How Important is the Bible for People Living in the Last Days
Do you ever wonder if we are living in the “last days”?
Here’s what Paul said about the things we would see…
In the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:1–5
The “last days” are all the days between Jesus’ ascension and His return. So, yes, according to the Bible these are the last days!
Yet, when you and I read Paul’s list it seems to describe much of what we see in the world right now . . . even among people who call themselves Christians.
So, what should we do?
First…
You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14–15
And the important next part…
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Timothy 3:16
One of the reasons the list above is possible is because there is a prevalent problem with believing that some sections of the Bible can simply be ignored. If I don’t like it or if I don’t agree with it . . . I can ignore it! Sure it is tempting to begin with what we want to believe and then simply use and abuse Scripture to make our point.
And that is exactly how some self-proclaimed Christian teachers can say that God wants us all to experience financial prosperity, that there is no hell, that a person can declare their own sexual identity and preferences . . . and that it is perfectly fine to decide whether a baby should be allowed to live or die in the womb.
The Bible is essential for people living in the last days—today!
God gave us His Word—66 books and letters, 40 writers (yet only 1 Author), written over 1500 years all pointing to the same truth…
Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Romans 3:23–25
The Bible is completely trustworthy for these last days. It is our manual for life. And with the Spirit’s guidance, it will strengthen our faith and show us the best way to live.
A Prayer Thanking God for the Whole Bible in These Last Days
Father, I thank you! Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for Your love. Thank you for giving me Your manual for living. Please forgive me for listening to voices that contradict You and lead me to doubt. Forgive me for not faithfully checking the counsel of individuals against the Word of God. Please forgive us all for failing to treat our Bibles as the precious treasured gifts they are.
Please help me remember that this is not my home, I am just passing through. Thank you for the Bible which tells me what to expect in these last days and how I can live them with peace, joy, contentment and so much more. Lord, Your love overwhelms me. You are so gracious and good. I thank You and praise You. Please draw me close and help me humbly trust and follow Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pause today and ponder the fact that God cares so much about you and your future that He spent years writing a love letter to you.
On today’s note write:
God gave the gift of the Bible for these last days.
May God bless you today and help you turn to and trust His Word.
Today’s message was exactly like reading my mind only you.put it to words that stated it clearly. I will share. The Bible is one of the most precious gifts the Lord gave us,as His Son is the most precious…I cannot say it adequately, but the Bible is our guide thru life in these tumultuous days of satan’s reign. Be blessed always. Thank you
Amen, Teresa! His Word truly blesses me every single day. Thanks so much for visiting and for your kindness. God be with you and bless you!
The Bible is a gift beyond measure, Deb. So grateful for God’s Word, especially in this day and age when everything seems to be going haywire around us.
Blessings!
Me too, Martha! Me too!!
Thank you, Deb!
Your devotional writings are such a blessing to us as we walk out and live out our lives to be blessings to others and to our Father.
Thank you so very much for your kind encouragement, Monday! God bless you!
I needed this…I am excited to read Timothy…been going through the New Testament in order … and Timothy has many versus that touch me. Great post and most helpful! Thank you Deb.
Thank you, Lily! I love reading through God’s Word. I’ve learned the continuity of His message and His Word has grown in my life. I’m so glad you’re joining me. Blessings!
These must be the last days, how long Lord before you come and take us home?
Blessing Deb
While I read most of your posts via subscription and love them. I don’t often comment; however, you captured an urgency that has been on my heart for quite some time. God’s word is indeed a GIFT…thank you for writing this.
Thank you so much, Amy! Your encouragement and kindness are truly a blessing! May God be with you and bless you!