Tag: Ephesians 1:13

Light in the Last Days – Day 49

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The Different Views of the Rapture

Establishing a defense for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture begins with a clear understanding of how it differs from the alternative viewpoints. At the heart of these lies the element of prophetic timing. To understand why timing is crucial, consider a family member or close friend traveling from far away. Your anticipation fuels your preparation: you stock the pantry, clean the house, and clear your schedule. Similarly, our view on the timing of Christ coming at the Rapture shapes the urgency and nature of our being “ready.”

So let’s cover the different views and see where this takes us. There are four viewpoints when it comes to the Rapture. They are:

  1. Pre-Tribulation (imminent – no prophecy needs to be fulfilled – it can happen at any time)
  2. Mid-Tribulation (half-way through the Tribulation at the 1,260 day mark)
  3. Pre-Wrath (at the sixth seal judgment)
  4. Post-Tribulation (after the Tribulation at the 2,520 day mark)

Let’s start by exploring the Pre-Tribulation position, as its unique characteristics serve as an excellent lens through which to view the entire prophetic landscape. Jesus beautifully captured the “spirit” of this watchful expectation in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. By looking at this story first, we can better appreciate the ‘blessed hope’ of a Saviour who calls His people to a state of perpetual readiness and joy.

Matthew 25:1-13  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  (2)  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  (3)  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:  (4)  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  (5)  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  (6)  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  (7)  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  ( 8 )  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  (9)  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  (10)  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  (11)  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  (12)  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  (13)  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Pre-Tribulation

This parable offers a stunning portrait of the Bride in quiet anticipation of her Groom. Within the story, we encounter ten virgins; while all possessed lamps, five are described in verses 2–3 as ‘foolish’ because they neglected to bring oil. In scripture, oil serves a dual purpose: it provides light for the journey and signifies the sacred act of anointing for a divine task. This oil stands as a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit. We find evidence of this connection in:

Isaiah 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Acts 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

The oil held by the wise virgins signifies the Holy Spirit, whom they received upon being born again. This is the same spiritual anointing and seal given to every believer as a guarantee of their salvation in Jesus Christ. Because they possessed this ‘oil’ of the Spirit, they were prepared for the Rapture in a way the foolish virgins were not.

Ephesians 1:13  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,

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

In contrast, the foolish virgins lacked oil entirely. While some argue that having a lamp implies they must have possessed oil at some point, verse 4 clarifies the distinction: only the wise specifically took oil with their lamps. This group of ten represents those who outwardly claim to be part of the Bride. When the cry rang out that the Bridegroom was coming, all ten arose and trimmed their lamps, yet five remained empty. We see this reflected in our modern churches: many individuals ‘play’ church, performing religious works and carrying the ‘lamp’ of profession without ever possessing the true oil of the Holy Spirit. Only the wise, those truly sealed by the Spirit, carry the internal proof required for the day of redemption.

Let’s dig deeper into why the five foolish virgins were clearly not among the redeemed. While they were away at the market attempting to buy oil, the Groom arrived. Think about it: a groom doesn’t just ‘sort of’ know his bride; he recognizes her the moment she appears at the end of the aisle. Our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, is no different. In verse 10, the true Bride enters the marriage feast and the door is firmly shut. When the foolish virgins finally return and beg for entrance, the Groom’s response is bone-chilling. It should serve as a powerful wake-up call, especially for those who haven’t considered the Pre-Tribulation perspective.

Matthew 25:12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

The Scripture is clear: ‘The Lord knoweth them that are His’ (2 Timothy 2:19). This recognition is the center and foundation of our security. It isn’t based on outward religious performance or the ‘lamp’ of a public profession, but on the seal of the Holy Spirit, who is God. Because He is the one who began the work of salvation in us, He is intimately acquainted with every soul that has been bought by His blood.

John 10:2-5  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  (3)  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  (4)  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.  (5)  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Jesus knows His own with a depth that goes beyond human understanding!! He calls us EACH of us by name. Therefore, when He shuts the door and tells the foolish virgins He does not KNOW them, His reaction is absolute: they did not know His grace. This moment in the parable strips away the facade of the five who carried lamps but no oil, revealing that they were never truly His. Their being left out wasn’t a mistake of timing, but a matter of identity.

A cornerstone of the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint is the doctrine of imminency. This means that Christ’s return for His Bride is not dependent on any prior signs or prophetic milestones; it truly can happen at any moment. While Scripture allows us to discern the ‘seasons’ and the general atmosphere of the end times, the specific day and hour remain unknown; a secret if you will. This ‘any-moment’ expectation is what keeps the believer in a state of constant, joyful readiness.

Mark 13:32-33 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (33) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

1Thessalonians 4:17 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.

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.

Luke 12:40  Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The Rapture itself is a time of anticipation for all believers. The Church longs for the day, and even more so as we see the end times unfolding. Many believers today are saying they have that “feeling” that Jesus could return for His Bride any day now!

Romans 8:19-23 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (20)  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, (21) Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

While the Rapture could happen at any moment, the Second Coming is scheduled for the end of the Tribulation. Scripture provides a clear roadmap for this event, specifically in Matthew 24 and the middle chapters of Revelation. Because we know this return takes place at the end of a seven-year period marked by specific prophetic signs, it lacks the ‘any-moment’ element of surprise. In fact, according to the Jewish calendar, Christ’s Second Coming will occur exactly 2,520 days from the signing of the covenant in Daniel 9:27. We may not know the exact hour, but those who get saved after the Rapture will know the exact day. We know exactly when the clock runs out: at the final close of the Great Tribulation.

We will cover the next viewpoint in the next post. Are you ready for the Rapture? You must be born again in order to participate, no matter what viewpoint you hold. 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 19

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

(2 Thessalonians 2:7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

The above verse illustrates the essential work of the Holy Spirit today, and how it will be in the end times. Beyond His current restraint of evil through the Church, His multifaceted ministry reveals just how significant His presence is. Understanding these different aspects helps clarify both His current mission and the shift that occurs during the Tribulation.

Understanding the Holy Spirit’s current ministry to the Church is vital for a proper interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Below, I’ve compiled a list of His works that have been a personal blessing to me. These verses highlight His significance in our lives; I invite you to study each reference as you read through them:

  • He is a Helper who teaches (John 14:26)
  • He convicts us of sin (John 16:7-8)
  • He dwells within believers (1 Corinthians 3:16)
  • He is the source of wisdom, revelation and power (1 Corinthians 2:10-11, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:17-18)
  • He guides us into all truth and knowledge of what’s to come (John 16:13-15)
  • He gives spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
  • He seals believers unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30)
  • He helps us in weakness and intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27)
  • He makes believers new and gives us eternal life (Romans 8:10-11)
  • He sanctifies believers and enables them to bear good fruit (Galatians 5:16-25)

The Holy Spirit’s current work is easy to spot: He is the barrier holding back the full weight of the devil’s influence. But as 2 Thessalonians 2:7 suggests, this restraint has a timeline. When the Church is caught up in the Rapture, the Spirit’s specific role of restraining through believers is ‘taken out of the way,’ giving the enemy free reign. Don’t misunderstand—the Spirit is God and remains everywhere at once—but His unique ministry through the Church moves with us. As Jesus promised in John 14:16, the Comforter abides with the believer eternally, ensuring that when the Church is called home, we are not left behind.

(John 14:16)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

This explains the noticeable shift in the Holy Spirit’s activity between the New Testament Church age and the events described in Revelation. During the Tribulation, the Spirit’s work mirrors His Old Testament pattern of ‘selective empowerment’ rather than the ‘universal indwelling’ we experience today. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon specific individuals—prophets, priests, judges, and kings—to equip them for divine tasks. We will see this again during the Tribulation as He empowers the two witnesses to perform supernatural wonders and commissions the 144,000 sealed Israelites to serve as global evangelists, carrying the light of the Gospel into a world shrouded in the worst spiritual darkness ever.

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!

Who Is The Restrainer?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

2 Th 2:7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Today’s Bible verse is a good example of how the Holy Spirit works. Today, He keeps all-out evil at bay. He not only restrains, but He does so much more. Because of all that His role entails, it helps us to understand the significance of His role during the Tribulation.

I once did a study on the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives and it was such a blessing to me. I’ve listed them below because I believe that it opens our eyes at how significant His role is. For you to interpret 2 Thessalonians 2:7 properly, you need to know what the Holy Spirit does for the Church. Please take a moment to read the bullets and please look up each Bible verse reference:

We can easily see the Holy Spirit at work today in the Church, both in history and currently. He restrains (he who now letteth) the devil from totally taking over the world with his evil influence. The Holy Spirit Himself is not taken out because God is omnipresent. He exists everywhere. So it leads us to surmise that after the Church is gone via the Rapture, there is less holy influence on the world. Once the Holy Spirit’s restraint is taken out of the way, the devil is no longer held back. Do you understand this? The Holy Spirit has taken residence in each born-again believer and once His restraining power (through every believer) is taken out of the way, those born again believers will be taken out of the way as well. Why do I know this? I know this because Jesus said that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, will abide with us FOR EVER.

(Joh 14:16)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

That is why we don’t see the Holy Spirit working in the same manner in the New Testament as we do in the Book of Revelation. It appears that His role will be just as it was in the Old Testament. During that time, He anointed prophets and worked through them, along with priests, judges and kings. He will do the same with the two witnesses (who will perform great miracles), the 144,000 men from the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 14:4), who will spread the news of salvation to a wicked world.

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!

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Any Day Now – Day 54

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

2Th 2:1-10  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  (3)  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  (4)  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.  (5)  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?  (6)  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.  (7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  (8)  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:  (9)  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  (10)  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

There were debates of when the Rapture would take place even in the Apostle Paul’s day. He taught on the topic of the Rapture more than any other Apostle. Some believe that it is because he was caught up (harpazo) to the third heaven. (2 Cor. 12:2-4) He knew what glory was like and wanted to encourage the brethren with teachings on being “caught up” (harpazo). The debates of when the Rapture is to occur still go on today. You would think that people would learn but they still bicker. It is sad that the Christian world spends time debating rather than leading lost souls to Christ.

But let’s take a look at what the Holy Spirit teaches us in Paul’s writings. The Spirit wants to make sure that we are not “soon shaken in mind, or be troubled.” God is literally telling us to STUDY and have a sure footing on what we believe. Notice that verse 2 warns us that there will be preachers’ words, or letters that appear to be from the Apostles stating that the Second Coming is at hand. Even in his day, the Paul-taught Thessalonians were swaying in their doctrine. Can you imagine how much worse it is today?

Paul emphatically repeats, that the Second Coming will not come until there come a falling away first and that the Antichrist will be revealed. (verse 3) All Rapture viewpoints agree on this point. Paul continues to remind the Thessalonians in verse 5 that the Rapture will happen prior to this: “Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things”? The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is such an important topic that Paul felt the need to expound further. Here is where all other Rapture viewpoints collapse.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-8  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.  (7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE who now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way.  (8)  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 

Something/someone is hindering the Antichrist’s entrance to the seven-year Tribulation period. (2 Thessalonians 2:6) For the Antichrist’s “spirit” is already at work; in fact, even in Paul’s day. But someone (verse 7) is stopping the Antichrist’s appearance! He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. The Greek word for “letteth” is:

katechō
kat-ekh’-o
From G2596 and G2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively): – have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.

Who alone can hold back the forces of evil on the earth? God of course! With the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Church, the evils of this world cannot overpower.

The Holy Spirit is like the dam in today’s picture. He restrains the time of Jacob’s trouble from happening “until he be taken out of the way.” (verse 7)

Mat 16:7-8  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE who now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way.  (8)  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

We see that the devil cannot dominate this earth and gain control of it because Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church! Where is the Holy Spirit located? He is located within every born-again believer! (Acts 8:15, Ephesians 1:13) The Holy Spirit is who restrains the Antichrist from making his appearance. The Holy Spirit’s restraint is exactly like a dam. But once the church is removed, that dam breaks and the the devil’s evil waters have free reign on this earth.

But how does this prove that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation period?

2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only HE who now letteth will let, until HE be taken out of the way.  ( 8 )  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 

Verse 7 tells us that the Holy Spirit’s restraint will be removed, taken out of the way. Paul doesn’t stop there. He tells us immediately afterwards, “then shall that Wicked be revealed“! We know this is the Antichrist because he is revealed after the Rapture. We don’t know how long after the Rapture but we DO know that it is after the Rapture. We know the Wicked one is the Antichrist because he is consumed by Christ at His Second Coming! (verse 8)

I hope this settles the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint in your heart. There are so many Scriptures that support this view. The imminence of the Rapture is important so believers will continue working for the Lord so when the Rapture does occur, they are busy doing His work. Those who claim to be Christians but don’t lift a finger doing Christ’s “Great Commission,” should question whether they have a Pharisee’s heart. What is that? The Pharisees knew a LOT of Scriptures but did not possess the meaning in their hearts. They did the works but did not have the converted heart. Their hearts were made of stone. They were circumcised on the outside (their flesh) but their hearts were not.

Friend, you must be born again in order to participate, no matter what viewpoint you hold. 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!

Any Day Now – Day 19

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

(2 Th 2:7)  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Today’s Bible verse is a good example of how the Holy Spirit will work during the Tribulation. He will not only restrain, but He will do so much more. Because of all that His role entails, it helps us to understand the significance of His role during the Tribulation.

I once did a study on the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives and it was such a blessing to me. I’ve listed them below because I believe that it opens our eyes at how significant His role is. For you to interpret 2 Thessalonians 2:7 properly, you need to know what the Holy Spirit does for the Church. Please take a moment to read the bullets and please look up each Bible verse reference:

We can easily see the Holy Spirit at work today in the Church, both in history and currently. He restrains (he who now letteth) the devil from totally taking over the world with his evil influence. But once He is taken out of the way, the devil is no longer held back. During the Tribulation, the devil will have free reign and his evil deeds will be everywhere. Do you understand this? The Tribulation cannot begin until the Holy Spirit who restrains the power of the evil one “be taken out of the way.” This happens at the Rapture. This doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit not be present at all. After all, He is God and is omnipresent. The Holy Spirit has taken residence in each born-again believer and once His restraining power (through every believer) is taken out of the way, those born again believers will be taken out of the way as well. Why do I know this? I know this because Jesus said that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, will abide with us FOR EVER.

(Joh 14:16)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

That is why we don’t see the Holy Spirit working in the same manner in the New Testament as we do in the Book of Revelation. His role will be just as it was in the Old Testament. During that time, He anointed prophets and worked through them, along with priests, judges and kings. He will do the same with the two witnesses (who will perform great miracles), the 144,000 men from the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 14:4), who will spread the news of salvation to a wicked world.

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!