What Does The Bible Say About Darkness In The Last Days?
The end times are drawing near. Do you feel the darkness in the world intensifying? These are signs that we are living in the last days according to Bible prophecy. If you’re looking for answers about the meaning of increasing darkness in the end times, this comprehensive article will examine what the Bible says about the last days and how to understand the growing spiritual darkness.
Here’s a quick answer: The Bible warns that in the end times there will be a great falling away, deception, tribulation, and lawlessness which will lead to increased spiritual darkness. But followers of Jesus are children of light and do not belong to the darkness.
Walking in God’s light and truths will overcome darkness.
Prophecies of Deception and Apostasy in the Last Days
The Great Falling Away
The Bible warns that in the last days there will be a “great falling away” from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Many who once professed faith in Christ will abandon it. False teachers will lead people astray with false doctrines that appeal to worldly desires (2 Timothy 4:3).
This falling away will prepare the way for the Antichrist, as people exchange the truth for a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Rise of False Prophets and Teachers
Jesus cautioned that false prophets and teachers will arise who seem genuine but inwardly are “ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). They will perform signs and wonders to deceive people (Mark 13:22). Many will follow their false teachings, leading to much harm (2 Peter 2:1-3).
We must test every teacher by Scripture and the Spirit (1 John 4:1-3) to avoid deception.
Love Growing Cold
A mark of the last days will be a lack of love and growth of hatred (Matthew 24:12). Society will become heartless, merciless and ruthless. Basic human decency will decay. Caring for others and sacrificial living will be rare. Hostility and betrayal will mark relationships.
We must actively pursue love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-40) amid these trying times.
Predictions of Tribulation and Chaos in the End Times
Wars, Violence and Lawlessness
The Bible warns that in the end times, there will be an increase in wars, violence, and lawlessness around the world. Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6). The book of Revelation describes a period of great tribulation when the Antichrist will conquer nations and wield tremendous political power over people (Revelation 13:7-8).
Sadly, violence, crime, and tragic events will escalate as society moves further away from God.
We see the seeds of this chaos already in our world today through terrorism, mass shootings, and increasing political tension between nations. However, the Bible promises that God is ultimately in control, and justice will prevail when Christ returns.
In the meantime, Christians can rest in God’s grace, pray for peace, and trust in His sovereignty over these tumultuous last days.
Natural Disasters and Plagues
The Bible indicates that environmental disasters and disease epidemics will increase as the end times approach. Jesus said famines, earthquakes, and pestilences would be like “birth pangs” signaling his return (Matthew 24:7-8).
The book of Revelation also depicts environmental catastrophes connected with God’s judgments in the end times:
- One-third of the earth burned up, one-third of the sea turned to blood (Revelation 8:7-8)
- Water sources poisoned, people tortured by scorching heat (Revelation 16:4, 8)
- Massive earthquake splits cities around the world (Revelation 16:18-20)
While natural disasters have always occurred, the Bible indicates there will be noticeable increases in earthquakes, famines, pandemics, and environmental events as the end times approach. Scientists warn that climate change could provoke serious global disasters.
However, Christians know God is in control. He allows tribulation to bring people to repentance, but he promises to sustain believers through every trial.
Persecution of Christians
The Bible clearly warns that Christians will face persecution in the last days before Christ’s return. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
In Revelation 20:4, John saw those who were beheaded for their testimony about Christ. There will be great pressure to compromise faith to avoid discrimination and hardship.
We see mounting anti-Christian sentiment in our world today. According to Open Doors, over 360 million Christians face high levels of persecution. However, persecution strengthens believers’ faith and the church historically grows amidst opposition.
No matter what trials may come, the Bible reminds believers that God will give them strength to endure (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). He remains faithful and will bring them safely into His eternal kingdom.
Overcoming Spiritual Darkness in the Last Days
Walk in the Light of Christ
As the Bible warns, the last days will be marked by increasing spiritual darkness in the world (2 Timothy 3:1-5). However, as Christians, we can overcome this darkness by walking in the light of Christ.
This means making Jesus the focus of our lives through reading His Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and living out His teachings (1 John 1:7). Staying closely connected to Christ will help protect us from being deceived as spiritual deception increases.
Test every spirit
The Bible tells us to test every spirit to see if it is from God (1 John 4:1). We need to be discerning and carefully examine all teachings, prophesies and spiritual experiences against the truth of God’s Word. Anything that contradicts or undermines the Bible should be rejected.
We must be vigilant guardians of the truth in the last days when false prophets and teachers will abound.
Put on the Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the spiritual armor God has given us to stand firm in our faith. This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of gospel peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is God’s Word.
Putting on this full armor daily enables us to spot and quench the flaming arrows of the enemy. It protects us from deception and equips us to advance God’s Kingdom.
Pray against deception
Jesus repeatedly warned his disciples in the last days that spiritual deception would increase and false christs and prophets would arise (Matthew 24:4-5, 11). We must be vigilant in prayer against deception and ask God for discernment between truth and error.
According to James 1:5, God will generously give wisdom to any who ask Him. Prayer helps attune us to God’s voice so we can resist alluring voices of deception.
Stay alert and sober-minded
1 Peter 5:8 warns that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. These disturbing times demand that we stay spiritually alert. We must keep our minds sharp and focused through God’s Word.
We also need self-control and sober-mindedness to detect deceptive teachings that can slip in to destroy us. Walking close to Jesus, staying grounded in Scripture and looking out for one another will help us stand firm to the end.
Conclusion
While the Bible clearly warns of increasing darkness in the end times, followers of Jesus have hope. God is still in control even when everything seems chaotic. Staying rooted in God’s Word, walking in the light of Christ, and living by the Spirit will overcome spiritual darkness.
Trust Jesus, stand firm in your faith, and look forward to His return.
