Bible-believing Christians throughout history have pondered the question, “How close are we to the end times?” Each generation sees more and more prophetic signs come to pass, causing us to wonder if the end will come in our lifetime.

One thing that sets our generation apart from the rest is that every day that passes is a day closer to the last day! However, there is something more. Never in the history of the world have so many end time prophecies so perfectly aligned than now. While true that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:36, 25:13 and several other places), we are exhorted to discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:2-3, Luke 12:54-56, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).

So, as we sometimes do, we’ll spend the next few days discerning world events in light of Bible prophecy. Today’s focus is the rampant spread of immorality.

Our culture is in moral decline while wickedness increases consistently. Just as Jesus said, we see increases in offense, betrayal and hatred (Matthew 24:10); devaluing of human life and disregard for law (Luke 17:26-30); wars and rumors of war (Matthew 24:6); and the distancing of mankind from God by removing Him from classrooms, courtrooms, marriages and family life.

Because of ungodliness, unrighteousness, and suppression of the truth, God’s Word tells us He gives us over to foolishness, uncleanness, lust, dishonor, vile passions, and debased minds. (Romans 1:18-32) What horrible sadness God must bear as He hands over His created favorites to what they ultimately desire. As spoiled children, we are prone to do whatever we can to get what we want. Ultimately, because God will not force us to rely upon Him, He will give us what we ask.

If only we would learn the lesson taught to the Hebrew people as they wandered in the wilderness. Morning by morning, God provided manna, yet they wanted something different. Likewise, when we are not fully satisfied in Him, we yearn for what is not good and righteous, and we become carnal.

We see carnality all around us. Though it has been around since the original sin in the Garden of Eden, we see rampant increases and very little confession and repentance. That is a sign of the last days.

Until Jesus comes to take us home, immorality will continue to increase in our world. Our advantage as followers of Jesus is that His blood washes us clean of sin, and when we choose to entrust ourselves to God’s great mercy, we live in the wonder of His grace. In these last days, be in God’s Word and live it out!