The Role of the End-time Church in Prophecy
By Lemie McGarity
In Luke 17:26-32, Jesus speaks of the condition of the world at the time of His return. People will turn away from God, leading to moral decay, and world leaders will find themselves unable to resolve the crises brought on by chaos and division. Within the Church, confusion will grow as it grapples with both physical and spiritual divisions.
This article seeks to explore the profound role of the Church during these end times, often referred to as the time of Jacob’s trouble, Jeremiah 30:7. Many challenges the Church faces stem from a rejection of the Holy Spirit’s guidance, causing spiritual division and a failure to understand the true essence of the Church and its responsibilities in the world.
The Church: A Royal Priesthood
It is crucial to first understand the true identity of the Church. Scripture tells us that the Church is a Royal Priesthood, with Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 7) and the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). The apostle Peter reminds us of this in 1 Peter 2:5, where he writes, “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The word “priesthood,” according to Strong’s Concordance (G2406), refers to a body of priests, comprising all believers—not just a select few. We are all part of this holy and royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and reflect the royal dignity of proclaiming God’s excellencies (1 Peter 2:5, 9). Just as Israel was once called God’s own possession and tasked with showing the nations His ways (Exodus 19), so today, the Church, as the spiritual Israel, carries this same responsibility to the world.
Our Call to Proclaim God’s Excellencies
1 Peter 2:9 further emphasizes our calling: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” As God’s elect, we are tasked with proclaiming His excellencies. John 6:44-45 reminds us that it is the Father who calls us, and like Christ, we are to obey His law and His truths (John 15:10).
The Duties of the Priesthood
In fulfilling this high calling, the Church must understand its priestly duties according to God’s Word. **Ezekiel 44:23-24** outlines these responsibilities: teaching the people to discern between what is holy and what is common, distinguishing between the clean and unclean, and judging according to God’s ordinances. The priests were also to uphold God’s laws, keep His appointed feasts, and sanctify His Sabbaths.
As God’s priesthood, the Church’s work will accomplish three important tasks, as outlined in John 16:8 “convicting the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is through the Holy Spirit that the Church convicts the world in these areas:
1. Sin: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).
2. Righteousness: Living in a way that is acceptable to God, reflecting justice and virtue (Matthew 5:14).
3. Judgment: Helping people understand the difference between right and wrong, justice and injustice.
The Church’s Twofold Mission
Understanding what it means to be a royal priesthood allows us to grasp the Church’s twofold mission in these end times:
1. To hold the world accountable to God by proclaiming His truth and calling people to repentance, just as Christ did by proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God.
2. To hold the Church itself accountable** by upholding sound doctrine and truth (1 Timothy 1:3; 6:3).
The Bible provides clear direction for the Church’s role during these times of trouble.
Isaiah 58:1 urges us to “cry loudly, do not hold back; raise your voice like a trumpet, and declare to My people their transgressions.” Similarly, Ezekiel 33:7 describes the Church as a watchman, responsible for warning God’s people. Jeremiah 1:10 affirms that God has appointed the Church to “pluck up, break down, destroy, overthrow, build, and plant.” See also 2 Co 10:3-6
Though the Church will face persecution, as warned in Daniel 11:33, it must remain faithful. This testing will refine the faithful, strengthening them for their mission.
The Church as a Light to the World
As the end draws near, the Church must shine as a light to the world, reflecting the love and unity of the Spirit. **Matthew 5:14 reminds us, “You are the light of the world,” and John 17:21-26 underscores the importance of unity in fulfilling the Church’s mission. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” which is essential for the Church to carry out its end-time role.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As God’s elect and a royal priesthood, the Church is called to be ambassadors of His Kingdom now and in the world to come (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). As we approach the end times, the Church has a crucial role in warning the nations and convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. But it must also maintain unity and peace within, guarding against deception and holding fast to the truth.
In Matthew 24:5, Jesus warns that many will come in His name, leading many astray. As the Church, the royal priesthood, we must remember who we are in Christ, refusing to be deceived. Matthew 24:23-24 cautions us that false prophets will arise, performing great signs to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Let us stand firm in our calling, shining the light of Christ to a world in need as the Royal Priesthood of the Most High God.
Amen!