End Times?

[beegirl]

My parents (former catholic and a Baptist) are really interested in End Times prophecy and the Rapture. I was raised as a Baptist, and it’s a big thing in most churches. Recently the pastor at the church started a bible study over the books of Daniel and Revelation. However, he feels that the “second coming” will occur before he can even finish the lecture series.

Lately its all my mom wants to talk about. She lost her job a few weeks ago, and she joking said “maybe it’s a good thing I lost my job, the way pastor talks we’re not going to be here on earth much longer anyway.”

I do know there’s a verse in Matthew that says “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” So how can anyone make predictions like that?

I don’t know why…but this topic makes me really uncomfortable. I don’t know if that’s normal or not. I guess I don’t understand much about it – from either perspective…Catholic or Protestant. Can someone explain to me (in layman’s terms please) the Catholic view on this topic?

Thanks.

PS…I’m sure there are a least a few other threads about this. I’ve read a couple but I still dont’ understand this topic very clearly. Sorry to repeat

 

[DavidFilmer]

The Catholic Church has never said anything about when (or how) the End Times might occur. Most Catholics I know are not interested in the subject and have no opinion on it. I’ve never heard it mentioned in a homily.

There has never been a generation that did not have folks who believed the End was somehow near. The Early Church believed the End would occur no later than the death of the last Apostle - it was actually a scandal when it didn’t happen. Even St. Paul seems to have this attitude; writing to the Hebrews (1:2), he says, “God has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” And folks have been predicting the End ever since.

Like Edgar Whisenant who sold 4.5 million books titled, *“88 Reasons why the Rapture will be in 1988,” *FWIW, that was 23 years ago, but millions of people took that stuff seriously in 1987.

Personally, I think we have thousands of years. God created the human race for a purpose (because everything he does has a purpose). I don’t know what that purpose is, but I find it hard to believe we have fulfilled it, or are about to anytime soon.

I think your mom should get some resumes out.

 

[Hiskid1973]

No one knows the day/hour but we are to discern the times/recognize the seasons…There is and "end times " speculation thread in the “back fence” section I think it’s called…Stop in if you have questions…It’s all catholic I am the lone protestant over there…God bless you in your search…

 

[Barbkw]

Lately its all my mom wants to talk about. She lost her job a few weeks ago, and she joking said “maybe it’s a good thing I lost my job, the way pastor talks we’re not going to be here on earth much longer anyway.”

I’m not saying that protestant denominations are demonic. But this idea that so many have accepted - that has made people feel as if they need to “give up and give in” - waiting for this thing called the Tribulation, is in my opinion of Satan.

I’ve heard of Christians who are in waiting (no car, no future plans, no children, etc.)

It’s horrible - and Satan is laughing.

 

[thequeen]

Well first of all rapture doctrine is totally false the church teaches and scripture teaches a second coming where everyone will be judged not a secret rapture where only a few will be taken and as the Scripture says no one knows the day nor the hour believ ers in a secret rapture are waiting for something that will never happen please dont be scared of something that we know from scripture is not going to take place tell tell your mom as another post said to get some resumes out

 

[mcrow]

Yes, the Catholic Church has no stance because we do not know when it wil happen and not only that I don’t believe that the Church believes in the rapture either.

 

[raaucoin]

the end times began with the birth of Jesus. So yes we are in the end times!

 

[Barbkw]

The Rapture

Are you Pre, Mid, or Post?

If you don’t know how to answer that question, you’re probably a Catholic.

Most Fundamentalists and Evangelicals know that these words are shorthand for pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation. The terms all refer to when the rapture is supposed to occur.

Text continues at: catholic.com/library/Rapture.asp

Many spend much time looking for signs in the heavens and in the headlines. This is especially true of premillennialists, who anxiously await the tribulation because it will inaugurate the rapture and millennium.

A more balanced perspective is given by Peter, who writes, "But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. . . .

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire!

But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace." (2 Pet. 3:8–14).

 

[EricFilmer]

My parents (former catholic and a Baptist) are really interested in End Times prophecy and the Rapture. I was raised as a Baptist, and it’s a big thing in most churches. Recently the pastor at the church started a bible study over the books of Daniel and Revelation. However, he feels that the “second coming” will occur before he can even finish the lecture series…

Seeing as this pastor says that the Second Coming will occur before he finishes his lecture series, it sounds like he is buying into the May 21, 2011 prediction made by an evangelist named Harold Camping. Here is a video presentation of Camping’s radio show when he describes how millions of people will die on that day, and the person calling in asks if Camping will refund donations if May 22 rolls around and nothing happens: youtube.com/watch?v=b9acwNHKvoo&feature=related.

Can someone explain to me (in layman’s terms please) the Catholic view on this topic?

As you corrected stated in the OP, the Bible teaches that no one will know the day or the hour of the Second Coming. Jesus does reveal, however, that there will be signs to indicate that the end times are approaching, but these signs involve war, famine and such. In other words, events that seem to happen on an ongoing basis. Therefore we should not be trying to figure out whether or not the Second Coming is going to happen soon, but to live each day as if it is our last. In other words, continually be prepared to stand before the judgment seat of God, because even if the Second Coming does not happen for thousands of more years, who knows when our individual lives will come to an end? My mom once kept a humorous sign on the wall that said, “Why worry about tomorrow? We might not make it through the day!”

For what the Catholic Church teaches about the end of time, read paragraph numbers 682, 686, 865, 1042, 1048, and 1059 of the Catechism

Aside from this, Catholic views (but not necessarily official doctrine) can be gleaned from credible Catholic Bible commentaries on the subject (usually focusing on Revelation). I recommend Michael Barber’s Coming Soon

 

[GEddie]

The rapture, as such, is a Protestant teaching from the 1800s; the Catholic Church had nothing to do with it. It is not a teaching accepted by Catholics.

The “Tribulation,” however, occurs in the Gospels, ostensibly as a period of worldwide upheaval immediately preceding our LORD’s return.

There is no way of predicting it, so it doth behoove us to live out our lives as best we can.

He is risen, ICXC NIKA

 

[GEddie]

I’m a .pan-tribulationist. It will all pan out in the end.

He is risen, ICXC NIKA

 

[PJM]

=beegirl;7803224]My parents (former catholic and a Baptist) are really interested in End Times prophecy and the Rapture. I was raised as a Baptist, and it’s a big thing in most churches. Recently the pastor at the church started a bible study over the books of Daniel and Revelation. However, he feels that the “second coming” will occur before he can even finish the lecture series.

I don’t know why…but this topic makes me really uncomfortable. I don’t know if that’s normal or not. I guess I don’t understand much about it – from either perspective…Catholic or Protestant. Can someone explain to me (in layman’s terms please) the Catholic view on this topic?

Thanks.

PS…I’m sure there are a least a few other threads about this. I’ve read a couple but I still dont’ understand this topic very clearly. Sorry to repeat

My dear friend in Christ,

While there are many rules and guides to Bible Study; the most important is this:

No One part of the Bible can contradict another portion of the Bible. If this were even a REMOTE possibility; the Bible could be thrown away as a useless story book.

2Tim.3:16 to 17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Either this is thee Total and Complete Truth of every single religion the world is as true; as valid, as any other? This despite the logically possibility of ONLY One Truth per issue is possible.

Tim 2: 3 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Mt. 24: 29-31"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other”

ONLY One SECOND COMMING WILL HAPPEN [No third as some suggest]

NO-One Will KNOW the time or date:

*Matt. 24: 32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 39 and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ***6.[43] But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. ***50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, ***

*Mark.13: 28 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 32 “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come. *** 35 Watch therefore – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning --”

Sadly the world seems full of folks who claim to know more or know better than Jesus Christ himself. And the sheep that follow seem to do because they like what they are hearing.

2nd. Peter 1: 16-21 “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.*** First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”***

**Eph.3: 9 to 12 **“And to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the church **[SINGULAR: THEE CATHOLIC Church] **the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him. “

Some prefer there own version of truth becaue it’s more suitable to where they are at spiritually. But dear friend what is true remains TRUE even if no-one believes it and everyone rejects it. [Archbishop Sheen]

God Bless, hope this helps you?

Pat

 

[Hiskid1973]

Yes, the Catholic Church has no stance because we do not know when it wil happen and not only that I don’t believe that the Church believes in the rapture either.

Your church believes in the rapture/being caught up…It’s when Christ appears in the clouds and the dead are raised and rise with the living believer to meet Christ in the clouds…That is after the time of great tribulation…Some believe He returns and removes His church before the heavy stuff goes down…It’s a timing issue rather than “caught up” issue…

 

[Hiskid1973]

I’m a .pan-tribulationist. It will all pan out in the end.

He is risen, ICXC NIKA

Hey I have been using that for years… … I prepare for the worse and if He wants to take
me out before the wrath guess down I’m not going to complain…

 

[thirddec]

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but every form of human science and endevour is flashing up big red warning signs about the comming decades or century if we are lucky.
In the past great civilisations rose and fell but there was never **1 worldwide civilisation **as there is now.

Economics tells us we are running out of our major energy source hydrocarbon and your petrol bill confirms that.

History tells us that when we reach critical points like this when the driving force is threatened is when civilisations implode and collapse

Science brings us warnings of potential Global disasters that are a combination of man made and natural possible causes.

Religious prophesies become so easily applied to these days in all major traditions.

The world economy is now so highly advanced and specialised but could so easily be derailed; communication and conflicts can spread so quickly now that an agressors hand can stretch over the globe in a matter or minutes and cause destruction on a scale unimaginable even by people today. Our minds can talk of the destruction but can we really fully comprehend it.

the scene is perfectly set

but then so was the scene set for the messiah in the ancient times for quite a while before he came. So as far as predicting how this will play out who knows but withouts Gods active help we wont make it through these times. We may experience a great disaster but it may not be the end of the world as expected in the bible ; this may not be Gods time for that who knows but God.

All I know for sure is that we need to start praying and working hard and try to influence everything we can in a positive Christian way regardless of whats comming. But above all we need not concern ourselves unduly with the world when we need to be concerning ourselves with our own and others salvation as we all will meet our maker soon enough regardless of the worlds condition.

Pray ; Pray ; Pray ; remember Fatima and the Rosary it has already probably saved us once already and can do so again if we continue to practice the message. Its a win win situation for us personally anf the world at large.

As always when I go off on one ; I hope their is some coherance and sense in what I have said ans apologies if I appear long winded. I suppose I could have covered it all in 2 words.
REMEMBER FATIMA

 

[Big_Ro]

I’m a .pan-tribulationist. It will all pan out in the end.

He is risen, ICXC NIKA

I like that!! I’m gonna shamelessly steal it. I am now officially a pan-tribulationist. Woo-hoo!! Can we start a fan club; get T-shirts?

 

[Hiskid1973]

I like that!! I’m gonna shamelessly steal it. I am now officially a pan-tribulationist. Woo-hoo!! Can we start a fan club; get T-shirts?

You get it printed, I’ll take a large…It would be a good witnessing shirt as people would ask about it…Today, all it takes is a person to talk about what all’s going on it the world and I am over it…Probably not what they are expecting to hear… …I try to be ready in season and out…

 

[Barbkw]

Mt. 24: 29-31"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; then will appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; and he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other”

Apparently protestant denominations aren’t taking this verse literal either. Ask any earth scientist to predict when the Sun will consume the Earth.

 

[GEddie]

Apparently protestant denominations aren’t taking this verse literal either. Ask any earth scientist to predict when the Sun will consume the Earth.

How is there a conflict?

“Earth scientists” aren’t as a class concerned with tribulational prophecy. And the verse you referenced says nothing about the sun consuming the earth.

If Christ would not return until the sun will have consumed the earth, that would be sad, sad news, IMNAAHO. I want to see HIM! I want to see life everlasting!

He is risen, ICXC NIKA

 

[GEddie]

You get it printed, I’ll take a large…It would be a good witnessing shirt as people would ask about it…Today, all it takes is a person to talk about what all’s going on it the world and I am over it…Probably not what they are expecting to hear… …I try to be ready in season and out…

XXL for me

He is risen, ICXC NIKA