Tag: Ephesians 1:13-14

Light in the Last Days – Day 45

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

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As we look at John 14:1-3, we see a glimpse into God’s timing for His people. This passage identifies the participants of the Rapture, the initial phase of the end times scheduled to occur before the Tribulation. We must not confuse this with the Second Coming, when Jesus returns to earth to destroy the False Prophet and the Antichrist. The Rapture is not about establishing an earthly kingdom yet; it is about the Lord coming to take His Church to the place He has prepared.

Exactly who will take part in the Rapture? While we find the promise of the event in John 14, the Apostle John provides the specific “entry requirement” earlier in his Gospel. In John 3:36, he writes, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” This verse acts as a spiritual dividing line. The Rapture is not a general event for all of humanity; it is a specific gathering reserved for those who have placed their complete trust in Jesus Christ. For the believer, the Rapture is a rescue; for the unbeliever, it marks the beginning of a period where God’s wrath remains upon the earth.

John 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

To be a believer is to be secure. The Apostle John reminds us that whoever believes in the Son “hath everlasting life”—it is a guaranteed inheritance that begins the moment we trust Him. Because our sins were judged at the Cross, we no longer fear the wrath that “abideth” on those who refuse to believe. While the unbeliever remains spiritually separated, we have been brought into the light. Our future is not one of fear or judgment, but of eternal fellowship in the very presence of the God who loves us.

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Scripture is explicit: God’s wrath is not a random occurrence, but a consequence to be received by those who refuse the gift of salvation and ignore His Word. The Apostle Paul reminds us that while believers once lived under the influence of this world’s “prince,” that chapter of our lives is closed. We are no longer “children of disobedience.” By highlighting this distinction, Paul emphasizes that the coming judgment is for those who continue in their rebellion, whereas the believer has been set apart and delivered from the wrath to come.

Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [Born-again believers “in time past” walked in disobedience, but after salvation, they ceased.]

Ephesians 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Colossians 3:6  For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

The Church has a blessed hope, a blessed destiny that does not include the outpouring of God’s wrath. Instead, we are marked as part of Christ’s own body through the sealing of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit of promise serves as the official “receipt” of our salvation, verifying that our inheritance is already secured in heaven. It is the ultimate wedding gift from the Saviour to His Bride, ensuring that we are preserved, protected, and prepared for an eternity in His presence.

Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [That inheritance is given to us when the day of redemption arrives.]

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [When IS that day of redemption? Jesus encouraged His followers to be aware of the “end time signs”!

Luke 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Throughout the New Testament, the Church is depicted as the Bride of Christ, a people set apart and “espoused” to Him. This spiritual betrothal carries a magnificent promise: just as God raised the Lord Jesus, He will also raise the members of His Church to present them in His presence. This “presentation” is our great hope. Even now, the Spirit within us cries out alongside the Bride for the Bridegroom’s return. While the world faces the trials of the Tribulation, the Bride—marked and sealed—is shown in her heavenly glory as the Lamb’s wife.

2 Corinthians 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [Paul tells us that the believers who died in his day would be raised up along with those alive to be presented.]

Revelation 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [The Bride is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Here we were both the Spirit and the bride speaking. The Bride is in Heaven during the Tribulation.]

Revelation 21:9  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

By looking at these passages, we can truly understand “who” the Rapture is for: it is the long-awaited meeting between 

Jesus Christ, our heavenly Groom, and the Church, His redeemed Bride. This relationship defines our future, but Paul also gives us a title that defines our present. He describes us as ambassadors for Christ. Just as an ambassador is recalled to his home country before a conflict begins, the Church serves as God’s voice on earth today, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven and our “recall” is drawing near.

2 Corinthians 5:19-21  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  (20)  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  (21)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Just as a nation sends an ambassador to represent its interests and communicate its leader’s vision to a foreign land, we serve as spiritual ambassadors for Christ. Our primary mission is to relay His heart for the world: a deep desire for all people to be reconciled to God, as we see in the famous promise of John 3:16. In the secular world, when a country is on the brink of war, one of the first things to happen is that the ambassador is called home for safety. Similarly, God will call His ambassadors—the Church—home to heaven before His righteous wrath is poured out upon the earth during the Tribulation.

The only way to be a part of the Bride of Christ is to be born again. It is salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. Friend, if you are not born again, 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. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 3

On By KateIn Devotionals, Do Not Be AfraidLeave a comment

Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.

Today’s verse shows us God’s providence! After two attempts to make a place Isaac could call “home,” he dug a third well, and it did not cause issues with other herdsmen, marking a significant turning point in his journey. Isaac named this well Rehoboth, which means “broad places,” “room,” or “open spaces,” which would reflect the substantial blessings he was to receive. God provided Isaac not just a single well, but a broad place with enough open space for all of his people, symbolizing His abundant grace. This moment signified that God’s favor and promises, which were initially made to Abraham, would now go beyond generations and continue with Isaac, affirming that divine covenant. So much so, God tells Isaac not to be afraid because He was to be with him, offering reassurance amidst uncertainties and challenges. He would bless Isaac and his descendants with prosperity and protection, ensuring that they would flourish in the land promised to them. This assurance serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering support and guidance in our lives, encouraging us to trust and embrace His plans for our future.

When I dwell on these promises to Abraham and Isaac, it reminds me that God never breaks a promise. Abraham and Isaac’s God is now my God and has been for over 40 years now, guiding me through life’s ups and downs with unwavering faithfulness. Each day I reflect on the profound implications of His promises, and it reassures me of His steadfast love and presence in my life. If the Bible were to record a promise that God has broken, it would greatly undermine the very foundation of my faith and trust. Such a scenario would create doubt and uncertainty regarding my salvation, which is outlined in Ephesians 1:13-14, where we learn about the guarantee of the Holy Spirit as a seal of our redemption. The thought of losing that assurance is unfathomable, as it is anchored in His eternal faithfulness and grace.

Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

God’s promises cannot and will not be broken. Knowing this brings great comfort! Knowing this removes the fear of losing one’s salvation. Knowing this removes all doubts revolving God’s faithfulness in our lives.

Numbers 23:19  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

If you happened upon this post, I pray that you are a born-again, blood bought child of God. If you are not, please follow this link and read the Scriptures which will show you how!

Any Day Now – Day 45

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

Joh 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

These three verses in John are a preview of what is in store for the Church. It answers the question of “Who” will participate in the Rapture. The Rapture is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ when He returns to earth to destroy the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Nor will He establish His earthly kingdom at the time of the Rapture. No, the Rapture is the first phase of the end times to happen right before the Tribulation begins.

Exactly who will take part in the Rapture? The Apostle John tells us in:

Joh 3:36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The born-again believer is promised everlasting life and we do not experience God’s wrath. We are not condemned like those who do not believe.

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul makes it quite clear in the verses below that God’s wrath is to be received by those who do not believe in salvation and who do not obey God’s Word in order to receive it.

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [Born-again believers “in time past” walked in disobedience, but after salvation, they ceased.]

Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:6  For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

God’s wrath is not intended for the Church. Each person who gets saved is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. That promise is our inheritance, the gift from Jesus Christ to His Bride!

Eph 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  (14)  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [That inheritance is given to us when the day of redemption arrives.]

Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [When IS that day of redemption? Jesus encouraged His followers to be aware of the “end time signs”!

Luk 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

The Apostle Paul compared the Church to Christ’s Bride.

2Co 11:2  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2Co 4:14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. [Paul tells us that the believers who died in his day would be raised up along with those alive to be presented.]

Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [The Bride is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Here we were both the Spirit and the bride speaking. The Bride is in Heaven during the Tribulation.]

Rev 21:9  And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

There are so many other verses but I think you can now understand the “who” in those who will participate in the Rapture. It will be the Groom, Jesus Christ, and the Bride, the Church. I love how Paul compares the Church to ambassadors.

2Co 5:19-21  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  (20)  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  (21)  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Every country has an ambassador who represents and communicates his leader’s wishes to the world. We represent Christ and it is our duty to communicate Christ’s wishes. He wishes that all be reconciled to God. We see this desire in John 3:16! When that country is about to go to war, the first thing that happens is that the ambassador is called home. So will we be called home before God’s wrath comes upon the earth during the Tribulation.

The only way to be a part of the Bride of Christ is to be born again. It is salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. Friend, if you are not born again, 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. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!