Christians clearly see many Biblical prophecies in the process of being fulfilled, especially those made by Jesus Christ himself; he spoke of the days in which we live and said -
At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved - Matthew 24: 10 to 12
The dividing line between people who are truly converted and are followers and disciples of Christ and those who are not is much clearer than it was say a century ago. It is true that church attendance varies from country to country but, even where attendance is still fairly high much of it is no more than cultural custom. However, throughout the world, the true church is growing as never before, in spite of increasingly powerful opposition.
The true Church is not Christendom with its multiple divisions, no. The true Church is made up of all who have been truly converted to Christ. It is not outward conformity but an inward reality!
It is not a respectable facade, but an inward conviction that produces an outward transformation, and it is the Lord Jesus Christ - who he is, and what he did that is fundamental to it. The apostle Paul wrote -
No-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ - 1 Corinthians 3: 11
The apostle John declares at the beginning of his gospel -
To all who received him,(Jesus Christ) to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or of a husband’s will, but born of God - John 1: 12
This speaks of relationship, the true believer becomes a child of God, with all that that implies, Jesus himself said -
"I tell you the truth, no-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born again" - "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" - John 3: 3
To be born again means a radical change. It is God who brings about this new birth through the Holy Spirit. Our part is to repent, that is to admit our sinfulness, change the direction that our life is taking, change our way of thinking, and if necessary our life-style, the apostle Paul tells Christians that they should -
Not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will - Romans 12: 2
The apostle Paul describes this complete change of outlook - a new birth - as a new creation -
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God - 2 Corinthians 5: 17
In these days when ancient prophecies are being fulfilled and the return of Jesus Christ for his bride the Church is very close, my plea to those who read this article is to make your salvation and eternal destiny sure by receiving Christ now.
