The predicted signs before the second coming of Christ

By Rev. Moses M. Itiveh


Although some of the close followers of Christ thought that he would return to their lifetime. Christ himself indicated that his return to earth would be “after a long time” for the kingdom of Heaven as a man traveling into a far country who called his own servant and delivered unto goods. After a long time, the lord of these servants cometh and reckoneth with them” (Matt: 25:14-19).
From the above parable, different spiritual opportunities are given to different people, those who take them will have more of them and those who do not will be thrown out as useless.
In another parable, Jesus said:
“Them shall the kingdom of heaven be likened iunto ten virgins, which took them lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom
And five of them were wise and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.
But the wise took oil in their lamp while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight, there was a cry made behold, the bridegroom cometh go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil. For our lamps are gone out but the wise answered, saying not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to the that sell and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:1-10).
The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes that all believers must constantly look to their own spiritual condition in light of Christ’s coming at an unknown and unexpected time. They must persevere in faith so that when the day and hour arrive, they will be received by the returning lord.
The predicted signs are summarized under the following 4 categories.

1.   RELIGIOUS SIGNS

a.    The rise of false prophet Matt. 24:5,11-12

b.    Increase of false doctrines among Christian II Tim. 4:2-4

c.    General backsliding within the church 1 Pet. 4:1-2, II Pet. 3:3-7

d.    Increase in demonic operations (I Tim 4:1-2)

e.    The rise of Occultic and witchcraft spirit (1 Tim 4:1)

f.     The outputting of the Holy Spirit & restoration of the nine spiritual gift (Joel 2:28)

g.    The midnight hours sign (Matt. 25:5-6)

h.    The sign of Lukewarm church (Rev 3:15-16)

2.   ECONOMIC SIGNS

i.     The increase of human knowledge & high technological means of traveling on earth. Nah 2:3-4, Dan 12:4

j.     Massive accumulation of wealth by few rich men & as well as currency devaluation. James 5:1-3

k.    Great increase in unemployment (Zech. 8:10)

3.   SOCIAL SIGNS

l.     Unprecedented taste of feasting & drunkenness (Matt 24:37-39)

m.  The use of automobile sign in conveyance of human beings (Nahun 2:3-4)

n.    High increase of ungodly lust (Jude 1:16-18)

o.    Family disharmony (II Tim 3:2)

p.    Increase of pleasure living (II Tim 3:4-5)

q.    Increase in racial conflict on human right and man’s inhumanity to man (Matt. 24:10)

r.     The use of radio and television for dissemination of information (Job 38:35)

s.    The lawlessness of the youth and struggle for power (II Tim 3:1-2)

4.   POLITICAL SIGNS

t.     Perilous times in all nations (II Tim 3:11)

u.    Continued wars among nations (Matt 24:5)

v.    Distress of nations, global mistrust and fear (Lk 21:25-26)

w.   General effort and talk of peace (I Thes 5:13)

x.    The beginning of sorrow (Matt 24:5)

y.    Earthquakes, famines and pestilence (Matt 24:6-7, Lk 21:11)

z.  The use of Atomic bomb for destruction of human life (Rev. 15:13)

This publication is meant to remind us that the 26 signs have been virtually fulfilled and to remain watchful and be ready for our lord’s son second coming.
This is imperative because all who fail to heed this timely warning and continue to live ungodly lives will face eternal destruction in hell. If our beautiful ultra-modern church are full of Christians lay members as well as Knight, Evangelist, Bishops, General Overseer, General Superintendent, Prophets, Election riggers, Bribe peddlers, Drug smugglers, Looters of Government money, Church and Community funds, Cultist, Witches, Drunkards, Idolaters, Smokers and persons whose hearts are not right with God, then where is the hope of the salvation of the human race on earth before the great rapture event?
I pray that we shall be among the true believers who will be rapture at the second coming of Christ. Hallelujah, Amen.

Rev. Dr. Moses Itiveh
General Superintendent
Church of Christ Mission
and former National President,
Bible Society of Nigeria