“Do you think Christ will come back in your lifetime?” To this age old question, most people I ask answer “yes”. The majority of Christians who know about the second coming of the Lord and the rapture of the church also feel Christ will return during their lifetime. It is unfortunate billions have been wrong about the exact timing of this spiritual event since Jesus died.
To better understand the trend behind the rapture, let’s first identify what “rapture” actually means. Modern dictionaries define rapture as “a mystical experience of being transported into the spiritual realm, sometimes applied to the second coming of Jesus Christ when true believers are expected to rise up to join him in heaven”. It’s no wonder many Christians are hopeful this will happen to them.
Biblically, references to the rapture can be found in the books of Thessalonians and Corinthians.
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54)
Freeways and streets will burn for days as Christian drivers suddenly vanish from their seats causing accidents beyond imagination. Airplanes will fall from the sky as pilots and air traffic controllers simply disappear. Trains, subways and ferries will collide in absolute devastation.
No doubt, millions of people will be killed immediately.
Those remaining on earth will tremble as they search for their loved ones among a worldwide catastrophe. To make matters worse, opportunists will add to the confusion by looting and killing.
Authorities may attempt to explain the vanishing or millions of people however it will become obvious to all those remaining that this was God’s fulfillment of His promise.
He promised that He would call out His people, and so He shall.
Many nonbelievers try ridicule this Bible doctrine, but the mocking will suddenly stop when chaos sets in among skeptics left behind to suffer through the great tribulation.
Following the quick and surprising nature in which the rapture will occur we find clues that lead to seven years of chaos on earth followed by the second coming of Jesus Christ.
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.” (Matthew 24:21)
I for one am hopeful the rapture will take place in 30 years or so, after I’ve had the chance to watch my children grow as I minister to thousands possibly leading a few lost souls to Jesus. I strongly believe it is my mission to continue walking in Jesus’ footsteps and preach His word to all those who will listen.
If I help one person make it to Heaven, my life on earth will be worthwhile. I pray the Lord will use me to inspire the hopeless find God’s eternal light.
What about you? Are you leading people to Jesus? What are you doing each day to keep your loved ones from burning in hell? Are you sharing God’s warnings?
If you are not involved in ministering to those around you then you are not following God’s commands and will surely be surprised when the rapture comes. Make sure you are among the chosen ones who will inherit a place in His kingdom. Jesus is coming soon, it’s up to you to get yourself ready to meet Him, or be left behind to suffer through the great tribulation.
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us and for your love.
We pray we will be among the chosen ones
Whom you will call out to your kingdom
Where we will sit by your side
While skeptics burn on earth.
Lord we pray you will give us strength to lead righteous lives
And that you will allow us to inspire others to do the same
Together obeying your commands
Fulfilling our mission serving you each day.
God we thank you for your forgiving our sins
And those of our friends and families
And ask that you answer prayers of those who seek you.
Thank you all mighty God for all that you’ve given us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
