The context in which these two verses are placed is definitely the Second Coming of Christ.
Not the Rapture of the Church but rather the Lord’s coming to the earth in power and glory.
The disciples asked the Lord hen this event would take the place—v.3.
The Lord told them that the day and how was hidden in the Father’s book—v.36.
Nevertheless, He says, there will be certain signs given to show that this coming is near.
Then He quoted the words of verses 37 to 39.
Study the record before the flood, says Jesus, if you want an answer to your question, “When shall these things be?”
Jesus referred exclusively to Genesis 4—6.
Genesis 4 describes the social and economic conditions.
Genesis 5 describes the dispensational picture.
Genesis 6 describes the moral conditions.
1. Religious apostasy
2. Travel
3. City Building
4. Polygamy and sexuality
5. Great agriculture advances
6. Music
7. Craftsmanship/Working in metal
8. Violence and crime
These conditions characterized the days of Noah, and will again characterize the days preceding the coming of the Lord.
Religious Apostasy
In the 4th chapter we have a description of the conflict between the first modernist (Cain) and the first fundamentalist (Abel).
Contrary to common belief, Cain was a very religious man and he was conscious of his duty towards God.
Cain’s offering required much work and effort, but he rejected God’s sacrifice—God’s Lamb which Abel respected.
The difference between the two offerings was the difference between faith and works—the blood and the works of man’s hand.
There are only two religions in the word today, despite the many variations in practice:
1. There are those who believe the inspired Word of God and that remission of sins is through the shed blood of Christ.
2. There are those who believe in the dignity of man rather than his depravity, who deny the inspiration of the Word and deny the efficiency of the blood of Christ.
Apostates have made tremendous advances in the ecumenical movement, which is an attempt to integrate all religions into one World Church.
Many have been misled by this movement which advocates the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, this means universal salvation—no one will be lost.
The Bible says “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”—John 3:3.
Salvation is in a Person, not in a system.
“He that believeth on Him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”—John 3:18.
Travel
Cain was the first world-traveler.
“And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod”—Genesis 4:16.
Nod = wandering. Tradition, and the International Bible Encyclopedia say that Cain travelled as far as India and China.
It suggests a restlessness, uneasiness, and a desire to explore and investigate.
Daniel says, “In the end times many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased”—Daniel 12:4.
There are three things here which the Bible says will characterize the end times: “Speed, travel and knowledge.”
Describe this briefly.
City Building
This was introduced in the days before the flood.
“And Cain built a city and he called the name of the city, after the name of his son”—Genesis 4:17.
In cities sin develops rapidly. It did in Cain’s day. It does today. As cities become larger today, crime increases daily.
Less than 100 years ago, 85% of the population lived on farms and rural communities.
Then came the industrial revolution of the 19th century, families were forced to leave the country for the cities where the big factories were, and today the ratio has been completely reversed, with 85% of the population in the cities.
Polygamy and Sexuality
This concentration of people in the city has led to the next sign of the last days: polygamy and the breakdown of the home.
The Lord said that the days of Noah before the flood would be repeated during the days before His coming. They shall be “marrying and giving in marriage.”
What a mess we are in!
The sanctity of marriage has gone for the majority.
The finality of the marriage vows has been discarded.
The Biblical concept of marriage is largely rejected.
This has resulted in unhappy homes, broken homes, mentally and emotionally disturbed/scarred children.
All this is contrary to God’s Word. It raged in the days before the flood. Jesus said it would be rampant in the days immediately preceding His coming.
There are at least two other signs for us today, signs which were evident previous to the flood.
Music
“Jubal was the father of all such who handle the organ and the harp”—Genesis 4:21.
This is the first mention of music.
Never was there more music in the air than now.
Radio—Television—Tapes—Records.
Most of what we have is a development of pagan noises which defy description.
Music, music, music…everywhere squeaks and squawks and empty groans—baby talk and monkey moans.
People have been known to become hypnotized under the spell of repetitious swing and beat.
This kind of thing has even come into our Christian music as a sign of the last days.
Violence
First of all it was Cain—then it was Lamech—then the whole earth became filled with violence.
This violence, and the inability to curb or even deal with it, is leading us on to dictatorship—The Antichrist.