A Letter to the Last Generation of Christians
By Steven J. Hogan
~ A Saturday Morning Post #377 ~
This letter is specifically written for the last generation of Christians on earth, believers who are seeing “all these things”, all these signs and events leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church. “So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matt. 24:33-34). I personally believe this last generation may be our children (I am 72), more likely our grandchildren, or possibly our great grandchildren. That is, I think the rapture will happen sometime in the next 40-50 years.
I encourage everyone to read this letter, and those who read it to share it to the children and grandchildren, to younger generations who are believers. Ps. 71:18, Ps. 78:5-6
Dear believer in Christ, dear child of God,
You are living in the very last years of the end-times, of this church age, and it’s vital that I remind you of some valuable truths, some critically important points about this time in history. I believe you are a devoted and godly Christian, and God wants you to be ready, watching, and looking forward to seeing His Son, to being with Jesus Christ, your Savior, Lord, and King. Matt. 24:42-44, 1 Th. 1:9-10 Rev. 7:9-12
More and more, you have been hearing about the birth pains – wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and hyperinflation – that are happening in various places around the world. They started some years ago, and you are realizing that they are increasing in intensity and frequency. You know Christ’s coming is drawing near, that it won’t be long before He returns to gather all believers to Himself and then take them to heaven. And you know these birth pains are not signaling the immediate end of the church age, but that much more needs to happen. Matt. 24:4-8, Lk. 21:8-11a, Rev. 6:1-8
It wasn’t that long ago when you saw the United States lose its #1 status as the world’s super power. Since then, you have been observing the reconfiguring of nations around the world, the realigning of countries and kingdoms. You know this was predicted, and that it will result in the formation of that last great empire, the 10-nation kingdom controlled and directed by that evil Antichrist. You have also been seeing increasing lawlessness in the world, in peoples’ lives and in institutions. You have noticed that civility, relative peace in our society, is not what it used to be. There’s more greed, anger, fighting, stealing, lying, corruption, and a lack of respect for others, unlike anything you have ever witnessed before. Seeing this sin and hate towards God and people must be hard to stomach, but keep waiting for Jesus and His justice. Ps. 11, Ps. 37, Ez. 38:1-6, Dan. 7:23-25, Matt. 24:12, 2 Tim. 3:1-4, Jam. 5:7
You have been talking to other believers about how the persecution of Christians is getting much worse, and that more and more people are antisemitic. But you just heard that the Jewish temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, and that the Jews are again offering sacrifices. You know this “peace” won’t last, that the treaty the Jews have with the “prince who is to come” (the Antichrist), and many Muslim nations, will soon be broken. Dan. 9:27, Matt. 24:15, Lk. 21:20-24, Jn. 15:18-25, 2 Th. 2:3-4
I know you had good teachers, and that you have studied God’s word and learned what it says about the coming of Christ. And you know the order of end-time events: the birth pains, the revealing of the Antichrist at the midpoint of Dan. 70th week, great tribulation, the end of the age, Christ’s coming, and the rapture during the 2nd half of that week. You understand that it won’t be long before the Antichrist, the most godless man ever, will be revealed. You may even have an idea of who he is, for you have been watching what’s going on in the world and are seeing that certain men are gaining more power. 1 Chr. 12:32, Dan. 9:27, Ezek. 3:17, Matt. 24:4-31, 2 Th. 2:3-4, Rev. 6-7
You have read that it’s when this devilish man desecrates the temple in Jerusalem, when he acts like he is God, that you and all Christians and discerning Jews will know this is the Antichrist, that proud, perverted man who rises up to rule the world. It is after this “abomination of desolation” that he goes after the Jews in Israel. You know that a good-sized remnant of Jews will miraculously escape his clutches and be protected for the rest of the 70th week. But many of them will be deceived, and will worship the beast. Zech. 13:8-9, Matt. 24:9–20, 2 Th. 2:3-5, Rev. 12:13-17, Rev. 13:1-7
You also realize that it is at this time when life for believers on earth goes from bad to worse, that great tribulation for Christians begins. I’m sure you have discussed with friends and fellow church members this great persecution that results in the killing of Christians all over the world, unlike anything that has ever happened before. This has to be one of the most sobering things you’ve ever talked about. Not only that, but you are aware that people in your own church may defect, may turn from the faith. You think they are saved but will find out that they are not. And I’m sure this will be an emotional, gut-wrenching experience. Matt. 24:9-11, Matt. 24:21-22, 2 Tim. 3:13, 1 Jn. 2:18-19
You know there will be “signs and false wonders” by the false prophet, the Antichrist’s partner, that this is part of the devil’s plan to deceive the world, and that this will result in a great polarization between the saved and the lost, unlike anything in history. But didn’t Jesus say that He came to bring division? This great polarization and great tribulation will be extremely difficult for believers like yourself. Sinners will have an utter hate and loathing towards you, so much so that members of your own family, many whom I know, may betray you and turn you into the authorities. I pray this does not happen. Matt. 24:9-11, Matt. 24:24, Luke 12:49-53, 2 Th. 2:9-12, Rev. 13:13-14
Remember too that most unbelievers will love and worship this beast, the Antichrist. This terribly evil man will have power and authority to do whatever he wants. (But he is under God’s sovereign hand)! Not only that, but there will be no more wars, famines, plagues, or economic problems. The unsaved will think there’s “peace” and prosperity. People are buying and selling, homes are being built, and the young are getting married. Not so with you. There’s no “worldly peace” for you, and you can’t openly buy and sell. For years, you have heard about this mark of the beast, the AI-based technology that enables those who take it to do business. But you are God’s child, and you won’t sell your soul to the devil – you won’t take the mark of the beast and you won’t worship his image. The Holy Spirit who indwells you will keep you from being duped by that deceiver. Prov. 21:1, Jer. 6:14, Matt. 24:38, John 17:15, Rom. 8:14, Rev. 13:4-5, Rev. 13:15-17, Rev. 17:17
You know all these things. But I’m assuming you are already being tempted to be afraid, to worry, to believe the devil’s lies, to wonder what will happen, to want to give up. You are thinking: How will I make it? How will I get food? Will I be persecuted? Will I be martyred? What about my family? Will I deny the Lord? What about my church? This is when you must trust the Lord, must depend on Him for all your needs. You need to remember the truths, commands, and promises God gave you when you were young, when you were going to that God loving, truth-loving church, and learning from your pastor and Sunday School teachers. Never forget what you heard: God greatly loves you, and will give you all the grace you need; Christ is praying for you, and is with you to the end of the age; the Holy Spirit will remind you of the truth, lead you in the way you should go, and keep you strong to the end. Josh. 1:6-9, Ps. 31:14, Ps. 32:8, Ps. 119:5-6, Matt. 6:11, Matt. 6:33, Matt. 28:20, John 8:32, John 14:26, Rom. 8:34-38, 1 Cor 1:8-9, 1 Cor. 10:12-13, Phil. 4:9, James 4:6, 2 Pet. 1:2-4, Rev. 6:9-11
I pray that you keep in mind the examples of saints of old – Moses, Deborah, David, Jeremiah, Paul, and others, and how they suffered but kept going for God. I encourage you to read the Psalms for it focuses on your relationship with God, which is most important. It talks about being persecuted and in distress, but that God is your refuge and strength. It tells you that He is loving, powerful, holy, just, good, faithful, wise, sovereign. It encourages you to praise God, to sing to Him, to thank Him, to proclaim His deeds. So stay close to the Lord, love Him, trust Him, obey Him, and be humble, for these are keys to pleasing Him, to being an overcomer. Ps. 27:4-6, Ps. 31, Ps. 63:1-8, Ps. 73:23-26, Ps. 145:1-2, Jer. 9:23-24, Rom. 15:4-5, Heb. 11, Rev. 2:25-29
You are also aware that many believers, maybe family members or close friends, will suffer greatly, and may be martyred for their faith. There’s no doubt this will sadden your soul, but ask God for the grace to keep you going – and remember, it won’t be long before you see them again, and for all eternity. As I mentioned, you may even be martyred, you may live for Jesus and die for Jesus. But keep His words in mind – “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you” (Jn. 15:20). Matt. 24:9, Rom. 12:9-10, 2 Cor. 4:7-11, Ph. 1:21, 1 Th. 4:13-17, 1 Pet. 3:21-25
Be assured, God has it all figured out, for His perfect end-times’ plans were determined in eternity past. Indeed, God knows exactly what He is doing. He knows how the events and activities of the world will unfold in the future. And He will be working with and through you and every believer on earth. So hold on to the truth: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). And His ultimate purpose is your ultimate good – that you will be glorified, be like Jesus, and be forever with Him. Is. 46:9-11, Matt. 16:18, Rom. 8:29-30, 1 Cor. 15:20-28, Eph. 1:9-12, 1 Th. 4:18
You know God’s general plans for the end-times, you know what’s going to happen. But take one day at a time, and don’t worry about tomorrow. David declared, “I trust in You, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my God’, my times are in Your hand” (Ps. 31:14-15). God has every second, minute, and hour of your life all planned out. This doesn’t mean you can’t plan ahead, that you are not to think about the immediate future, but don’t focus on it. Matt. 6:34, Rom. 8:30, James 4:13-15
You are to think about the amazing future God has for you. In these last years, you will need hope like never before. So what is your hope? You will be with Jesus your King – you will be in your heavenly home – you will be living in a new heaven and earth – you will be with all the saints, including loved ones – you will be glorified, perfect, powerful, and immortal – you will be greatly and eternally rewarded. Rom. 8:18-25, Ph. 3:20-21, Col. 3:23-24, 1 Th. 4:13-18, Heb. 12:22-24
Yes, there will be hate, rejection, malice, persecution, and martyrdom – but keep thinking of your hope. Also be thinking how the Trinity is for you, how God the Father, Jesus your Lord, and the Holy Spirit, are working together on your behalf. And remember that God is with you and goes ahead of you, and is orchestrating and ordering everything and everyone for His glorious and eternal purposes. Ex. 33:14, Deut. 31:8, Pr. 16:9, Matt. 6:34, Matt. 24:25, Eph. 1:9-12
But keep in mind the present purposes that God has for you and the church. Love God. Love the believers. Pray. Encourage others as the day draws near. Use your gifts. Share the gospel. Be an example in faith, love, hope, speech, and purity. Work with the church. Make disciples. Preach and persevere to the end of the age. Matt. 24:13-14, Matt. 28:18-20, Mk. 1:15, Mk. 12:30, Rom 12:10, Rom. 12:12, 1 Tim. 4:12, Heb. 10:25, 1 Pet. 4:10
You may be wondering if you will be here at the end of this age. If you are, then you will see the skies go dark and feel the great earthquake. You will hear the shout of Christ, the voice of the archangel, and the sound of the trumpet. Immediately, you will see Christ coming on the clouds. Immediately you and all believers from all time will be glorified. Suddenly you will be safely home in heaven with Jesus. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me.” Job 19:25-27, Matt. 24:29-31, Rev. 7:9-14
But now you are in the birth-pain stage. I can understand if you are excited, if your heart is beating a bit faster, if you are wondering, praying, anticipating, hoping, watching, waiting, and looking for the King of kings. But there are a few years to go before His coming. So, in this relative calm before the storm, keep growing in your relationship with God. Remember that He is the love of your life, the desire of your heart, your chief joy, your portion, your strength, your Shepherd, the only One who satisfies. So love Jesus with all your heart! Remind your friends of these things. And tell them again about the order of end-times’ events, the glorious return of Jesus Christ, and of the coming kingdom. Ps. 23:1, Ps. 90:14, Ps. 119:57, Ps. Matt. 24:4-31, Matt. 24:42, Matt. 24:45, 1 Th. 5:9-10, Eph. 2:7
In eternity past, God chose who He wanted to be part of the last generation, the last-days’ church who will “see all these things” come to pass. And God selected you. He has given you this great opportunity, this amazing privilege of being able to live for Him at this important moment in history. If you compare the length of the church age to a marathon, you would only have 100 yards to run, a sprint to the finish. And you are a key part of the last leg of this marathon, for you have been chosen to help carry the baton in the final years of this church age. So be abounding in the work of God. Know that God will reveal His plans to you as time goes on. He will lead you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He will strengthen you and bless you for His purposes and glory. Ps. 23:3, Ps. 85:12, Is. 41:10, Jer. 29:11-13, Eph. 1:9-12, Matt. 4:10, Matt. 24:33, 1 Cor. 15:58, Heb. 12:1-2
I, along with many others, have prayed for you and this last generation, that you are excited and encouraged about this time of your life, that you love and serve God to the end, that you worship God, walk with God, work for God, are a warrior for God, and that you fulfill God’s plans for your life. By God’s grace, you will. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord be with you all. Amen.” Rev. 22:20-21