In his book, And Then the End Will Come , Doug Cobb takes a humble and holistic approach to better understanding what the Bible teaches concerning the return of Christ. I love that this book doesnt get lost in the eschatological weeds and that it doesnt just convey information, but it explores the implications of how we must live, love, and lead as the end draws near.
Kyle Idleman , senior pastor, Southeast Christian Church, author, not a fan , AHA , and Grace Is Greater
Ive known Doug Cobb for thirty years. He is the real deal. You will be blessed and encouraged by sitting at Dougs feet, and his thoroughly researched and biblical book will fill you with hope that doesnt disappoint.
Paul Miller , author, A Praying Life and J-Curve
And Then the End Will Come is so needed for times like these. This biblically based, easy-to-follow study of the second coming deepens confidence in the truth of Gods Word, inspires hope in desperate times, motivates us to holy living, and reignites the fires of evangelism. Be encouraged by it while you wait for the blessed hopethe glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bob Russell , founder, Bob Russell Ministries
This book is power packed, fast paced, solid, and thorough. Its worth the read! But as you delve in, dont seek to be merely informed. Doug is extending an invitation for all of us to join in the greatest faith adventure known to humankind.
Eric Watt , president, Reaching Unreached Nations
Christians believe Jesus is coming back, but we rarely explore or seek to understand it. In this book, Doug Cobb guides us with biblical richness to see that the Bible has much to say to prepare us for this great day.
John Rinehart , author, Gospel Patrons
Regardless of your take on biblical prophecy, there is one sure promise of Jesus: he will return. As Doug Cobb explains in And Then the End Will Come , some of us believe that we are very close to seeing the gospel proclaimed everywhere. Your heart will be lifted as you read Dougs new book.
Paul Eshleman , founder, The Jesus Film Project and founding director, Finishing the Task
And Then The End Will Come reveals that The End is at hand. Through Doug Cobbs Finishing Fund, and now this book, he has been a trailblazer in the work of making disciples in foreign lands. After 2,000-plus years, Jesus command for us to make disciples of all nations is almost complete. Dougs message for the world is: People get ready, Jesus is coming.
Rusty George , senior pastor Real Life Church and author of After Amen
Doug Cobbs excitement about completing the Great Commission is infectious. With wit and wisdom, he shares the Christo-centric way to finishing the task in this decade. Moreover, from Isaiah and Daniel through 2 Peter and Revelation, Doug reveals the Biblical path to the coming Christ. Rest assured, if you are a Christ-follower, you will be inspired by the fellow-laborers working to bring about His Kingdom Come. Read And Then The End Will Come , and you will be encouraged.
Jarrett Stephens , senior pastor Champion Forest and author of The Always God
2021 by Douglas Cobb
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked CEB are taken from the Common English Bible, CEB, copyright 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The CEB and Common English Bible trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Common English Bible.
Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked GNT are from the Good News Translation in Todays English Version, Second Edition. Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Cover design by Micah Kandros
Edited by Marissa Wold Uhrina
ISBN 978-0-9994671-5-2 (eBook)
ISBN 978-0-9994671-4-5 (paperback)
To Paul Eshleman,
who invited me into the adventure of a lifetime.
Acknowledgments
Gena, my beautiful wife: thank you for always supporting my adventures. I am so thankful that you love God, love His Word, and love me!
Kyle Idleman, Bob Russell, Tom and Karen Harper, Bob Shank, Don Gates, Doug Michael, John Rinehart, and Gena Cobb: thank you for reviewing the manuscript, for your helpful suggestions, and most of all for your encouragement.
Tom Harper: thanks for your encouragement and assistance and for taking me under your wing.
My brothers and sisters in Word by Word: thank you for allowing me to teach the book to you and for your questions and suggestions. You have no idea how much that helped. I love living life with you.
My fellow elders at Southeast Christian: the finest group of men Ive ever been associated with.
My partners in the Finishing Fund: thank you for your generosity and for your confidence in me.
Mike Constanz, Lisa Pak, Dan Hitzhusen, Dante and Katya Tamez, Cindy Deibert, and Lara Heneveld of Finishing the Task: thanks for all of your hard work and help as we work toward the day when there are disciples in every nation.
Len Moisan: thanks for modeling what a great Bible teacher looks like.
David Reagan and Lamb & Lion Ministries: thank you for many years of great teaching on prophecy and the last days.
Miss Merriman and Mrs. Bendt: thanks for doing your best to teach me how to write.
Foreword
I n an earlier erawhen daily newspapers were the primary way to communicate significant reports to a mass audienceeditors used an insider term for front-page, above-the-fold headlines: Second Coming Type.
The premise was simple: a certain font size was reserved for only the most earth-shaking, unprecedented occasions. The attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassination of a president, a stock market crashthese were historic events that, like the return of Jesus, required striking emphasis, demanding the full focus of the reader.
In the first century, the apostle Peter foresaw the decline of interest in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ: Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has from the beginning of creation (2 Pet. 3:4).
Based on Peters prophetic projection, its no surprise that todays major news purveyors have no interest in covering current trends and events that point toward an apocalyptic culmination of history. Biblical prophecy has been consigned to the realm of fables and superstition.
But for those whose faith is in Jesus and confidence is in the Scriptures, this should be a time of astounding anticipation concerning the unfolding fulfillment of Gods promises. Yet many today are unaware or confused about the milestones that mark the journey from todays growing darkness to the light of the coming kingdom.