches that the only way a person can go to heaven after death is through placing their faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to pay for their sins (John 3:16-17; Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6). All religions, except Biblical Christianity, teach that a person must do “good works,” to have any possibility of going to heaven. The current narcissistic society has placed such a high value on self, that the majority believe they will in all likelihood go to Heaven when they die.
This writer has conducted and gone to many funerals, and has yet to go to a funeral and hear someone say that they are confident that a person did not go to heaven. The common conclusion at all funerals is that the deceased went “to a better place.” The very politically incorrect question to ask is, “How do you know they went to a better place?”
Dr. Andy Woods provides an analysis of why so many people embrace the false doctrine of works for salvation.
This is why the doctrine of works is so popular in Christianity, because it is an appeal to my pride. If I can do something to earn favor before God then I get part of the bragging rights. This is why the doctrine of grace falls into hard times in such an environment because grace means unmerited favor. If it is unmerited favor then I have nothing to boast in and that contradicts basic human pride. In fact, Paul in Romans three and verse 27, talks about the doctrine of grace and he says this, Where then is boasting? It is excluded. So as the church becomes like the world, they begin to demand things that appeal to a humanistic viewpoint. And understanding the church becomes identical to the world that it is supposed to reach.[8]
Raymond F. Collins describes men in the last days as “crass egocentrists.”[9] Walter Lock adds, “The true center of life is changed. Self has taken the place of God, so all sense of the duty to others, whether man or God, disappears.”[10] This self-absorbed, power hungry, all about me attitude is the prerequisite for the one-world ruler who will eventually demand that everyone in the world worship and obey him, under penalty of death (Rev. 13:4, 7, 15). The Antichrist is the ultimate globalist with worldwide dictatorial power, and the means to hold the entire world accountable to his self-centered demands.
In contrast, the apostle Paul reminds Christians living in the current society to live a lifestyle that is antithetical to the self-centered narcissism permeating the contemporary anti-God culture.
Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
(Phil. 2:1–4)
Lovers of Money
“Lovers of money” (philarguros) describes those who are avaricious and greedy. Socialism’s lure, before it gets a foothold in a country, appears to be the answer to those who struggle to make payments. Those who struggle to pay their bills find free medical care, free schooling, and massive government handouts very attractive. Embezzlement, tax evasion, stealing, robbery, burglary, and other such crimes stem from a love of money, which is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). Eugene Minor, in An Exegetical Summary on 2 Timothy, provides the following uses of the Greek word philarguros, as used in multiple Biblical translations including: ‘money-lover,’ ‘lover of money,’ ‘money loving,’ ‘fond of money;’ ‘loving wealth,’ ‘lover of riches,’ ‘covetous,’ ‘avaricious,’ ‘greedy.’ This word is also translated as a verb phrase: ‘to love nothing but money,’ ‘to love only money,’ and ‘to set affections on money.’[11] In the last days of the Church Age, people shall be lovers of money, resulting in individual corrupt behavior, and a society that promotes cut-throat ambition that tramples over others in the acquisition of personal wealth.
Boasters
The Greek word alazon, has the meaning of boaster or-braggart,[12] and describes one of the annoying human characteristics that makes the average person cringe. This characteristic, along with the others, describes the extreme self-centered, self-aggrandized, humanistic attitude of sinful humankind, which becomes exaggerated the closer this world comes to the removal of the Church Age saints, and the inauguration of the Antichrist’s one-world satanically charged global system (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-51; Rev. 13).
Robert W. Yarbrough provides an insightful examination of the characteristic of boasting in the latter days.
The same word (alazōn) appears in Rom. 1:30 (and nowhere else in the New Testament). The word can also be rendered “arrogant, audacious.” The verb for “boasting” (kauchaomai) is frequent in Paul;s writings and is usually negative, except when “boasting” or placing confidence in God (2 Cor. 10:17) or Christ (Gal. 6:14). Overall, the New Testament attitude toward haughty verbal self-promotion is summarized in Jas 4:16: “As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.” The sole Apostolic Fathers’ occurrence of the word (1 Clement 7:2) discourages boastfulness of the tongue on this ground: “For it is better for you to be found small but included in the flock of Christ than to have a preeminent reputation and yet be excluded from his hope.” For Clement as for Paul, there are not only temporal but eschatological implications for such behavior.[13]
Yarbrough’s commentary rightly points out that extreme boasting will yet occur as the result of the prophetic mandate of the increase in boasting in the last days. When the Antichrist and the false prophet take their positions as the global leaders during the second half of the seven-year Tribulation, also called the Great Tribulation, they will not only boast about themselves, they will demand the worship of all people, with the failure to comply resulting in execution (Luke 24:21; Rev. 13; Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The current times are perilous (2 Tim. 3:1), but the Great Tribulation, and the satanic control that will exist, constitute the most horrific, catastrophic, and terrifying events this current world will ever experience.[14]
Proud
The next Greek word hyperēphanos, has the meaning of being arrogant, haughty, or proud.[15] Pride characterizes many in the current society, which not only testifies to the fact of what Paul stated would occur in the last days of the Church Age, but it warns that this narcissistic behavior would increase the closer society comes to the rapture of the church, which will close out the Church Age. We turn again to Robert W. Yarbrough, who provides excellent insight into this cultural characteristic of the last days of the Church Age.
Paul uses this word hyperēphanos in Rom 1:30. It occurs three other times in the NT (Luke 1:51; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). James and Peter quote the word from the LXX Septuagint, where it occurs over three dozen times. Nearly a dozen denunciations of the arrogant in various Psalms employ this word. God’s opposition to the proud is axiomatic in the Old and New Testament alike; it seems to be a human fault in all places and times. This does not mean that Timothy may simply sigh and resign himself to it, for God just as assiduously responds to it. The pastoral call is to shepherd people away from embrace of this vice.[16]
One has only to hear a political speech or listen to someone touting their personal accomplishments in a gathering of friends, a business meeting, or even a religious setting to see how a prideful attitude rears its sinful head. It has been said, self-assessments are always flattering. Now, that is a generalization, but unfortunately, the statement is altogether true way too many times, and no wonder, for the Scriptures clearly state that pride is a prominent characteristic of men in the last days of the Church Age.
Blasphemers
Blasphemer is a translation of the Greek word blasphemos, which describes one who defames, denigrates, demeans, or slanders another. It describes those who may believe that God exists, yet they disrespect and dishonor Him with their words. People may realize that God exists, yet their conduct rejects the giving of respect and honor to the very One who created them. However, this word actually incorporates a much broader concept than blasphemy against the Lord.
The root word, blasphēmos, can be used for speech that maligns people, God, or both— Acts 6:11 uses it to describe “blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” Paul describes himself with the same word in saying he “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (1 Tim. 1:13)… The LXX (Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses tend to stress malignment of God rather than humans. This is also true of the noun form (blasphēmia) in its eighteen New Testament occurrences. Paul may be saying that these people are slanderous in their speech generally, whether about God or about other people.[17]
Eugene Minor found extra-biblical sources that translate the word blasphamos as blasphemer, reviler, and defamer. This word is also used as an adjective and translated as abusive, rude, insulting, and verbally abusive. It characterizes men who are slanderous; who rail against both God and men, using scornful language to insult them.[18] Based on the use of the word in the context of the last days, it is no mystery why defamation lawsuits regarding slander and libel are prevalent in civil and criminal litigation. The last days of the Church Age are overwhelmingly marked by selfish motives, where people in general, and especially powerful leaders take pleasure in bashing others, as the stage is being set for the horrific blasphemy that characterizes the future satanic leadership during the seven-year Tribulation (Rev. 13:5-6).
Disobedient to Parents
The government and public schools increasingly restrict parental authority and aggressively promote children’s alleged rights over those of the parents. Disobedience in children is outwardly expressed as defiance, noncompliance, rebellion, and insubordination. Children sue parents in the current society on an increasing basis. Elder abuse is a cultural disgrace where children not only ridicule and abuse parents verbally, but physically as well. The Scriptures clearly provide God’s mandate regarding how parents must be treated. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise:
‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Eph. 6:1–3). The apostle Paul quotes Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, which document God’s perspective (the only one that truly matters) regarding how God commands children to treat their parents.
The Scriptures make it clear that the Christian is no longer under the law, nor justified by the law, but Christians are absolutely justified by the grace of God (Rom. 6:14-15; Gal. 2:21, 5:4). Yet the same Bible makes it clear that the moral law of God remains unchanged. Though there are 613 commandments in the Mosaic law, most of those commandments are not part of God’s moral law. The Mosaic law includes commandments regarding keeping the sacrificial system, feasts, dietary requirements, purification and cleansing, Temple use requirements, and other topics that do not deal with God’s moral commands. God’s moral law stands on its own apart from the Mosaic law. In the Ten Commandments, God commanded the Jews to obey their parents. God has always expected children to obey their parents from the time of Adam and Eve to the present. Though the Mosaic law is no longer in effect during the Church Age (Rom. 6:14), the Biblical command to honor one’s parents remains in place as reiterated by the apostle Paul. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (Eph. 6:1–3).
Disobedience to parents can be the result of the parents’ failure to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). God instituted a very specific methodology for Jewish parents to follow in rearing their children in the Mosaic law.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut. 6:4–9)
Though Christians are not under the law, the practical application found in this profound instruction bears consideration for the Christian parent to implement. Teaching God’s Word to one’s children and providing them an example of a parent who loves the Lord and His Word, will reap real-time and eternal benefits for children. God’s Word never returns void (Isa. 55:11; Rom. 10:17).
The secular, anti-God, anti-Bible schools, in concert with the government’s current hostility toward Christianity, even to the point of classifying Christians who believe in the sanctity of life and parental authority as domestic terrorists,[19] points to the extremely perilous times that the apostle Paul made very clear would be evident during the last days of the Church Age. Though God’s people have no idea when Jesus Christ will come in the clouds to snatch up the one most fortunate generation of Christians (1 Thess. 4:13-18), they can certainly point to the current situation in America, and other places around the world, where parental authority is fading, and replaced with disregard, disrespect, and disobedience to parents. These are indeed perilous times.
Unthankful
“Unthankful” (acharistos) is a failure to give or verbalize thanks or appreciation. Eugene Minor discovered the Greek word translated in various writings and Bible translations as ungrateful, devoid of gratitude, and with no sense of gratitude to any. This same word can also be translated as a verb phrase: to have no gratitude. Unthankful carries the meaning of being ungrateful for the kindness and benefits that one receives.[20] Robert W. Yarbrough provides an insightful analysis of the Biblical meaning of unthankful.
The concept is not obscure: people who should be thankful, whether to God or to others, are neither. Fundamental to both OT and NT spirituality is the posture called for by Paul: “Give thanks [be grateful] in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18). In the OT this exhortation often takes the form of encouragement to praise (over a hundred times in the LXX [Septuagint: Greek translation of the OT]). The world stands under God’s wrath, Paul writes, because “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him” (Rom 1:21). People are frequently ungrateful, despite all that God provides.[21]
Unthankful characterizes those in the current culture who have an entitled mindset. People who believe God, country, and parents owe them, do not see things with a thankful attitude, but with a selfish, you-better-provide-for-me attitude, which is the antithesis of a Biblical worldview. Unthankful, entitled people, personify the brashness that is prevalent in the current culture. Many who live in America believe the government owes them free medical care, free schooling, free food, rent assistance, energy assistance, and the list goes on. Able-bodied people who believe that government funds, which come from taxpayers who work hard, should be given to them for whatever their reasons, once again confirms that people in the last days are self- absorbed, prideful, entitled, and yes, unthankful.
There are individuals with serious physical and or mental health issues that need assistance with resources. Individuals that comprise this category, and have no ability to go to work and earn compensation, are not the ones pointed out in this section. Those who do suffer from disabilities and special needs should find care from family, friends, and government assistance. Yet, the fact remains that all people should thank God for His provisions (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:18).
Unholy
The Greek word anosios, means to be in opposition to God or what is sacred, and translators properly translate the word as unholy. Unholy carries the meaning that certain actions make beings or places off limits to their agents and invites the connotation of moral turpitude: wicked, i.e., revolting to God or to a well-minded person.[22] Profane, irreligious, irreverent, impious, devoid of piety, godless, wicked, and having no respect for divine things all define the term unholy.[23] Unholy “also carries the idea not so much of irreligion as of gross indecency. It was used of a person who refused to bury a dead body or who committed incest. The unholy person is driven by self-love to gratify his lusts and passions of whatever sort, as fully as possible with no thought to propriety, decency, or personal reputation.”[24]
God’s Word commands God’s people to be holy, and to separate from unholy, sinful, secular cultural norms.
As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Pet. 1:14-16
The term unholy simply means lacking holiness, which translates in practical living to people following carnal behavior, without regard for the behavior God expects. Unholy living expands in many directions resulting in carnal, sinful, anti-God behavior, which certainly supports the statement of the apostle Paul that in the later days, perilous times will come (2 Tim. 3:1).
Unloving
“Unloving” is translated from the Greek word astorgos, meaning one who is lacking in good feelings for others, thereby jeopardizing the maintenance of relationships (political and familial) that are essential to a well-ordered society; hardhearted, unfeeling, without regard for others.”[25]
Unloving translates astorgos, a negative adjective form of the verb storgē, which commonly was used of family, social, and patriotic love. The noted theologian Benjamin Warfield described it as “that quiet and abiding feeling within us, which, resting on an object as near to us, recognizes that we are closely bound up with it and takes satisfaction in its recognition.” It is not natural for people to love God or the things and people of God, but it is natural for them to love their own families. To be astorgos is therefore to be “without natural affection” (KJV). Just as the self-loving person is without common decency, he also is without common affection. He cares nothing for the welfare of those who should be dearest to him. His only interest in them is for what he believes they can do for him. To be unloving is to be heartless.[26]
Paul uses the same word in Rom. 1:31. It points to abject godlessness, since love is at the core of God’s identity and of what he calls for from people—in particular, from his people. A capacity for love is part of the image of God; when people suppress it and even replace it with the opposite, it is a sign of a hard and sinister turn away from their Creator.[27]
This lack of love in the last days of the Church Age eventually morphs into a lawless society that prevails during the seven-year Tribulation. The satanic globalist, the Antichrist, will run a chaotic, lawless society, where hatred, violence, and massive numbers of murders are the norm, not the exception. Jesus Himself, a few days before His crucifixion, spoke to His disciples prophetically regarding the horrific conditions that are yet to take place during the Tribulation.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matt. 24:9–13)
Globalism will eventually lead to anarchy, and the prerequisite is already in place in the unloving society of the later days of the Church Age, which appear to be upon us.
Unforgiving
The next Greek word aspondos, speaks of one who is unwilling to negotiate a solution to a problem involving a second party, irreconcilable.[28] One of the most disturbing things in the current Church Age is that many Christians refuse to forgive others. The lack of forgiveness is epidemic, resulting in resentments, family and church splits, and conflicts with neighbors, schoolmates, and work associates. The concept of humbling oneself, and forgiving the unruly person, is rare in both the secular and Christian realms. Why does this sad condition of the heart exist even among Christians? The answer is simple, yet disturbing. In the later days of the Church Age, people will refuse to forgive others, and will instead live in disobedience to God.
The apostle Paul exhorts the Christian to move beyond selfish behavior and forgive those who offend.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
(Col. 3:12–14)
May God convict those who choose to hold grudges and exercise an unforgiving spirit, resulting in one of the seven things God hates, disunity among the brethren (Prov. 6:19).
Slanderers
Diabolos, the Greek word translated in this passage as “slanderers,” means slanderous, one who engages in slander, and is also used for the title of the principal transcendent evil being the adversary/devil.[29]
Gossip is often thought of as being relatively harmless, but at best it is unkind, harmful, and ungodly. Malicious gossip is a sin of an even more evil and destructive sort. Whereas the irreconcilable person tends to disregard and neglect others, malicious gossips make a point of harming others. Whether to promote their own interests, to express jealousy or hatred, or simply to vent their anger, they take perverse pleasure in damaging reputations and destroying lives.
Malicious gossips translates diabolos, which, even to the person unacquainted with Greek, suggests the severity of this evil, with our English derivative “diabolical.” Diabolos means “accuser” and is used thirty-four times in the New Testament as a title for Satan. Engulfed and blinded by self-love, malicious gossips do the very work of Satan.[30]
Slander is the oral presentation of something that is false, resulting in harm to the person slandered. Libel speaks to the offense of putting into writing a false accusation or statement regarding another person. This behavior results in many people, including Christians filing defamation suits. Some of this behavior is criminal, and some results in civil suits, which are defined as noncriminal litigation. This is another indicator of the selfish, mean-spirited, ungodly, prevalent behavior in the later days.
God’s Word is very specific regarding what should come out of a Christian’s mouth. In one very long sentence, the apostle Paul outlines what Christians should allow themselves to state, and the associated attitude.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. 4:11–16)
The essence of what one should speak is the truth, and the delivery of the truth must be with the attitude of love. This is a non-negotiable command. Failure to treat others with respect, and instead willfully speak falsely against someone with the intent to hurt their feelings and potentially cause them harm (on purpose or as an unintended consequence) is another unfortunate characteristic that the perilous times of the later days have come.
Without self-control
The Greek word akratas, means without self-control, dissolute,[31] lacking in self-control, uncontrolled, unrestrained, violent, licentious, profligate, dissolute, and with no control over their own passions. Though the word indicates lack of self-control in a broad sense, it especially refers to lacking control of bodily desires, one’s own drives and impulses, one’s passions; it means to be profligate, or dissolute. However, it has far more than just sensual implications and includes intemperateness, and lack of control of the tongue, the appetite, and all other aspects of our life.[32]
This one concept has very far-reaching implications: sexual promiscuity, violence, substance abuse, stealing, slander, libel, cursing, hatred, refusal to get along with others, and so on. The apostle Paul reminds Christians regarding behaviors they must remove, which requires walking with the Lord, and personal discipline.
That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22–24)
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. (Col. 3:8–10)
The apostle Paul provides the answer for those who believe self-discipline is an impossible task. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He further states under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
Brutal
Anēmeros is the Greek word translated as fierce, brutal, and savage.[33] Brutal is “better translated ‘without gentleness.’ People would become like untamed beasts in the last days. Think of an animal that just devours its prey with no sense of sympathy, no sense of mercy, no sense of consciousness, no sense of anything other than that animal’s appetite and that, in essence, is what people become like without God.”[34] Once again, this characteristic speaks to the violent tendencies during the later days of the Church Age. Perilous, dangerous times are the norm in many urban environments; the violence finds its way into rural areas as well.
The horrific violent crimes that fill the headlines are too awful to describe. However, hiding from the truth, and attempting to persuade yourself that you or those you care about and love are not potential victims in this brutal society is to deny reality. Every day brutal criminals, whose hearts are calloused and insensitive, attack innocent people and commit horrific crimes including murder. This scary, yet all too frequent occurrence of violent, brutal crimes, validates what Paul stated would be evident in the later days.
Raymond Collins provides instructional thoughts on this characteristic of the later days.
Classic authors used the adjective to describe those who could not contain their anger (Thucydides), their tongue (Aeschylus), or their love for wine (Xenophon, Aristotle). “Uncivilized” (anēmeroi) is a term that is used of wild and savage animals or of uncultivated plants that grow wildly. Used derogatorily of humans, it describes people who lack common politeness and gentleness, people who act as if they are not civilized. Those who lack any love for the good would be those whom contemporary authors might describe as having no orientation whatsoever toward the moral good.[35]
What a sad state of affairs that in the midst of the age of grace the world is degenerating into a vile, brutal, uncaring culture where public safety is becoming more of an exception than the rule. We are indeed living in perilous, dangerous times.
Despisers of good
The Greek word aphilayathos, means without interest in the public good; a description of persons who are the opposite of public expectation.[36] The Bible uses the word good 796 times, in multiple contexts, in contrast to the word bad, which appears only 44 times. Paul states in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In Ephesians 4:29–32, Paul exhorts believers in appropriate behavior by stating, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Many such passages in the inspired Scriptures define the standard for godly living in the last days of the Church Age.
Those who despise what is good embrace that which is antithetical to godly, Biblical behavior. A summary study of Romans 1 reveals the three-step path towards despising all that is good. First, the apostle Paul refers to general revelation in nature that all people observe, which reflects the existence of a Creator. The wonders and intricacies of the physical universe should lead a person to conclude that there must be a God (Rom. 1:20). The Bible says, however, that they “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” That is, they reject God’s general revelation of Himself. They often, instead, embrace evolution and degenerate into idolatry, inventing their own gods (Rom. 1:23- 25). The rejection of God leads to the second step of spiritual degeneration, which is obsession with vile passions. Paul reveals exactly why the current society is embracing what he calls vile passions (Rom. 1:26), which he pointedly stated was women having intimate relations with women, and men having intimate relations with men. That which God stated was good in Genesis 1-2, including the marriage of one man to one woman, is rejected in a society where vile passions replace intimacy in marriage. Paul concludes with a summary of the final rejection of all that is good, and the horrible third step of ungodly, degenerate behavior.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Rom. 1:28-32)
The prophet Isaiah summed up this issue by stating, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20)
Traitors
Prodotas is the Greek word translated traitor, or betrayer,[37] which is one of the worst behaviors known to humankind, and will be the norm in the last days. Richard Yarbrough provides an instructive analysis of this last day’s characteristic.
“Treacherous.” This translation of a form of prodotēs (traitor, betrayer) preserves symmetry with other words in the list, which are mostly adjectives. Yet, it is not an adjective but a noun: “[These people are] traitors, betrayers.” “Treacherous” (NIV) certainly captures the thought, but the wording is perhaps even more denunciatory. The two other NT uses of the word describe Judas, “who became a traitor” (Luke 6:16), and those who were about to stone Stephen (“betrayers and murderers” of “the Righteous One”; Acts 7:52 NASB). Paul is not flagging insignificant foibles or describing abstract qualities.[38]
Betrayal is nothing new in society. However, in the last days, betrayal becomes commonplace. Honor, duty, family, country, freedom, and God are words that use to carry great meaning in America. Men and women have gone to war and given their lives to fight for those principles. The globalist mentality replaces those concepts with a centralized dictator who is the only one that all people must follow or suffer retribution. This is the exact scenario that will come to fulfillment during the seven-year Tribulation period (Rev. 13).
Jesus Himself described the out-of-control behavior that will take place during the Tribulation. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another” (Matt. 24:9–10). The prerequisite behavior is in place during the perilous later days of the Church Age that will exponentially increase after the Church Age and during the satanically charged end times that will come to fulfillment during the catastrophic seven-year Tribulation.
Headstrong
“Headstrong” comes from the Greek word propetas, and literally means falling down or forward; pertaining to being impetuous, rash, reckless, thoughtless.[39] In addition, the word carries the meaning of reckless in speech and action,[40] foolhardy, and heady, an old English concept in the KJV.[41]
Dr. Woods provides an excellent visual of the concept of the root meaning of this word, which is actually to lean forward. “Paul says in the last days people would ‘lean forward,’ they are using ‘lean forward’ to describe so-called progress. But Paul says ‘in the last days’ people would not only ‘lean forward,’ they would fall forward, that basically means quick to run ahead rather than to think. It is talking about a population of people that are impulse driven; rash would be another translation of this.”[42]
The current culture practices rash, impulsive behavior on a continual basis. One can hardly drive down any urban street or expressway without someone tailgating, speeding, or becoming enraged if another driver is going the speed limit or accidentally cuts them off. The enraged impulsive driver may shoot the other driver, cut them off, force them to stop, or violently assault them, even though they may have simply made an honest mistake.
Domestic violence is a scourge on society. Men, and yes women, become enraged with their spouse, significant other, children, parents, or guardians and impulsively lash out, not only with screaming and yelling, but with violent attacks that end in serious injury or death. This headstrong, impulsive, rash behavior ruins relationships, splits families, destroys friendships, and is another indicator of the last days of the Church Age. It also sets the tone for the chaos that becomes the norm during the seven-year Tribulation.
Thousands of people are murdered and violently assaulted every year simply because someone was offended. The offended person, instead of thinking through their actions and the repercussions of them, acts rashly, pulls out a weapon, and seriously harms or kills the person, or physically beats them. The horrific rise in crime and lawlessness is the cultural norm. Needless to say, people see in living color, virtually every day, headstrong, rash, impulsive behavior that results in horrific outcomes. The impulsive, all-about-me culture, is setting the stage for a massive increase in impulsive violence, where murder and assault will rise to an unprecedented level during the catastrophic chaos during the seven-year Tribulation (Rev. 6:3-4).
Haughty
The next Greek word, typhoomai, carries the meaning of extremely proud, conceited, foolish, and stupid.[43] This characteristic of the last days accentuates the self-centered, prideful attitude that permeates the American culture. Certainly, there are many humble people, and many who suffer from depression that do not overtly personify a haughty, prideful attitude. However, sinful nature craves attention, validation, and the praise of others. The Scriptures remind believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to exercise humility in the same manner as Jesus.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:5–8)
Raymond Collins adds important thoughts regarding one who openly expresses a haughty attitude.
The idea underlying the metaphor, if not the imagery, is similar to ideas expressed by Paul in 1 Corinthians. He used the verb physioō, “to puff up [with pride],” to describe those whose attitude was disruptive of good order in the community (1 Cor. 4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4). The Pastor similarly uses the verb typhoomai, “to be surrounded by smoke,” metaphorically to describe people whose ambition and vainglory leads them to be deluded (see 1 Tim. 3:6; 6:4). Philo also used the term with this metaphorical meaning, especially in describing an orator who is so caught up in the art of his rhetoric that he is unable to perceive the truth. For Philo, “pride” (typhos) is a source of many kinds of evil, even contempt for divine realities (see Decalogue 4–6).
The name of the Egyptian god Typhon is derived from the verb typhoomai. Greek mythology speaks of Typhon, a many-headed (often a hundred snake heads) fiery monster who threatened the supremacy of Zeus. He was slain by a bolt of thunder and buried under Mount Etna. Typhon appears as a wicked god, the son of Gaia and Tartarus, in some Greek myths.[44]
The Scriptures warn those who choose to exhibit a prideful, haughty attitude. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Though God warned about the outcome of the haughty person, Paul makes the case that prideful attitudes simply testify to the fact that the last days of the Church Age have come.
Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
“Lovers of pleasure” comes from the Greek word philadonos, and carries the meaning of having a special interest in pleasure, loving pleasure,[45] pleasure-loving, preferring one’s own pleasure, devoted to pleasure, and given over to pleasure.[46] The phrase stands on its own as it describes the spiritual conflict between doing what one desires instead of what God desires. Do I want to read the Bible or watch television, play video games, surf the internet, sleep, go to the bar, hang out, or whatever else brings pleasure? Do I choose to pray at least sometime during the day or night and seek God, or totally ignore the Lord and chat with someone else? Do I go to the local Bible-believing church on Sunday or do I sleep in, play sports, or engage in my favorite recreational activity? These are not only questions for non-Christians, but for Christians.
Those who have not received the free gift of eternal life by realizing that they are a sinner (Rom. 3:23), deserving of eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, also known as Hell (Rom.6:23; Rev. 21:8), and have not to this point embraced the fact that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came down from heaven’s glory, took on the form of a human being, was subsequently crucified, buried, and rose from the dead three days later (1 Cor. 15:3-4) have no reason yet to engage in spiritual behavior. However, when people understand the concepts just stated, which are the elements of the gospel, and decide to embrace by faith what Jesus did for them, by accepting the free gift of eternal life, then there should be a change in their desire to become lovers of God rather than lovers of pleasure.
Having a form of godliness but denying its power
The word form comes from the Greek word morphosis, which means being formally structured, embodiment, formulation, form, of teachers of error who maintain a form of piety (2 Tim. 3:5).[47] The simplistic way of defining this characteristic of the later days is someone seemingly associated with God, but not authentically knowing Him. Cultural Christianity might be one of the most diabolical tools of Satan in these last days of the Church Age. Children grow up going to church, they hear the right things, and they learn how to act like a Christian. They know the right lingo to use. They might even go to a so-called Christian school where the administrators and teachers tell them how they should act and what God requires of them. Many young people are indoctrinated with harsh do’s and don’ts, and they know what is expected of them in a Christian culture, but their hearts are far removed from the religious lifestyle they are encouraged to live. George Barna, in cooperation with Arizona Christian University regarding the worldview of alleged Bible-believing pastors, reports the following statistics.
But a new nationwide survey among a representative sample of America’s Christian pastors shows that a large majority of those pastors do not possess a biblical worldview. In fact, just slightly more than a third (37%) have a biblical worldview and the majority— 62%—possess a hybrid worldview known as Syncretism. The new findings come from the American Worldview Inventory 2022, conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, and administered to 1,000 Christian pastors to better understand the worldviews that drive their thinking and behavior.[48]
The result of cultural Christianity is that there are many "wolves in sheep's clothing"; that is, many shepherds (pastors) who are misleading their flocks (congregations), turning them away from authentic Biblical Christianity. This is the essence of globalism, and the one-world religion, which will become a reality during the Tribulation. The apostle John writes that the world, except for those who come to faith in the Lord Jesus, will worship Satan and the Antichrist, whom John calls the beast, during the Great Tribulation. (Matt. 21:24; Rev. 13:4, 8). The Antichrist will demand to be worshiped when he implements the one-world government, the one-world economy, and the one-world religion (Rev. 13:15).
The world, including America, is overrun with churches, religions, and people who base their personal beliefs on their own personal desires, not on biblical truth. This is a form of godliness, but in essence, is a ruse. Many individuals have replaced biblical Christianity, and the associated biblical worldview, with a syncretistic pluralism that combines the Bible and secularism. This is the globalists’ dream come true, as those who hold to socialism, Marxism, and a worldwide system, replace the rightful authority of the Bible with the demands of secular humanism. God does not comply with the cultural demands of contemporary society. The Scriptures clearly state that Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:8–12)
Secular society wants to go to heaven on their terms, including their religion, morality, ethics, and unbiblical beliefs. The God of the Bible has determined the path that leads to heaven; that is, by trusting in His Son, who left heaven, took on human form, was horribly treated, and ultimately gave His life for the remission of sins. This truth is politically incorrect but biblically spot on.
And from such people turn away!
“Turn Away” (apotropo) carries the definition of purposely avoiding or associating with someone, turn away from, avoid.[49] God makes this statement to warn the Christian community that the nineteen characteristics of the last days of the Church Age are enticing, and have the ability to corrupt God’s people if embraced. As the Church Age comes to a close, God’s people must stand firm on Biblical principles, and not fall prey to the globalists who are working day and night to establish a one-world government, one-world economy, and one-world religion. These things will unequivocally come to fulfillment when Satan, Antichrist, and the false prophet dominate the world scene during the great Tribulation (Revelation 13).
The following additional information is available at the Prophecy Focus Ministries resource table in the book: Globalism - The Great World Consumption.
CONTENTS
INDEX OF CHARTS AND FIGURES
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOREWORD: Jim Schneider, Director of VCY America
PREFACE
SECTION ONE:
CHURCH AGE CHAOS
THE PRECURSOR TO
ANTI-CHRIST’S GLOBAL SYSTEM
CHAPTER ONE - PERILOUS/DANGEROUS TIMES
SETTING THE CONDITIONS FOR GLOBALISM
Perilous Current Events Summary
Perilous Biblical Indicators:
2 Timothy 3:1-5
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
And from such people turn away!
PREREQUISITES FOR THE
ONE-WORLD SATANIC SYSTEM
CHAPTER TWO - DECEITFUL DOCTRINE
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Five Biblical Commands for the Later Days
Preach the word!
Be ready in season and out of season
Convince
Rebuke
Exhort
Four Additional Biblical Commands for the Later Days
Watchful in all things
Endure afflictions
Do the work of an evangelist
Fulfill your ministry
SECTION TWO:
THE PROPHETIC MANDATE FOR THE
SATANIC ONE-WORLD SYSTEM
CHAPTER THREE - GOD’S PROPHETIC TIMELINE
Summary of God’s Prophetic Calendar
Satan’s Spiritual Fall
The Great Tribulation
Satan’s War in Heaven
Satan’s Access to God Ends (Rev. 12:7-11)
Satan’s War on Earth (Rev. 13)
The Satanic Trinity
Satan and the Antichrist
Worship of the Antichrist and Satan
The Wound
The Period of Worship
Antichrist’s Satanic Hatred of God
Antichrist’s Satanic Hatred of God’s Dwelling
Antichrist’s Satanic Hatred of God’s Saints
Antichrist’s Scope of Followers
Satan, Antichrist and the False Prophet
The False Prophet’s Deception
The False Prophet’s Mission
The False Prophet’s Methodology
Wonders and Miracles
Mandatory Worship
Mandatory Mark
SECTION THREE:
ONE-WORLD GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER FOUR - COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Economic Impact from COVID-19
Historical Examination of Diseases and Plagues
Prophetic Guarantee of Diseases and Plagues
One-Fourth of the World’s Population Dies
One-Half of the World’s Population Dies
Will Anyone Survive the Wrath of God?
CHAPTER FIVE - LAWLESSNESS
CRIME STATISTICS
CIVIL UNREST
BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO LAWLESSNESS
Romans 13:1–7
Titus 3:1-2
2 Thessalonians 2:1–4
2 Thessalonians 2:6–12
CHAPTER SIX - GENDER IDENTITY
Puberty Suppression
Acronyms Associated with Gender Reassignment
Definitions of Important Terminology
Political & Social Pressure
Post-Pubescent
Acronyms Associated with Gender Reassignment
Definitions of Important Terminology
Political & Social Pressure
CHAPTER SEVEN - CLIMATE CHANGE
A New Deception
Awakening Of Climate Change
Position 1
Climate change is destroying the earth
Position 2
Climate change is occurring but will not destroy the earth
Absolute Prophetic Climate Change
SECTION FIVE: ONE-WORLD ECONOMY
CHAPTER EIGHT - THE GREAT RESET
Economic Oversight
Government Control Implemented
Canada’s Trucker Boycott
China’s Social Credit Scores
The Federal Government and Digital Currency
Conclusion
APPENDIX A
Genesis 5 and 11 Genealogies
APPENDIX B
Worst Pandemics since the 1st Century
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Internet Sources: No Authors Cited
Endnotes
[1] Horst Robert Balz and Gerhard Schneider, Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990), 452–453.
[2] 2022 World Watch List Booklet, Open Doors, https:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/2022-world-watch-list-report/, accessed September 20, 2022, found on page 2 of the downloaded booklet.
[3] Andy Woods, 2 Timothy 021, The De-evolution of Man Part I, 2 Tim 3:1-2a, Sermon at Sugar Land Bible Church, February 14, 2016, https://slbc.org/sermon/2-timothy-021-the-de-evolution-of-man-part-1/, accessed: Tue, Aug 16, 2022, 8:04 AM.
[4] Bible teachers who hold to a literal interpretation of Scripture, known as the dispensational interpretive model, with the caveat of parables and apocalyptic style writing where God uses stories and symbolism to illustrate literal Biblical truths, uniformly state that there is not one sign that needs to take place before the next major event on God’s prophetic timeline, which is the Rapture, or snatching away of the Church Age saints (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54).
[5] Mark Hitchcock, The End (Carol Stream, IL.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2012), 95-96.
[6] Woods, The De-evolution of Man Part I.
[7] John F. MacArthur Jr., 2 Timothy, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 105.
[8] Woods, The De-evolution of Man Part I.
[9] Raymond F. Collins, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: A Commentary, ed. C. Clifton Black, M. Eugene Boring, and John T. Carroll, The New Testament Library (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012), 247.
[10] Walter Lock, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (I & II Timothy and Titus), International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1924), 105.
[11] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 2nd ed. (Dallas, TX: SIL International, 2008), 86.
[12] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 41.
[13] Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, ed. D. A. Carson, Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; London: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos, 2018), 405.
[14] The Scripture reveals that the world will literally be burned up with fire at the end of Christ’s millennial kingdom (2 Peter 3:10-13) when God establishes the eternal New Heavens, New Earth, and New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-2). “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10–13)
[15] Arndt et al., 1033.
[16] Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, 405.
[17] Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, 405–406.
[18] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 87.
[19] Lindsay Kornick, Fox News, AP's fact check falsely claims NSBA never requested protesting parents to be labeled as' domestic terrorists'; Published October 6, 2021 8:49pm EDT; https://www.foxnews.com/media/ap-factcheck-claims-nsba-never-labeled-parents-domestic-terrorists; accessed September 6, 2022; 8:52PM.
Ryan Foley, Biden's education secretary urged NSBA to write letter labeling parents domestic terrorists: emails; The Christian Post; Wednesday, January 12, 2022; https://www.christianpost.com/news/biden-admin-miguel-cardona-urged-nsba-label-parents-domestic-terrorists-emails-show.html, accessed September 6, 2022, 8:56 PM CST.
[20] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 87.
[21] Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, 406.
[22] Arndt et al., 86.
[23] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 87.
[24] MacArthur Jr., 2 Timothy, 114.
[25] Arndt et al., 145–146.
[26] MacArthur Jr., 2 Timothy, 114.
[27] Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, 407.
[28] Arndt et al., 144.
[29] Arndt et al., 226.
[30] MacArthur Jr., 2 Timothy, 115.
[31] Arndt et al., 38.
[32] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 88.
[33] Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek.
[34] Woods, The De-evolution of Man, Part 2, 2-21-16 2 Timothy 2:2b-3 Lesson 22.
[35] Raymond F. Collins, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: A Commentary, ed. C. Clifton Black, M. Eugene Boring, and John T. Carroll, The New Testament Library (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012), 248.
[36] Arndt et al., 157.
[37] Arndt et al., 867.
[38] Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, 409.
[39] Arndt et al., 873.
[40] Walter Lock, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (I & II Timothy and Titus), International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1924), 106.
[41] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy, 2nd ed. (Dallas, TX: SIL International, 2008), 89.
[42] Andy Woods, The Call to Persevere, February 28, 2016, 2 Timothy 3:4-9 Lesson 23 2-28-16, De-evolution of Man, Part 3, https://slbc.org/sermon/2-timothy-023-the-de-evolution-of-man-part-3/ , accessed September 7, 2022, 12:15PM.
[43] Swanson.
[44] Raymond F. Collins, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: A Commentary, 249.
[45] Arndt et al., 1057.
[46] Eugene Minor, An Exegetical Summary of 2 Timothy.
[47] Arndt et al., 132.
[48] George Barna, Release #5: Shocking Results Concerning the Worldview of Christian Pastors, May 10, 2022, https://www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWVI2022_Release05_Digital.pdf, accessed September 7, 2022, 7:26 PM CST.
[49] Arndt et al., 124.