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Living in Perilous Times
In an era marked by moral decay and spiritual confusion, the authentic gospel message stands in stark contrast to shallow, feel-good Christianity. The Bible warns us about these last days, describing them as perilous times filled with specific characteristics we now see manifesting around us.
The Challenge of Authentic Christianity
The real gospel produces real Christians, while false teaching creates false converts. One of today's greatest challenges is the widespread acceptance of a shallow, surface-level understanding of the Gospel message. Many who claim Christ, including some teachers and preachers, have failed to grasp the true terms of salvation.
Modern religious culture often focuses on filling churches rather than filling people with God. This has led to a watered-down message that avoids making people uncomfortable with biblical truth. As A.W. Tozer noted, "Modern religion focuses upon filling churches with people; the true gospel emphasizes filling people with God."
The Necessity of Self-Examination
Scripture calls believers to examine themselves regularly:
"Test yourself to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5)
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble." (1 Peter 1:10-11)
When someone expresses doubt about their salvation, the appropriate response isn't immediate reassurance but encouragement toward honest self-examination. Jesus himself warned:
"Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers.'" (Matthew 7:21-23)
Characteristics of the Last Days
Second Timothy 3:1-5 outlines 18 characteristics that mark people in the last days:
- Lovers of self
- Lovers of money
- Boastful
- Proud
- Demeaning
- Disobedient to parents
- Ungrateful
- Unholy
- Unloving
- Irreconcilable
- Slanderers
- Without self-control
- Brutal
- Without love for what is good
- Traitors
- Reckless
- Conceited
- Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
These people will maintain a form of godliness while denying its power. This describes not just the world, but many within the visible church who claim Christ while living unchanged lives.
Standing Firm in Dangerous Times
True believers must recognize these are dangerous days for authentic faith. Those who practice righteousness increasingly face labels like "intolerant," "bigoted," and even "dangerous." Yet Scripture calls us to stand firm.
A genuine relationship with Christ is life-altering. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come." While believers may stumble, they cannot contentedly wallow in sin.
In these challenging times, authentic Christians must:
- Maintain biblical truth despite cultural pressure
- Exercise discernment in spiritual matters
- Stand together with other believers
- Continue sharing the genuine gospel
- Trust in God's faithfulness despite circumstances
The hope of true believers rests not in earthly circumstances but in Christ alone. While these may be perilous days, those who belong to Him have His promise that He will never leave nor forsake His people.