Tag: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Light in the Last Days – Day 32

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment

Continuing our study on how the Rapture and the Second Coming differ, let’s examine where these two events actually happen. While some think they occur simultaneously, we’ll see what the Bible says.

First, let’s look at the location of the Rapture according to Scripture. The Bible says:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  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:  (17)  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.

As previously discussed, the phrase “caught up” comes from the Greek word harpazo, which literally means to be snatched or seized away.

ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

The English New Testament was translated from the Greek so we see exactly what was meant. I also find it interesting that Strong’s states that it is from a derivative of G138 which means:

αἱρέομαι
aihreomai
hahee-reh’-om-ahee
Probably akin to G142; to take for oneself, that is, to prefer.

Christ will receive His Bride by meeting the Church in the air. This event, the Rapture, gets its name from the Latin rapturo (the translation of the Greek harpazo). Although the specific word “rapture” doesn’t appear in the text, neither do “Trinity” or “Bible,” yet they accurately represent scriptural concepts. Only the Church participates in this catching away.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  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.

Acts 1:9-11  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  (10)  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  (11)  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  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.  (16)  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:  (17)  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.

Don’t forget, this happens so fast, in the blink of an eye, that the world won’t even see it. Some claim the Rapture is a visible global event, limiting the “twinkling of an eye” speed only to our mortal transformation. But looking at the text, we see that the trumpet’s sound triggers the immediate resurrection of the dead into incorruptibility. Therefore, the entire sequence—the sound and the raising of believers—is tied to that same instantaneous moment. It’s important to see that the Lord Himself descends without the entourage described in other verses about His return. He comes specifically with the “trump of God,” which shouldn’t be confused with the seven trumpets of Revelation 8. Those angelic trumpets signal judgment, but Christ’s own trumpet brings a shout of victory! This is yet another way the Rapture differs from the Second Coming.

Now, let’s talk about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and where it will occur. The Bible states:

Zechariah 14:1-5  Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.  (2)  For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.  (3)  Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.  (4)  And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  (5)  And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

Zechariah’s prophecy confirms a physical return: the Lord will stand upon the Mount of Olives, marking an earthly entrance rather than a meeting in the air. This moment at the end of the Tribulation will not be a secret; Scripture guarantees that every eye will behold Him as He returns in glory. 
The Scriptures say:

Revelation 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

You might hear someone object, “But doesn’t this verse say He’s coming in the clouds?” There is a key distinction here: the text says He comes with clouds. These aren’t the fluffy white clouds in the sky. If we look at Hebrews 12:1, we see that “clouds” can actually refer to a massive group of witnesses. This suggests the “clouds” are actually the saints and angels accompanying His physical return:

Hebrews 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

The difference is unmistakable: the Rapture takes place in the air for the Church’s joy, while the Second Coming brings Christ to the earth to end seven years of judgment. This final return sees the defeat of the devil, the binding of the counterfeit trinity, and the start of the 1,000-year Millennium. It is a transition from atmospheric meeting to earthly victory.

Biblical prophecy, which accounts for almost one-third of the Bible, is centered entirely on Israel, a fact that many world leaders and misled Christians overlook. This misunderstanding leads people to wrongly label the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the start of the Tribulation. If you reread Matthew 24, you’ll see we are actually in the “birth pangs” stage. Use this war as a sign of the times, but do not be deceived into misplacing it on the prophetic timeline. Currently, the war in the Middle East has everyone’s spiritual eyes looking for the destruction of Damascus as Isaiah prophesized in Isaiah 17:1. Will this be the beginning of the Ezekiel 38 and 39 war? Keep an eye on the countries and areas that will come into play should the war continue. If we see the following, then yes!

  • Gog, the individual who will lead the coalition, will unite Russia (Magog/Rosh) and its former “stan” nations (Kazakhstan, Uzebekistan, etc.),
  • Turkey (Meshech & Tubal), (specifically the regions of Asia Minor/Anatolia),
  • Iran (Persia),
  • and Sudan (Cush), historically the land south of Egypt, and some include parts of Ethiopia.

I believe God has brought you here for a reason. In these significant times, He wants to offer you the gift of salvation if you haven’t yet received it. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Light in the Last Days – Day 30

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:3-5  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

When we look at eternity, many wonder what remains on God’s prophetic calendar. According to Scripture, the next major event is the Rapture: a moment that will instantly separate the world into two distinct groups. The Apostle Paul distinguishes between “they” and “ye,” revealing a sobering reality for those caught off guard. While those labeled as “they” or “them” reassure themselves with cries of “peace and safety,” believing everything is fine, Paul warns that they are actually ignoring the coming judgment. Because they aren’t looking for God, they will find themselves unable to escape the impending darkness of the Tribulation.

Everything changes when Paul addresses the believers directly. By starting his next thought with the word “But,” he draws a line between the world and the “brethren.” He reminds those who are born again that they aren’t living in spiritual darkness; therefore, “that day,” the terrifying start of the Tribulation, shouldn’t overtake them like a surprise. It’s a beautiful echo to his previous lessons on the Rapture, intended to anchor their hearts in the truth of their exemption from the coming wrath.

Around the globe, born-again believers are eagerly watching for the next great event on God’s prophetic timeline. You may have heard skeptics point out that the word “rapture” never actually appears in the pages of Scripture. But remember, neither does the word “Bible”! While the term itself comes from Latin, the biblical foundation is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. There, the Holy Spirit uses the powerful phrase ‘caught up‘ to describe our coming rescue.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  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:  (17)  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.

As I’ve said before, the New Testament was written in Greek and translated into English. The Greek word for “caught up” is:

ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

Any way you look at it, the phrase ‘caught up’ points to a supernatural departure. It describes a specific event where believers are snatched away to meet the Lord ‘in the air,’ marking the beginning of our forever with Him. This naturally makes us wonder: who are the ones destined to be caught up?

  1. the dead in Christ will rise first
  2. and then we which are alive

How will they be “caught up” according to the Greek word “harpazo’s” definition? They:

  1. will be caught away
  2. will be caught up
  3. will be plucked
  4. will be pulled
  5. will be taken by force” from this earth into the air!

“The Holy Spirit used this identical Greek term in Acts 8:39 to describe Philip’s experience. After he witnessed to and baptized the eunuch, Philip was ‘caught away‘ and transported by God’s power—giving us a small glimpse of the miraculous departure awaiting every believer.”

Acts 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Either way you look at the Greek definition, the meaning is clear: the Church will be removed instantly. In the twinkling of an eye, every believer will be gone, caught up by the power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:52  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.

Make no mistake, Reader: the Rapture only includes those who belong to Jesus: whether they are resting in the grave or still living on earth. The picture above shows the sudden separation: one is taken to safety while the other is left to face the Great Tribulation. Paul’s words are clear: ‘sudden destruction’ will overtake those who remain. It is a horrible reality that some will stay behind simply because they loved their sin more than their Saviour. Will you be ready when that day comes?

Praise God! This truth brings me such incredible peace and excitement, but I realize it may cause others to feel uneasy. If you aren’t sure of your salvation, listen closely: it is no coincidence that you encountered this message today. God has brought about this very moment for you to surrender your life to Him and be saved from the judgment to come. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Return from the Wedding

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Luk 12:36  And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

We’ve been going over the various reasons supporting the Rapture of the Church occurring before the Tribulation begins. The marriage supper of the Lamb is one of those reasons. When Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation for His Second Coming, He will be returning from a wedding. So let’s look at Revelation 19:7-8, where we read about the marriage supper. According to Jewish custom, the marriage supper takes place before the marriage. First there is a marriage contract, which includes a dowry. That dowry is drawn up first.

Rev 19:7-8  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  ( 8 )  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

How can we apply this to the Church? The contract is a comparison to when we trust Jesus to be our Savior. The dowry is His life, which was used to purchase our salvation. Nothing we do can ever be enough to take us to Heaven. Only Jesus’ life can do this!

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

When it’s time for the wedding, the groom goes to the bride’s house, unannounced. She comes out to meet him, and then he takes her to his father’s house. This fits perfectly with the Pre-Tribulation beliefs. Jesus, our Groom, comes down from Heaven to the clouds and calls up the Church, His bride. After meeting His bride in the air, the Groom and the bride return to His Father’s house which is Heaven. (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) The marriage supper itself will take place there, while down here on earth the judgments of the seven-year Tribulation will be playing out.

After the marriage supper of Jewish tradition, the bride and groom are presented to the world as man and wife. This corresponds to the time when Jesus returns to earth at His Second Coming, accompanied by an army “clothed in fine linen, white and clean”!!! Glory!!! \o/

Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

The marriage supper of the Lamb occurs before He returns to earth at His Second Coming! Think about this for a moment. It occurs before Revelation 19:14 when Christ returns with His Bride. It fits perfectly with the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint. The post-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint cannot possibly by correct because that means they would be raptured and have the marriage supper THEN come back to earth with Jesus at the Second Coming! Who would be left to populate the earth during the millennium if all believers were raptured before the unbelievers are destroyed at the Lord’s Second Coming? It’s evident that this viewpoint cannot be correct.

Does this excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 32

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment
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As we continue our study on the differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming of our Lord, we will look into where these two events will take place. Some believe that they occur at the same time but let’s compare that with the Bible.

First, let’s see what Scripture says about where the Rapture will occur. The Bible says:

1 Thess 4:16-17  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:  (17)  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.

As we’ve covered previously, the words “caught up” in the Greek is “harpazo,” which means to catch away.

ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

The English New Testament was translated from the Greek so we see exactly what was meant. I also find it interesting that Strong’s states that it is from a derivative of G138 which means:

αἱρέομαι
aihreomai
hahee-reh’-om-ahee
Probably akin to G142; to take for oneself, that is, to prefer.

The Lord Jesus Christ will take for Himself the Bride by meeting the Church in the air! The word rapture itself comes from the Latin’s translation of harpazo, which is rapturo. Now you see where we get the English word rapture. I know some of you are thinking that the word “rapture” isn’t in the Bible but neither are the words Trinity or Bible. Only the Church will take part in this event.

1 Co 15:51-52  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  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.

Act 1:9-11  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.  (10)  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;  (11)  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1 Th 4:14-17  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  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.  (16)  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:  (17)  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.

Remember, the unbelieving world will not see this happening because it happens so quickly: in the twinkling of an eye! Notice that the Lord Himself descends (no mention of others coming with Him as in other verses referring to the Second Coming). Also, note that He comes with the “trump OF GOD;” this trump is not the same as the seven trumpets of Revelation 8. The seven angels will have those trumpets; and those trumpets bring judgment, not joy! The Messiah will sound His own trumpet and He alone will descend with a shout! Again, this is not what happens at the Second Coming.

Now, let’s talk about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and where it will occur. The Bible states:

Zec 14:1-5  Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.  (2)  For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.  (3)  Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.  (4)  And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  (5)  And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.

The Old Testament prophet, Zechariah, states that the Lord will be coming to the earth and will stand on the Mount of Olives. This is a physical coming to earth! It’s not in the air. Not only that, when Christ comes back to earth at the end of the Tribulation, the Bible says that every eye will see Him! The Scriptures say:

Rev 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

I can almost hear the skeptic saying that this verse says that Christ is coming in the clouds in this verse. However, the Scriptures say that He is coming with clouds, not coming in the clouds. These are not the puffy clouds in the air: we can see in Hebrews 12:1 that this use of the word cloud at times can refer to people:

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Do you see the difference between Christ coming at the Rapture “in the clouds and in the air” and at His Second Coming “to the earth and standing on the Mount of Olives”? The Rapture is a time of joy for the Church. The Second Coming brings an end to seven years of judgment upon the entire earth. Christ and the Church defeat the devil’s armies, and the counterfeit “trinity” is bound for 1,000 years. Christ’s Second Coming ushers in the Millennium!

If you are a student of the Bible, you know more than the smartest people on earth who misguide people; world leaders, other Christians who have been misled and many others. Bible prophecy is a blessing and is contained in almost a third of the Bible. Bible prophecy has nothing to say about other nations at the center of its prophecies. Only Israel is at the center of prophecy. This is why people are so misguided. They try to fit the war with Russia and Ukraine as an indication we are in the Tribulation. We are merely in the birth pangs – reread Matthew 24. This war may very well be a stepping stone so do not be deceived.

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 30

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

1 Th 5:3-5  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

What’s next on God’s prophetic calendar? The Rapture is the next major event according to God’s Word. Notice who is spoken of in the verses above? The Apostle Paul describes two groups: “they/them” and “ye”! Those referenced as “they/them” will say “Peace and safety” meaning that they are not looking for judgment from God – they think everything is OK. However, Paul says “they shall not escape.” Escape what? They shall not escape the Tribulation.

Then Paul changes to the ones he’s speaking to. He tells the Thessalonians that “But ye brethren” are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief! Wow! Paul starts the very next sentence with the word “But”! Then he continues to say that the brethren (those who are in Christ, born again) are NOT in darkness that that day (what day – the Tribulation) should overtake them. He had taught them about the Rapture and he is reminding them of that teaching.

Born again believers world wide are looking for this next prophetic event on God’s calendar!!! As a reminder, the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible, but neither is the word “bible”! The terminology used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is “caught up”:

1 Th 4:16-17  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:  (17)  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.

As you recall from my previous posts, the New Testament was written in Greek and translated into English. The Greek word for “caught up” is:

ἁρπάζω
harpazō
har-pad’-zo
From a derivative of G138; to seize (in various applications): – catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

Either way you look at this term as it relates to 1 Thessalonians 4:17, you see that “caught up” indicates that there will be some kind of removal of believers that will be done and those believers will meet Christ “in the air” and we’ll be with Him forever. Who will be caught up?

  1. the dead in Christ will rise first
  2. and then we which are alive

How will they be “caught up” according to the Greek word “harpazo’s” definition? They:

  1. will be caught away
  2. will be caught up
  3. will be plucked
  4. will be pulled
  5. will be taken by force” from this earth into the air!

This same Greek word was used in Acts 8:30 when Philip was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord after he led the Ethiopian eunuch to salvation and afterward baptized him.

Act 8:39  And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Either definition you pick from the Greek definition, Christians will be removed quickly: in the twinkling of an eye!

1 Co 15:52  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.

Only two types of Christians will be raptured, reader! Those who are already dead and those who are alive at the time the Rapture occurs. The picture at the top of this post is a wonderful depiction of the blessed event! Notice that there were two in the grave, two in bed, and two in the field working. Only one of each category was caught up and the others stayed on earth. Paul says that sudden destruction will come upon those people who remain on earth after the Rapture. These people may have already heard the gospel preached and decided they loved their sin more than living for the Lord. How sad is that?

Praise the Lord! Does this topic excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not born again, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming – Day 42

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Second Coming of Jesus Christ2 Comments

Good morning, precious readers and friends! Today’s topic is alarming to me. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to go to Hell when they die. These same people will be brought up from Hell to experience the Great White Throne Judgment and then be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity. It’s like being burned so severely and then going to a place where you will burn forever!!! Please, if anyone reads this and is not saved, please don’t make fun of it. Search your heart and come to Christ as your Saviour. If you are reading this and the Rapture has already happened, don’t delay as your time on this earth is very limited! Please, I plead with you, get saved now before it’s eternally too late. Just click here and a new tab will open up that will show you how to be saved. Then come back here so we can continue with today’s post.

Now back to our topic… After the Millennium is finished, Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire and all unbelieving souls since the beginning of time will be judged before the Great White Throne.

Rev 20:11-14  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  (12)  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  (14)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

Can you imagine how this will go down? All those who have been in hell all those years since the beginning of time, will be released and will have to appear before the Lord Jesus Christ to be judged according to their works. Why works? They will be judged by their works because they did not accept Christ as their Saviour. Therefore, they will learn quickly that everything they did in life, by deeds or words, will be judged at this point. There will be nothing in their lives that will be equivalent to what Christ did on the cross for them. They chose to deny Him on this earth and He will deny them before the Father in Heaven. I picture it just as the tract called This Was Your Life depicts it. Take a moment to read it before continuing. It will open in a new tab so once you’re finished, come back here.

Once they are judged, Christ will look at the book of life and point out that their name is not written in it. Only those who were born again and accepted Christ as their Saviour have names written in that book. Christ promised these believers that their name would never be blotted out of the book.

Philippians 4:3  And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Revelation 3:5  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

I can’t even begin to imagine that “good” person at this point. If you are one of those good people, stop now and think of what this means! You cannot be good enough. Even if you lived an honest life but didn’t believe in God, your name will not be found in the Lamb’s book of life. It doesn’t matter if you believed in God or not. I would not want to find out I was wrong all along when my time comes to die. It’s not too late to be saved at this point in time. But once you die, that’s it. Your time has run out and it’s too late to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour.

Heb 9:27-28  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (28) So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

You don’t want to be part of the Great White Throne judgment, friend. You want to be part of those who will not experience the second death.

Rev 20:14-15  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  (15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Here’s a good quote to remember:

Chuck Missler Quote: "Those born once will die twice and ...

Those who won’t accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour are those who are born once, but they will die twice. Once upon their physical death and they go to Hell; then their second death is after the Great White Throne judgment when they are cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity. 😥 Those who have accepted Christ as their Saviour are born twice: once at their physical birth and the second birth is their spiritual birth when they are “born again.” This person will only die once (their physical death). After their death, they are present with the Lord in Heaven and live with Him for eternity.

Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming – Day 41

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Second Coming of Jesus ChristLeave a comment

Good morning, dear reader! We have just a couple more posts on this series! It seems as though I just started it yesterday! As you’re reading these devotional posts, do you feel anxiety or do you feel excited? I’ve always felt excited but I know people who are apprehensive about what is about to happen. One must ask oneself, am I anxious because I’m not 100% I’m going to Heaven or because I love life and am not ready to give it up? Only you can answer this. Are you 100% certain that if you were to die in your sleep tonight, that you would go to Heaven? If you are not 100% certain, please go here and read through it. It will open in a new tab. Then come back to this tab and let’s continue.

Once the Millennium comes to an end, Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit for a short period. He will once again come against Israel only to be defeated once and for all. Those who have died without Christ from the beginning of time will not rise just yet. Their time will come to be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Rev 20:1-10  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  (2)  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  (3)  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.  (4)  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (5)  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  (6)  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  (7)  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,  (8)  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  (9)  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  (10)  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Satan’s army will be destroyed one and for all – forever! He will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever and ever. As you can see by the Bible verses above, Satan and his minions will be tormented day and night! His time is coming and those who love the Lord long for the day when there is finally peace and King Jesus is reigning!!

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming – Day 40

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Second Coming of Jesus ChristLeave a comment
Photography by Chris Michaud

Good morning! ☕ I’m sitting here with my coffee and excited to share today’s post with you. Nothing gets my spiritual self excited and motivated than writing about the Lord and His coming! We are nearing the end of our Rapture versus the Second Coming series. I praise Him for keeping us safe in Him and giving His Church a blessed opportunity! I pray for souls to be won to Christ and to give me boldness to share the beautiful Gospel of Jesus!!! King Jesus will be reigning on this earth soon – what a glorious day that will be!

Today’s post concentrates on the Second Coming and what happens after. If you recall from previous posts, the Church has already been raptured. But what happens to those saints who died during the Tribulation? The verses below explain:

Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

We also see that Jesus will come with judgment for all who are still alive. He will judge the Jews and the nations. This is also known as the sheep/goat judgment.

Eze 20:33-38  As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you:  (34)  And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.  (35)  And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.  (36)  Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.  (37)  And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:  (38)  And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Mat 25:31-46  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:  (32)  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:  (33)  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  (34)  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  (35)  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  (36)  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  (37)  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  (38)  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  (39)  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  (40)  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  (41)  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  (42)  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  (43)  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  (44)  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  (45)  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  (46)  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

2Th 1:7-9  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  (8)  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (9)  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

After all the judgments are finished, the Millennium is ready to begin. The curse which had been placed on the earth after Adam and Eve sinned, is now lifted. The earth will again be perfect as it was in the Garden of Eden. Can you imagine petting a lion or playing with a boa constrictor??? I can’t wait!

Rev 22:3-5  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:  (4)  And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  (5)  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Isa 11:6-9  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (7)  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  (8)  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.  (9)  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isa 35:1-2  The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.  (2)  It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

Isa 35:5-6  Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.  (6)  Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Jesus deals with Satan, the false prophet and the antichrist and binds them for 1,000 years. Can you imagine what life will be like during this time? 😃 I see the believers blessing His holy name and praising Him!

Rev 20:1-3  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  (2)  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,  (3)  And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Can you imagine King Jesus reigning over the earth from Jerusalem? What an event that will be! The saints will rule with Jesus during that 1,000 years. Not having the devil’s influence over the hearts of man is something we have never experienced! At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be loosed for a short time to deceive the nations yet again. Another battle will occur that will be a great one. Satan and all the nations involved will go against the saints and Israel, particularly Jerusalem. But God will send down fire which will kill them all! Satan will then be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity.

Rev 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Once the millennium is finished, God will create a new Heaven and a new earth. As well, all those souls and those who have died from the very beginning through the end of the Millennium will be raised and judged. This is called the Great White Throne.

Rev 20:12-15  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  (13)  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  (14)  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  (15)  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The next post will be about the new Heaven and the new earth. Oh what beauty we will behold. It is truly something to look forward to!

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming – Day 39

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Second Coming of Jesus ChristLeave a comment

It’s a brand new day and we have the Lord to thank for our eyes opening this morning, Amen? We have another day to share the Gospel, discuss the upcoming events on God’s prophetic calendar, and to encourage one another as these days get darker! Paul exhorts us not to live in darkness because we have the light of the Word of God abiding in us! Thank You, Lord!!! So what’s next on this topic? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says will happen after the Rapture and the Second Coming. Today’s post will cover what comes after the Rapture.

As we saw in previous posts, the Rapture is a snatching away of the Church before the Tribulation begins. What does it involve? The Church (consisting of born-again saints) will instantaneously be changed from the physical body we have here on earth to a new resurrected body just as Jesus had at His resurrection. This event happens so quickly that Scripture says it happens in the “twinkling of an eye!”

1 Co 15:50-55  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  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.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  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.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Php 3:20-21  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  (21)  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

So how fast is the “twinkling of an eye”? According to policedriver.com:

When you are driving 60 mph, literally in a blink of an eye, you move 17.6 feet.

I’m assuming we will be traveling upwards faster than 60 mph because the world will not see what is happening. I merely gave you this example so you could “see with your mind’s eye” how fast the twinkling of an eye can be. In fact, the word twinkling only appears once in the entire Bible (King James Version). I find that interesting, don’t you?

Some mistaken the “last trump” in 1 Corinthians 15:52 to be the one spoken of in Revelation 11. However, that cannot be the case as all the seals, trumpets and bowls are horrible judgments, not something to encourage the believer. The last trumpet is God’s trump, not angels.

(1Th 4:16)  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:

After we are taken to be with Jesus in Heaven, He will be waiting to hand out (or withhold) rewards to believers for their work here on earth while waiting for His coming. This is called the “Bema Seat” judgment. It is not judgment for our sins because Christ paid the price for those sins. It is to judge what we did for the Kingdom. Will the works we did be works that we took credit for or will they be for Christ? That will depend on whether they are burned (works for one’s own glory) or whether they will bring rewards (works done for Christ’s glory).

1 Co 3:12-15  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  (13)  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  (14)  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  (15)  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

2 Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Tim 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Rev 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

While the Tribulation happens, the earth will suffer, as well as the people living on it. The world will dive into total lawlessness and Satan will take advantage of this. After the Rapture, the restraint of the Holy Spirit will be gone because He resides within every born-again believer. His role will return to that of the Old Testament where He empowered specific people. Without His restraint, the earth will not have all those Christians to bear witness of Christ and to object to the evils of this world. Instead, the devil will use his wicked power to guide the world into a one world church and one world government, where he will reign for seven years. If you think things are bad now, it will be hundreds of times worse during his reign.

The whole point of this series is to encourage the believers but it is also to alert those who are lost of what is to come! It will be the worse time to come upon the entire earth. There will be no escape unless the warnings from this blog lead you to Christ. You must heed this warning and settle where you will spend eternity today before it is too late. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Rapture vs. The Second Coming – Day 38

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, Rapture, Second Coming of Jesus Christ1 Comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

Good morning! It’s time to shake off the sleepiness and drink that morning cup of coffee or tea. I must admit that I wouldn’t mind waking up to the view above, wouldn’t you? 😃 On my last post, we covered God’s timing for the Tribulation period and why we believe the Rapture will occur before that great judgment. To sum that up, no man knows the day or the hour of the Rapture, but we can know the signs of the coming of the Tribulation. Christ’s return for the church is imminent: that means it can happen any time. Today, we will look at the Second Coming of Christ and when the Scriptures say that will happen according to the prophecies from the Old Testament.

The prophet Daniel, of the Old Testament, prophesied about this very thing.

Dan 9:24-27  Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.  (25)  Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.  (26)  And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  (27)  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Daniel prophesied that the antichrist would sign a peace treaty with Israel for one week, which is equal to seven years (he breaks that treaty half way through). It stands to reason that there has to be a reason for the need for a peace treaty; there must be wars and conflicts so bad that Israel longs for peace and will give anything to achieve that peace. Remember, Daniel’s 70th week revolves around Israel. From that point on, the Tribulation begins and God’s prophetic clock starts to tick for the seven years. This tells us that the Second Coming of Jesus won’t happen until those seven years are finished. Therefore, the date of the Second Coming will be known to believers during those seven years! God is very specific and when He says seven biblical years, He means it. A biblical year is 360 days, not 365 as we know it in the West. So all one has to do is to multiply 360 x 7 and you get 2,520 days. Half way through is 1,260.

The Bible continues to tell us that more signs will appear before Christ comes to end the Battle of Armageddon. Read on:

Dan 9:27  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Dan 11:31  And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Dan 12:11  And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Half way through the Tribulation, the antichrist will break that treaty with Israel and he will remove Israel’s ability to do sacrificing in their temple. Therefore, we know the Tribulation has not started yet for two reasons: (1) there hasn’t been a need for a peace treaty yet, and (2) Israel does not have a temple in Jerusalem. Once Israel realizes that the antichrist is not their Messiah, they will flee to the wilderness:

Rev 12:6  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

It is not until these seven years of judgment upon Israel (see Daniel 9:24 above) are over that their true Messiah, King Jesus, will come. Those who fled to the wilderness will be cared for by God and they will recognize their true Messiah when He returns!

Rev 19:7-8  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  (8)  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Rev 19:11-16  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  (15)  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  (16)  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Jesus and the Church will return at the end of the Tribulation after God has released His wrath upon the disobedient world. We know for a fact that the Church has been in Heaven because of the following verses in Matthew. Jesus said:

Mat 24:29-31  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  (30)  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  (31)  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

This is not the gathering of saints on earth as some post Tribulation believers say. This is the gathering of the saints already in Heaven! Verse 31 doesn’t say from under heaven; no it is from one end of heaven to the other. Let God’s Word reveal to you the truth, reader.

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!