IT’S GETTING GLORIOUSLY DARK

The Gloriously Dark Days: A Prelude to the Return of Christ

Adrian Rogers, often spoke of it being “gloriously dark” and in deed it is. In a recent message from LWF Ministries, he stated; “We may look around and see that these are dark days, but they are GLORIOUSLY DARK because the darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn.” Not only does this offer hope in the midst of personal and societal challenges but also frames a powerful eschatological perspective. For Christians, these gloriously dark days a divine setup for the promised return of Christ.

The Biblical Basis for End Times Darkness

Throughout the Bible, prophetic texts describe the end times as a period marked by increasing darkness and tribulation. This imagery serves to prepare believers for the trials ahead and to remind them of the ultimate victory that follows. Jesus Himself warned of such times in Matthew 24:6-8, stating, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

These “birth pains” signify that the current darkness is not the end but a necessary precursor to the new dawn—the second coming of Christ. Let me be clear this is not the tribulation – I will not be here, I’ll be safe with the father. The increasing turmoil and moral decline we witness today points toward the fulfillment of these prophetic declarations. 

The Darkest Hour Before the Dawn

The assertion that the darkest hour is just before the dawn aligns with the biblical expectation of Christ’s return. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about the “perilous times” in the last days, characterized by widespread moral decay and apostasy. Yet, he also encouraged believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that these dark times herald the imminent return of Jesus.

Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution and tribulation in the last days (John 16:33). These trials, though challenging, are reminders that we are nearing the dawn of His return. Revelation 7:14 speaks of a great multitude who “came out of the great tribulation,” indicating that these intense periods of darkness are part of the divine timeline.

The increasing frequency of wars, natural disasters, and societal unrest can be seen as signs of the end times. Luke 21:25-28 describes distress among nations and natural phenomena, encouraging believers to “lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The rise of secularism, moral relativism, and spiritual complacency are hallmarks of the last days. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a great falling away before the man of sin is revealed. This apostasy is a signpost pointing towards the nearing dawn of Christ’s return.

The Glorious Dawn: The Return of Christ

The hope embedded in Rogers’ quote is rooted in the certainty of Christ’s return. Just as dawn follows the darkest part of the night, Jesus’ return will bring an end to all suffering and establish His eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Christ’s return signifies the establishment of His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells. Isaiah 60:19-20 paints a picture of this glorious future: “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.”

The darkest days are part of God’s redemptive plan. Romans 8:18-21 speaks of creation itself being liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. This redemption reaches its culmination in Christ’s return.

The second coming of Christ will also bring final judgment and the ultimate restoration of all things. Acts 3:21 speaks of the “restoration of all things,” where God’s original plan for creation is fulfilled.

Living in the Light of His Return

As believers, understanding these gloriously dark days as a setup for Christ’s return should shape our lives in several profound ways:

Jesus admonished His followers to be watchful and prepared for His return (Matthew 24:42-44). This means living in a state of readiness, with our hearts and minds focused on His coming.

In these dark times, our faith should be active and vibrant. Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” and to spur one another on towards love and good deeds.

Knowing that the darkest hour is just before the dawn, we can endure hardships with hope. Romans 5:3-5 speaks of suffering producing perseverance, character, and hope.

Conclusion

Adrian Rogers’ quote, “We may look around and see that these are dark days, but they are GLORIOUSLY DARK because the darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn,” offers a profound reminder of the hope and anticipation we have as Christians. These dark days are not the end but the prelude to the glorious dawn of Christ’s return. As we navigate through these challenging times, let us hold fast to the promises of God, live with watchful readiness, and shine as beacons of hope in a world that is gloriously dark, knowing that the dawn is near.