If you’re a regular reader of my column, you know that I’ve hit hard and often on two ideas. One, that times of persecution (and legal prosecution) are headed our way. Two, that the reason for that persecution will be our insistence on pressing the claim of Jesus Christ that He is the only way to salvation and heaven.
As we see the demonic spirit of “political correctness” take firmer hold on all areas of our society, I’m convinced that the decision by true Christians to stand up for Jesus on certain issues and claims will spark an onslaught of derision and discrimination against us. I think those defining issues will include abortion, same sex marriage, parental rights, and the role of God in our national life.
Most importantly, though, I believe it will all come down to the name of Jesus. Already, our military, our schools, our courts, and our governments (we lost the entertainment industry and our universities long ago) are in a mad dash to eliminate any vestige of religious recognition, much less freedom. However, it seems to be only Christ-centered traditions that are being banished. Islam, humanism, and other religions are, in fact, being celebrated and encouraged in ways Christianity never has.
Just as Jesus Himself warned, the dividing line in the last days will be the name of Jesus. He said that because the world hated Him, it will hate us. He cautioned that true, and faithful, believers will be persecuted “for My name’s sake.” (John 15:21)
Over the last few years, I’ve shown you myriad examples of how this exact situation is developing right here in the United States — and inside some of our most trusted institutions. As a “watchman on the wall,” my calling is to declare what I see coming so that you can prepare yourself and your family for those days.
But that preparation should not be haphazard or random. If we are to remain strong in the coming days, months, and years, we must be standing on a firm foundation. To be able to unflinchingly press the claims of Christ in this hostile world, we must make every effort to understand the man who made those claims.
To fully appreciate who Jesus Christ is, we must first understand WHY there needed to be a Jesus Christ. There was a reason for God’s provision of a savior and a reason for the path He chose for our redemption.
The majesty, the beauty, and the sheer complexity of the concept of the God-Man Jesus Christ is almost overwhelming. But it was all necessary to redeem the creation lost to sin at the fall of Adam. Thank God that He loved us so much He provided a “second Adam” to unselfishly take our place. And thank you, Jesus, for being willing to bear our sins upon Your sinless shoulders so that we may be partakers of Your eternal glory.