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One need only tune the various American reality TV channels or surf the internet, to get a glimpse of how popular the "end of time" theories have become. One of my pet hobbies, since retiring from my secular job, is following the various "doomsday preppers " These individuals are preparing for all types disasters such as, solar storms, an economic collapse, sabotage, nuclear terrorisms, natural disasters, etc.
It is not my intention to discredit any or all of these concerns. However, from a Biblical point of view, I stand on God's promises. ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) ( Jeremiah 29:11 ) ( Matthew 6:25-34
Along with these doomsday concerns comes talk of the world ending, followed by an array of related talk about Jesus returning to earth. Again, as a Christian, I too believe the world is closer to a total make over unlike anything we have seen before.
It is my belief that the next event on God's time frame is, what we refer to as the rapture. This is a sudden calling of all Christians living and dead, to meet Jesus in the air. When this rapture occurs, there will be nothing but total worldwide chaos . Drivers and passengers will suddenly be missing from moving vehicles, buses, trains and airplanes, resulting in an array of major crashes. Some loved ones will be gone, while others will be left behind. Governments will fail, for lack of leaders. Bills will not be paid. The upkeep of house will go undone. The banking systems will fail. All work related manpower will be halted. Just a total disaster of our civil life style will ocur. (1 Thess 4:16-17 ) ( 1 Thess 5:1-3 ) ( 1 Cor 15: 51-54)
And sad to say, some churches will not even miss a beat, for preaching a false gospel rather than the true gospel. ( 1 Cor 15:1-4 ) ( 2 Timothy 3:5, 7,13,) ( 2 Timothy 1:8 ) ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4) ( Jude 1:4,11,16 )
Then, after the rapture, all hell will literally break lose with a seven year tribulation period, which starts the countdown to the end of the world, as we know it. During these seven years, between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ is the terrible times of the Tribulation period on earth
So, when will this Rapture miracle take place. To start with even the Son of God Himself does not know the time nor the hour.( Matthew 24:36) And the scripture tells us that we should not pre-judge the timing or set dates. In fact, there are many scriptures that warn against date setting.( Acts 1:7 )
We have many prophet signs, concerning the "second coming of Jesus" but there are no signs need be fulfilled before the rapture can occur. We know, however, that when these signs commence the rapture is probably not far away, as the rapture occurs seven years before the return of Christ.
And believe me, one need only watch the world's current events to see what I am talking about.
Along about the first of November each year, we start seeing signs that Christmas must be near, as the decorations and tree trimming start showing up. We know by these displays, that Christmas is near but we also know that we must get over Thanksgiving before Christmas can happen
A similar allegory to this scenario is that we know the rapture precedes the second coming of Christ by seven years. Thanksgiving points to Christmas as the rapture does the second coming. By this, I am referring to the rapture (catching away) of the church and the second coming of Jesus.
The Bible gives us at many general signs of Christ's return, at the end of the seven year period. Check them out in scripture. ( Luke 21:28) (Revelation 22:12 ) ( Revelation 21:6 ) ( Revelation 22:20 )
Some second coming signs to watch are the reunification of Europe, the coming of the antichrist, the rise of a one world government and religion, the rebuilding of the third temple in Jerusalem, the invasion of Israel from the north, and finally the great battle of Armageddon.
One subtle hint of when God will stop time is found in ( Romans 11:25). Many Bible scholars interrupt this passage to mean when the last Gentile is saved, according to God's plan, then the rapture will occur. In fact, one preacher made the statement that every time he hears of a Gentile being saved, he shouts " Hallelujah" and starts looking to the sky.
In addition, Dr Charles Ryrie makes this comment as a footnote, to this verse of scripture, in his study Bible. The fullness of the Gentiles, i.e., the full number of Gentiles who will be saved (Acts 15:14). After this, God will turn again to the Jews and will save "all Israel" at the Lords return.
This particular theory is not widely published in the various prophecy circles, but should be one to consider. You see, if you want to hasten the rapture, then you should be active in your witnessing. For that next gentile, that you win to Christ, may be the one to hasten the rapture.
Now, the central objective of this article is to prepare you for what's coming in the future. We don't actually know when the Rapture will happen. It may happen in our lifetime and it may not. In fact, it may occur before I finish this article.
If you are a Child of the living God, and are ready to meet Him in the air, then what difference does the time and date mean?
Moreover, if you are unsaved and are not ready, then you should have a major concern. An unsaved person is only a " hear beat" away from the judgment of God. Once death overtakes your earthly body, it's too late to ask forgiveness. ( Hebrews 9:27)
You may ask, how you can be saved, or how you can become a believer. Simply put, it's all a matter of you exercising "faith" in God's free "Grace" to redeem you of your sin, in which you were born. For you see, you will never get good enough, on your own, to be saved. And, you cannot earn your salvation. Nor, can you loves ones get it for you. ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) Amen !
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