Bible Studies
Note that the Rapture takes place unexpectedly in a split second. One can only imagine what the general reaction by those left behind on Earth will be, and the explanation that politicians, scientists, and the leaders of the Man-made religions of the world will have to offer.
Humans left behind on Earth after the Rapture takes place will still have the opportunity to hear and to respond to the unadulterated Gospel Message, but publicly identifying oneself with Christ could cost one his life during the reign of the Antichrist.
Following the Rapture, the human beings that were left behind on planet Earth, will soon enough experience what Scripture describes as the worst time to be alive, here on Earth.
The salvation and spiritual edification of one’s family and friends have always been great concerns that anyone who has learned what eternity has in store for all unbelievers (1) and nominal Christians (2).
Even the possibility of today being the day that the Rapture (or one’s individual day of departure) takes place should be enough to rouse concern for the spiritual well-being of family and friends.
Nominal Christians dismiss their responsibilities by taking the position that the evangelization and spiritual edification of others is none of their business. God made it their business the day they chose to pick up the cross and to follow Him.
Never-the-less, the ominous realities of Mark 6: 4 and Matt.10: 36 can lay heavy on the heart of an advancing disciple.
”Jesus said to them, “A prophet (spokesperson for God) is not dishonored except in his hometown and among his own relatives, and in his own household (Mark 6: 4 NASB2020 parenthesis mine).”
“. . . and a person’s enemies (spiritual opponents) will be the members of his household (Matthew 10:36 NASB2020 parenthesis mine).”
Biblical prophecies tells us that the raptured Church in Heaven will return to Earth with Christ at the Second Advent, and rule with Him during the 1,000 year millennial Kingdom. This all takes place before the coming of the new heaven and the new earth of Rev. 21 takes place.
The Rapture prophecy was not given to Church to generate fear. On the contrary, it was given as the means of comfort and assurance, as Church Age believers will NOT be here on Earth when the worst time to be on Earth takes place, and that they have a glorious future awaiting them, when they do return.
“Therefore, COMFORT one another with these words (1Thess. 4: 18 NASB2020).”
This prophecy is only a cause of concern for self-centered, nominal Christians who are living for the things of the here and now. The Rapture would mean a sudden and unannounced END to all they planned and had worked for during most of their lives here on Earth .
Nominal “Christians” would say that they want to go to Heaven, but not necessarily right now!
Mature disciples, on the other hand, look forward to their Earthly departure, be it by way of the Rapture ( if it is to take place during their lifetime here on Earth), or by the way of their own physical death. Advancing disciples do not want to depart until they have accomplished all of the individual work that God has in mind for them , but on the other hand, they don’t want to spend any unnecessary or additional time here in the devil’s world, once his or her work has been completed.
Paul expressed these same sentiments in his letters to the born-again believers in ancient Corinth and Philippi.
“… we are of good courage and PREFER rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2Cor. 5: 8 NASB2020).”
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes (Phil. 1: 21 NASB2020).”
After being born-again, the primary purpose that God has in mind for the one we see in the mirror is to identify and to participate in his or her INDIVIDUAL part in the Great Commission (3).
An advancing disciple’s “mission field” is wherever he or she finds himself or herself 7-24, be it at home, school, work, or play.In closing, ask yourself this question. If the Rapture took place today, or if today is to be your day of departure, would you be found doing the work He had given you to do, or would you be found entangled and focused on the daily affairs of the here and now?
“No soldier (advancing disciple) in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB2020 parenthesis mine).”
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(1) Revelation 20: 15 (2) 1Cor. 3: 15 (3) Matthew 28: 19, 20
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