False Christs
18 “Pray, too, that this may not occur in winter. 19 For those days will be a time of distress, the like of which has not occurred from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never will again. 20 And, had not the Lord put a limit to those days, not a single soul would escape; but, for the sake of God’s own chosen people, he did limit them. 21 And at that time if anyone should say to you: ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ ‘Look, there he is!’, do not believe it; 22 For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and display signs and marvels, to lead astray, were it possible, even God’s people. 23 But see that you are on your guard! I have told you all this beforehand.”
24 “In those days, after that time of distress, ‘the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, 25 The stars will be falling from the heavens,’ and ‘the forces that are in the heavens will be convulsed.’ 26 Then will be seen the ‘Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory; 27 And then he will send the angels, and gather his people from the four winds, from one end of the world to the other. 28 Learn the lesson taught by the fig-tree. As soon as its branches are full of sap, and it is bursting into leaf, you know that summer is near. 29 And so may you, as soon as you see these things happening, know that he is at your doors.”
30 “I tell you that even the present generation will not pass away, until all these things have taken place. 31 Heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 But about that day or the hour, no one knows—not even the angels in heaven, nor yet the Son, but only the Father. 33 See that you are on the watch; for you do not know when the time will be.”
34 It is like a man going on a journey, who leaves his home, puts his servants in charge—each having his special duty—and orders the porter to watch. 35 Therefore watch, for you cannot be sure when the Master of the house is coming—whether in the evening, at midnight, at daybreak, or in the morning, 36 Else he should come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: watch!”
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To read the next chapter of the Book of Mark, please go to: Judas Betrays Jesus.
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