Part of living the life He commanded is obeying His commandment to know the season of His return and to continually watch for His return. Why would He notify us? So we could warn others, specifically non-believers, that the time that God has allotted for forgiveness of sin and the time that Jesus Christ makes Himself available for salvation is rapidly dwindling. Since the alternative to eternal life in Jesus Christ is eternal damnation and eternal separation from God, Jesus told us what would happen and when it would happen so that we could tell others.
"It is not God's will that any should perish". (2 Peter 3:9) We are notified so that we can notify others.
You make an excellent point but it does not negate mine about always being ready and not worrying about it. He is warning non-believers through us while urging us on. That is a point I had not considered. Thanks.
However, I am not sure than redoubling our efforts to convert the lost will produce any better results than before. Certainly warning them that the end is nye is not the best way. That only produces pseudo believers who claim fealty to escape death and damnation. Is that true belief? Would that fool God?
I don’t think that is what “Those who are first will be last, and those who are last will be first.” means.
Perhaps there are a few who, when it is pointed out what the scripture says and comparing that to what has actually happened, may then suddenly believe ALL the scripture, yet, do you think it would convert the multitudes? Do you think they would all be sincere conversions as opposed to “paying the insurance premiums just in case” conversions? Shouldn’t we be trying to spread the gospel to the unbelievers at all times rather than just at the end?
Although I have seen much wisdom in the Bible which affects our everyday lives, messages I think too many Christians gloss over in their determined adherence to the scripture per se, I know there is much there I do not understand. I cannot reconcile the following with the Book of Revelations:
(Mark 13:30-32), “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31”Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. 32But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone,”
(Matt. 24:36), “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”