Page 37 - Eschatology - Masters revised

The Greek word tachu, which is translated “soon” or “quickly,” means “without unnecessary delay.” It
does not mean “immediately.” The same word is used in other places in the New Testament, but,
interestingly, it is used most often by Jesus in the book of Revelation (Revelation
2:16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7, 12, and 20). The meaning seems to be that events have been set in motion that
will usher in His arrival without any unnecessary delay. Everything is moving along according to God’s
timetable.

Peter reassures us that God is not dragging His feet concerning prophetic events. God’s timing is perfect:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with
you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). In this light we
may understand that Jesus is coming “soon” in that God’s plan is advancing and is only delayed to allow
for all who will be saved are (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:5)—a necessary postponement.

The Bible teaches that Jesus’ return for His church is imminent, which means the rapture could happen
at any moment. The apostles seem to have believed that Jesus would come back in their lifetimes. They
referred often to the “last days” (1 Peter 1:20; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:2) and urged believers to
be ready. It appears that Jesus also intended for us to believe in His imminent return, because He often
urged His followers to “be ready” (Luke 12:40; 21:34–36; Mark 13:33). Because no one has known or can
predict exactly when He is coming again (see Matthew 24:36), we should live in the expectancy that He
may come any moment. That seems to be Jesus’ point in not being more specific. He wants every
generation to live with the conscious awareness that the Lord may suddenly appear, and we will have to
give an accounting of the way He finds us (Luke 12:38). To answer the question, “Is Jesus coming soon?”
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we say, “Yes, He will come without unnecessary delay.”

Do we see any anything happening in our current events that would indicate that
we are moving very close to the fulfillment of end-time prophecy?

Let’s take some time now to examine a few specific prophecies and see what is happening in our world
today.

1. The economy of the earth will be closely tied together.

According to Rev. 13, the coming world ruler will have total control over all governments and their
economic systems. He will be able to control the flow of goods and services, so that those who oppose
him will not be able to buy or sell without his mark on their forehead or right hand.

13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of
people. 14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to
do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the
beast who had the sword wound and lived. 15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of
the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the
image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the
free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads; 17 and that no one
would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his
name. 18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is
the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.

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