Tag: Ephesians 2:2

Light in the Last Days – Day 50

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

As we begin exploring the different perspectives on the Rapture, you’ll notice that almost every view hinges on one specific detail: timing. You might wonder why the “when” matters so much. Think about the last time you expected a loved one to visit from thousands of miles away. Because you knew they were coming, you spent days preparing the guest room, planning their favorite meals, and clearing your schedule. In the same way, understanding the timing of Christ’s return shifts our perspective from passive observation to active, joyful preparation.

Different views:

  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)

Today, we’re exploring the Mid-Tribulation perspective: the belief that the Church will be caught up to meet the Lord at the precise midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation. Proponents of this view suggest that believers will go through the first three and a half years of wrath before being rescued. But what is the biblical basis for this? It largely hinges on how one interprets Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:52. Mid-Tribulationists identify his mention of the “last trump” as the seventh and final trumpet judgment described in Revelation 11, linking the two events as a single moment in prophetic history.

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.

However, the seven trumpets of Revelation are synonymous with judgment, not deliverance. There is no “blessed hope” to be found in them; rather, they represent a series of increasingly severe trials. If these trumpets are purely an expression of judgment, it raises the question of whether the “last trump” of our rescue could truly be part of such a sorrowful sequence. Let’s take a look at them in Revelation chapters 8, 9 and 11:

  1. Trumpet #1 – In Revelation 8, we see that the judgment trumpets are delivered to and sounded by angels. In contrast, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 describes a much more personal event: the Lord Himself descends with a shout and the “trump of God.” This phrase is unique, appearing nowhere else in the Old or New Testaments. While the angelic trumpets of Revelation usher in devastation—such as the first judgment of fire, hail, and blood—the “trump of God” is a sovereign call of grace. It is not a summons to judgment, but a beckoning for the Church to come home.
  2. The second trumpet in verse 8 destroys one third of sea life and ships on the seas.
  3. The third trumpet in verse 10 destroys one third of the rivers and fountains of water and poisons them.
  4. The fourth trumpet in verse 12 darkens one third of the sun, moon and stars.
  5. The fifth trumpet in 9:1 releases the first woe which opens the bottomless pit and the horrible effects of the demonic locusts.
  6. The sixth trumpet in verse 13 makes releases the second woe which releases the four angels bound in the Euphrates who kill one third of all mankind. It is here where the Two Prophets preach and do miracles.
  7. The seventh trumpet is found in 11:15 which reveals Christ’s reign to come.

Finally, it is worth noting that the seven trumpets of Revelation are not actually the “last” trumpets mentioned in the New Testament. Jesus speaks of a subsequent trumpet in Matthew 24:31. In this passage, which describes His Second Coming, He sends His angels to gather His elect “from one end of heaven to the other.” This suggests that the trumpet associated with Christ’s return in glory is distinct from the series of judgments found in the book of Revelation.

Matthew 24:31  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 specific trumpet refers to the Second Coming, when Christ returns to the world with His Bride. It acts as a divine signal, calling the Church together to join Him in the final battle. While the Rapture was a private meeting in the air, this trumpet announces a public, triumphant return for the purpose of final judgment and victory.

Consequently, this perspective fails to align with the spirit of encouragement found in Paul’s teachings on the Rapture. By placing the Church within the timeframe of the trumpet judgments, the “comfort” Paul speaks of is overshadowed by the reality of divine retribution. To maintain the integrity of Paul’s message, we must distinguish between the sound of judgment for the world and the sound of rescue for the believer.

1 Thessalonians 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

We find great peace in knowing that the Church is not the target of the coming Trumpet Judgments. Scripturally, judgment is reserved for those who have turned away from God’s Word and declined His gift of salvation. As Christ’s Bride, our position is one of grace; while the world faces the consequences of disobedience, we rest in the promise that we are protected from the coming storm of wrath.

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:

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:

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.

Now let’s look at the timing of the Mid-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint.

Matthew 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 24:50  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

Matthew 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mark 13:32  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Luke 12:46  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

We must acknowledge that the timing of the Rapture is known to the Father alone. Like the five wise virgins who carried oil in their lamps, those who are sealed by the Spirit until the day of redemption will be ready when the shout goes forth. They will enter the marriage, and the door will be shut—marking a finality that is reserved for the faithful (Matthew 25:10). This unique moment of grace for the Church is underscored in Revelation 3:7, reminding us that our entry is secured by the One who opens the way for His Bride.

Revelation 3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

The entrance into Heaven is the Shepherd’s door, reserved for the sheep who recognize His voice and are known by Him personally (John 10:3, 27). At the moment of the Rapture, Christ, our Bridegroom, will shut that door, and once closed, no human power can reopen it. This is the unique privilege of the Church (exemplified by the Philadelphia church), who will then witness the unfolding judgments on earth from the safety and perspective of Heaven.

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

In our next study, we will move to the next viewpoint. But as we wait, the most important question remains: are you prepared to meet the Lord? Participation in the Rapture isn’t about having the right chart or timeline; it is about being born again into the family of God. If you aren’t sure, please know that you are not here by chance. God is reaching out to you today. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the Bride of Christ when He calls us home to meet Him in the air. (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 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 44

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

The topic of God’s wrath remains a subject of intense controversy among believers today. To understand this difficult topic, we must address the concerns: who will be subject to this judgment, why has God determined it necessary to dispense judgment, and what is the timing for this wrath to be fully revealed?

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  (11)  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-8  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  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.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

First, let us examine the intended targets of God’s wrath. Supporters of mid-tribulation, pre-wrath, and post-tribulation theories suggest that believers will remain on earth for all or part of the Tribulation. However, identifying exactly who God’s wrath is directed toward reveals that the Church is not among them. Based on this distinction, one can only conclude that the Church will be absent when this wrath is dispensed.

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:

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 3:4-6  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  (5)  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; (6) fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

If the scriptures identify “children of disobedience,” then it stands to reason there are also “children of obedience.” The distinction between the two is found in their actions and their standing before God. As shown in Colossians 3:4-6, the children of disobedience are defined by the practice of the sins listed in those verses. In contrast, the born-again believer, the child of obedience, is one who has obeyed the Gospel and received full forgiveness and no longer makes sin a practice. The born-again child is not sinless, but will sin less!

1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

From this, we can conclude that God’s wrath is directed specifically at the children of disobedience. This judgment is the consequence of a heart that remains unrepentant and closed to God’s grace.

Romans 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

By repenting and receiving Jesus Christ, the Church stands forgiven and protected by His sacrifice. We are spared from the outpouring of God’s wrath that is coming to the world. Paul’s epistles beautifully illustrate this for us: once a person is born again, they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This presence of the Spirit serves as a guarantee, sealing the believer safely until the moment of our redemption.

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.

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

Now that we have confirmed that God’s Word excludes the Church from His wrath, let us look closer at today’s passage. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, what is the precise definition of the salvation mentioned, and how does it apply to our current understanding? The Greek word for salvation is:

σωτηρία
sōtēria
so-tay-ree’-ah
Feminine of a derivative of G4990 as (properly abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): – deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.

It is important to recognize that salvation can have different meanings depending on the scripture. While it often describes being saved from sin (John 14:6), Paul’s use of the word in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 is set within a discussion about the Rapture. We must interpret the verse according to that specific theme.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  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.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  (9)  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  (10)  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  (11)  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

We can see a significant shift in the book of Revelation: after chapter 3, the Church is no longer mentioned. Once John is called to “Come up hither” to see the events that “must be hereafter,” the focus changes. The same door that was promised to the Philadelphia church in Revelation 3:8 and 3:10 reappears in Revelation 4:1. This specific door is mentioned only three times in the entire book of Revelation, serving as a key indicator for the Church’s location.

Revelation 3:8-10  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.  (9)  Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.  (10)  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

After the Bridegroom comes to take the Church to the marriage, the door is shut. This follows the pattern Christ established in Matthew 25, where He used the parable of the virgins to demonstrate the closing of the door upon His arrival.

Matthew 25:10  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.

When the Rapture occurs and that door is shut, no further entrance is possible, leaving the rest of the world to face God’s judgment. Scripture clearly shows us this shift: chapter 5 of Revelation shows the glory of Heaven, while chapter 6 introduces the Seven Seals. This progression makes it undeniably clear who is falling under the weight of the wrath of the Lamb.

Revelation 6:16-17  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The question remains: who will be able to stand? If the Church were intended to endure any part of the Tribulation, she would surely be equipped to stand through it. However, this verse suggests otherwise. Friend, your presence here today is not an accident; God has placed you in this moment so that you might find salvation while there is still time. I invite you to consider your standing, don’t you want to be among those in the Church who are caught up to meet Jesus in the clouds? (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 35

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

What are you waking up for today? Imagine this: the Rapture of the Church could happen at any moment! It is the ultimate “blessed hope,” a joy that outdoes any daily routine!! Unlike other biblical events, there are no remaining signs or delays on God’s prophetic clock. While theories about a mid- or post-Tribulation Rapture circulate social media, we choose to stand on the final authority of Scripture rather than human opinion. Let’s look at what the Word actually says!

When we speak of the Rapture occurring at any time, we are describing the biblical doctrine of imminency. It’s the constant, exciting expectation that our Saviour is at the very door! How can we be so certain of this timing? The answer isn’t found in human speculation, but in the Word itself. Let’s look at the text together:

Matthew 24:36  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

You may think one verse isn’t enough to build on, but I encourage you to be strengthened as you study the fullness of God’s truth. Don’t stop at the surface!! Learn of Him!

Mark 13:32-37  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.  (34)  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.  (35)  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  (36)  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  (37)  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

When examining the Rapture, we must weigh every theory out there against two biblical points: total unpredictability and suddenness. This is where other views fail. By linking the Rapture to the signing of the covenant in Daniel 9:27, they create a predictable calendar: 1,260 days for a mid-Tribulation event or 2,520 for a post-Tribulation one. This approach stands in direct opposition to Christ’s statement that the timing is unknown. We must choose: do we believe human calculations, or the final authority of Jesus’ words? If the Word isn’t true here, the foundation of our faith is at stake.

What is the “fruit” of these different beliefs? The hope of an ‘any-moment’ Rapture keeps our hands busy with the Lord’s work and our hearts focused on reaching the lost. If we were waiting for the midpoint or end of the Tribulation, our attention would be captured by the darkness of the world rather than the light of His coming. But we aren’t looking for a treaty or a tyrant; we are watching for Jesus. Let that truth be your comfort today!!

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  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.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  (9)  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  (10)  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  (11)  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

During his time with the Thessalonians, Paul was clear: the “Day of the Lord” comes like a thief in the night. If the timing were tied to a specific calendar, as mid- or post-Tribulation views suggest, we wouldn’t be watching for a thief; we’d simply be counting down to a scheduled arrival! Instead, we live with the constant, thrilling expectation that it could be any day. This hope drives us to live righteously, so we aren’t found ashamed at His coming. After all, if the Church were destined for the Tribulation, Paul’s words of comfort would be empty. But his message wasn’t in vain: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath” (verse 9). To understand the weight of that promise, look at how Noah Webster defines ‘wrath’:

WRATH, n. [L.] Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation;
The effects of anger. The just punishment of an offense or crime.

Consider this, friend: the Book of Revelation vividly details God’s wrath toward a disobedient world. But why would the Church be subjected to that same outpouring? We have the glorious promise that Christ already endured the full punishment for our sins. As His Bride, we stand under His grace, not His judgment—because God’s wrath is simply not directed at the Church.

Romans 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

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.

Those who find themselves in the Tribulation are there because they did not accept the free gift of salvation before the Church-age door was closed. They willfully rejected the Gospel before the Tribulation and now must suffer the consequences of that decision. This time of wrath is directed at unbelieving Israel and a world that has turned its back on God. Although a great multitude will be saved during these seven years, their path to faith will be paved with hardship, suffering, and, for many, the sacrifice of their own lives.

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:

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 coming judgment will fall on the whole earth like a snare, but the Church has a different calling. Jesus tells us in Luke 21:36 to watch and pray so that we might escape these trials and stand before Him. This isn’t a promise of ‘protection through’ the Tribulation, but a promise of ‘escape from’ it. Why would our Lord speak of an escape for the faithful if the Church were forced to experience the wrath to come? Jesus wasn’t speaking of escaping the things of that day because His Apostles surely did not escape the tribulation of their day. All but John died a martyr’s death! Therefore, Jesus was speaking of the future!

I hope these devotionals have opened your eyes to the reality of Christ’s soon return. It is no coincidence that you’ve found this message today. God has placed you here for this exact moment, offering you the opportunity to accept Him as Savior and be ready for what is to come. 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 18

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

Jeremiah 30:7a  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

Whether this series serves as a new eye-opener or a helpful refresher, it’s vital to understand the ‘Time of Jacob’s Trouble.’ As we touched on previously, Scripture uses this specific term to describe Israel’s Great Tribulation. Because the name refers directly to the descendants of Jacob, it stands to reason that this period is centered on the Jewish people rather than the Church. Just as the Church remained a ‘mystery’ unmentioned in the Old Testament, she remains absent from this specific time of trouble. Today’s verse shows that this period immediately precedes the Second Coming, when Jesus returns as the Messiah to save His people.

We are still waiting for the conclusion of Daniel’s prophecy to unfold, as the 70th week has not yet begun. The angel’s message to Daniel was clear regarding who this period concerns, stating that seventy weeks were specifically ‘determined upon thy people’ (Daniel 9:24).

Daniel 9:24  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.

Scripture never characterizes the Tribulation as a period of testing or judgment for the believer. Because we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, our judgment has already taken place at the Cross. Our sins were washed away the moment we accepted His gift of eternal life. Instead, the Bible clarifies that this coming wrath is reserved specifically for the ‘children of disobedience’.

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:

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 specific designation ‘children of disobedience’ is found exactly three times in the King James Version. By examining its first occurrence, we gain a clear definition of who these individuals are and the spiritual nature of their rebellion:

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:

Satan is the ‘prince’ mentioned here; it is his spirit that currently drives the ‘children of disobedience.’ While God has provided us with clear scriptural warnings, a pattern for holy living, and a perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, the enemy is obsessed with dragging souls toward destruction. It’s no surprise, then, that he works to shift the focus of believers away from the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. By fixating on the horrors of the Tribulation rather than the hope of Christ, believers are distracted from the Lord and begin bracing for the enemy’s reign. Make no mistake: the ‘prince of the power of the air’ is preparing to step into his role as the reigning Antichrist.

Those who hold a post-Tribulation view often argue that the Church must endure this period of testing. However, to maintain this stance, they must ‘spiritualize’ the 144,000 Jewish believers mentioned in Revelation 7:2-8. If the Church were truly present, it’s unlikely John would have omitted the word ‘church’ here, especially after using it so frequently in the opening chapters. This perspective overlooks the transition of dispensations: we are currently in the Age of Grace, but once this ‘Ecclesiastical Dispensation’ ends, God will resume His specific dealings with Israel. This explains why Revelation returns to imagery from the Age of Law, such as the Temple. You cannot merge the Age of Law and the Age of Grace; they are distinct periods, and Scripture promises that the Church is not the target of the judgments found in Revelation.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Paul points us toward the ‘blessed hope’ (Titus 2:13), a phrase that breathes confidence and joy into the Christian life. This stands in stark contrast to the severe and terrifying judgments we read about in Revelation. If Paul intended for us to suffer through the Tribulation, he wouldn’t have called our outlook ‘blessed.’ He was careful to teach the truth so that we would be anchored, safe from confusing doctrines that take our eyes off Christ’s return.

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Beyond those initial warnings, the Bible provides a mountain of evidence regarding the targets of divine wrath. God is crystal clear on exactly who will endure the Tribulation—and it isn’t His Church. Look at what the Scriptures say:

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.

Romans 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Revelation 14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:19  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:1  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Revelation 15:7  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 16:1  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

To suggest the Church goes through the Tribulation is to suggest she must endure God’s wrath. But why would the Lord subject His Church to judgment after already redeeming her? It defies the heart of the Gospel. If an earthly husband would do anything to protect his wife from harm, how much more will the Lord Jesus protect His Bride from the coming storm? A Groom does not put His Bride through a massacre; He rescues her from it.

Because the Holy Spirit lives within each member of Christ’s Bride, the Church is intricately linked to God’s own presence. It is difficult to reconcile the idea of the Holy Spirit enduring a global outpouring of divine wrath. Why would such a catastrophic judgment fall upon the very Spirit of Christ?

1 Thessalonians 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

To the one who is not saved, this is a scary time. 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 13

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Bob Sabo

Matthew 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

I’ve found our study on the Rapture incredibly encouraging. Looking back to when I first discovered this truth, I saw it as a wonderful expression of God’s grace toward His own. While the unsaved face a future of divine wrath, His children are offered a magnificent hope.

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:

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:

Unbelievers are under the influence of the ‘spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience,’ led by the prince of the power of the air. We see the fruit of this influence across our society today. The fact that Fairfax County, Virginia, recognized Transgender Day on the same day in 2024 we celebrated the Resurrection of Christ highlights the growing depravity of our age. This isn’t just a cultural shift; it is a biblical sign of the end times as outlined in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, calling us to a greater boldness in our faith.

Shifting our focus back to the Rapture itself, we have to address the most debated aspect: its timing. Though many believers who hold to mid- or post-tribulation theories have tried to discredit the pre-Tribulation Rapture, the specific timing revealed in the Word stands firm against those challenges.

Remember, the Old Testament revolves around God’s plan for Israel and the impending judgment, not the Church age. Interestingly, the Church is notably absent from the Book of Revelation from chapter four onwards, immediately following this verse:

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Scripture presents a striking difference between the timing of the Rapture and the events of the Tribulation. While Matthew 25:13
describes an arrival at an unknown time, Revelation 12:6 gives us a precise count of 1,260 days for Israel’s protection in the wilderness. This specificity in Revelation points to a scheduled period of judgment that differs from the imminent call of the Church.

Revelation 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.

The 1,260 days begin when the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself to be God!

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  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.

This 1,260-day timeframe represents three and a half years—the halfway point of the Tribulation—which aligns perfectly with the prophetic timeline found in the Book of Daniel.

Daniel 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.

To understand the end times, we must see the Rapture and the Tribulation as separate occurrences. The Lord protects the Church from the Tribulation because that specific time of trial is meant to lead Israel to her Messiah. This period, known as Daniel’s 70th week, returns the focus to Israel after the current ‘pause’ for the Church. Transitioning into the seven most difficult years the world has ever seen offers no hope to those without the Savior; it is a time of judgment, not comfort.

Matthew 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

How can believers find solace in a future of martyrdom and divine judgment? They can’t—which is why the command in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 to ‘comfort one another’ points to a pre-tribulation rescue. Paul’s teachings in 1 Thessalonians are overwhelmingly positive, with an encouraging word about the Lord’s return woven into every chapter. Don’t just take my word for it; read and study these scriptures to see the magnificent gift God has prepared for you.

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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 5

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

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  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.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  (9)  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

What an exciting time to be alive! We are witnessing unprecedented events affecting the entire globe, ranging from political upheavals to environmental changes that challenge our understanding of nature. Jesus spoke of what we are to expect in the end times in Matthew 24:3-51, and He provided a prophetic outline of the trials and tribulations that humanity will face as the world approaches its end. To the average reader, these verses are frightening and may generate fear and anxiety about the future. But to the born-again Christian, they are exciting because we know that we will not be here to experience the horrific events that will occur upon the entire earth; instead, we look forward to the glorious appearing of Christ at the Rapture and the promise of eternal life, filled with hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. In this light, we find comfort and assurance, as our faith guides us through these tumultuous times.

The Rapture of the church has three very different groups of belief: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation (or Pre-Wrath) and Post-Tribulation. They all pertain to the Rapture’s timing – when the event will actually occur. Which one is correct? One must turn to God’s Word to determine the answer. God would not want His children to be afraid of what is to come. Think of your earthly father: would he want you to be afraid as you live under his roof? No father would want this weighing on his children. An earthly father wants to protect his children. How much more a Heavenly Father: the Perfect Father?

What does each one mean? Pre-Tribulation refers to the Rapture occurring sometime before the start of the Tribulation. The Bible says that His return will be as a thief coming in the night. If you knew the hour a thief would enter your house, you would be prepared. That is why we are told to always be prepared. Noah didn’t know when the flood was going to come – he just knew it was coming and he continued doing what God had commanded Him to do. The Bible answers all of our questions so let’s get to it.

1 Thessalonians 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

The Bible tells us when the Tribulation will begin. It will begin when the Antichrist is made known, not a minute before.

Daniel 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.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  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.

So we know that when the Antichrist is revealed, the Tribulation will begin. However, what about the Rapture? The Bible says:

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 25:1-6 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

These verses indicate that Christ’s return for His church is imminent – this means that it can happen at any time. No man knows the day or the hour. We are given a timeline of the Tribulation in the Book of Revelation. We know that it is a literal seven years from the time that the Antichrist is revealed. This doesn’t fulfill the “imminent” return of Christ. There is a definite timeline here of Christ’s Second Coming. God is all about timing and order. However, the above verses encourage believers to be waiting and watchful. This is the proof of His imminent return for the Rapture of the church.

Just as Noah was kept from the wrath on the entire earth, so will believers be kept from the Tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

These verses would not make any sense if the Church was to go through part or all of the Tribulation! There is no comfort or blessed hope if Christians have to experience the wrath which is to come to the world. The wrath that is to come is for the “children of disobedience” according to Paul:

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:

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:

There is no timeline for the Rapture. It can happen at any time before the impending judgments of the Tribulation. John foresaw the wrath and called it “the wrath of the Lamb” in Revelation 6:16-17! Why would Christ bring wrath on His Church when Romans 8:1 states there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ!

Rev 6:16-17  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

It was such a very important doctrine in the early Church and the Apostle Paul taught the most about it.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  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;

Paul had to repeat his teachings to the Thessalonians because they had been deceived by the very same skeptics that we have today, whose voices create doubt and confusion among believers. The verses above tell us that the Thessalonians thought they had missed the Rapture and that the Tribulation had already begun, leading to widespread panic and uncertainty within their community. They were listening to heretics rather than remembering what Paul had taught them, which included the promise of hope and the assurance of God’s timing. It was crucial for Paul to reaffirm their faith and remind them of the truth, encouraging them to hold steadfast to the teachings they had received and to resist the misleading doctrines that threatened to undermine their beliefs. The struggle they faced reminds us of the challenges many face today, as false teachings continue to circulate and test the foundational beliefs of believers.

Paul reminds them of the signs that will usher in the Tribulation will be: except there come a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition! So there are definite signs and timelines for the Tribulation. We have been seeing a falling away from the faith for several decades, and it is getting worse with each passing year. This decline has manifested in various forms, including the rise of secularism, anti Semitism, and an increasing hatred for traditional Christian values. So we know we are in those “end times.” The end times have specific signs that believers have been encouraged to recognize and respond to. Yes, those signs have been seen throughout the past two thousand years, often interspersed with periods of revitalization and revival in faith. However, the convergence of these signs, along with the rapid pace at which they are now occurring simultaneously, is something to look for with great anticipation.

But there are no signs or timeline which must occur before the Rapture. If a person believes in the Mid-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline because that is half way through the seven years, which is three and a half years. If a person believes in the Post-Tribulation Rapture, then there is a definite timeline there as well: after the seven years of Tribulation. Those of us who hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture have something to look forward to. It keeps us focused in doing the work of the Lord because we want to be caught up at that time! So friend, be encouraged! Be watchful and pray that you are ready for Christ’s Rapture of His Church at any moment! We are not called to experience the wrath that is about to come to this earth! Praise Him!!! 

If you are like I me prior to salvation and are interested in the end times, I pray you find the Lord (as I did) before it’s too late! If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 3

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

The topic of the Rapture really excites me and it stirs my spirit! God does not leave His children to despair during these times of what is happening in and around the world today. The times are changing so rapidly, and there’s fear in the hearts of mankind: fear of the unknown! When is the next pandemic going to happen, and where is it going to lead us? Are we going to remain hostages in our own homes, cut off from friends and family, longing for the freedom to gather and share? Are people going to be restricted from purchasing even the basic necessities of life if they are not vaccinated, or if they don’t convert to digital currency? Will citizens lose their freedoms in order to corral them, living in a society that prioritizes control over its citizens? Americans, and the world for that matter, have no idea what is to come, and that uncertainty can be paralyzing. But the born-again Christian isn’t looking to this world for his hope. We look to Christ, who is our anchor in the storm and offers us peace amidst chaos! Why? Because in Him, we find assurance that no matter the challenges we face, our hope and future are secure in His hands. Let’s look and see, as we reflect on the promises found in His Word, which guide us through this tumultuous journey.

The Rapture is an event that will definitely happen, ushering in a significant moment in a biblical timeline. The timing of the Rapture is uncertain, yet the event itself is most surely going to occur, as affirmed by various scriptural prophecies throughout the Bible. This is why it is considered to be imminent, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation among believers. Historically, the Thessalonians were so eager for this event that they mistakenly thought it had already happened, leading to confusion and concern within their community. In response to this misunderstanding, the Apostle Paul precisely addresses their fears in 2 Thessalonians, giving them understanding about the sequence of events and reassuring them that they have not missed this precious moment in God’s plan. This exchange emphasizes the importance of understanding the teachings surrounding the Rapture, as it serves to strengthen the faith of those awaiting this blessed event.

However, the Scriptures below tell us that it is as definite as Christ’s resurrection, which stands as the most pivotal events in the Christian faith. This miraculous occurrence reassures believers of their own salvation and eternal life. Without Christ’s resurrection, one would have no hope of redemption or assurance of the promises laid out in the Scriptures! The resurrection not only confirms Christ’s divine nature but also revitalizes our faith, giving us strength and courage to face life’s challenges, knowing that we are anchored in a truth that is unshakeable and everlasting.

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

It is the Word of God! Paul taught them about the Rapture and God saw fit to include this topic in the Bible through His Holy Spirit. (John 14:26) Friend, Christ does not leave us hopeless! He left us with His Word to encourage us during these end times! In fact, the teachings about the Rapture serve as a ray of hope, reminding us that we are not abandoned in our struggles but rather guided by the Word’s assurance. If we are blessed enough to be alive at the time of the Rapture, we will not see death! This promise offers unbelievable comfort and joy to believers, sparking our faith with the expectation of a glorious reunion with Christ and all those who have gone before us. How exciting is that! The prospect of witnessing this momentous event should inspire us to live righteously, sharing the love of God and the good news of His grace with others in our communities.

1 Thessalonians 4:15  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.

Every single detail in God’s Word will be fulfilled.

Matthew 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luke 16:17  And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

It is said that 6,000 prophecies in the Bible, and roughly 70% of those prophecies have occurred without failure or error. This reveals to us the remarkable accuracy and reliability of God’s Word throughout history. The remaining nearly 30% will be fulfilled because God’s Word in Matthew and Luke above say so, offering believers a profound hope and assurance for the future. The Church experienced God’s mercy and grace by providing a Saviour, which was a fulfillment of God’s promises. However, amid this grace, God’s judgment must still take place because it is part of His Word, reminding us of His holiness and righteousness. He magnifies His Word above His name and it should guide us to live in accordance with His will while eagerly anticipating the promises yet to unfold.

Psalm 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

This truly defines how important every single thing in God’s Word and it must be fulfilled! The Rapture is no different. The Rapture is only for those who are truly born-again and live according to the Scriptures. To the one who claims he is a Christian but does not separate himself from sin, he is not a true believer. If he is disobedient to the Word, then he is considered a part of the children of disobedience.

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:

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:

Anyone can believe in God – in fact, the devils believe in Him, but that does not make them saved! In fact, they tremble! Their belief is rooted in fear and acknowledgment of His power, yet it does not lead them to repentance or a genuine relationship with Him. Many people casually claim faith without understanding what true belief actually is. Just as the demons shudder at the very thought of God’s holiness, so too should humanity recognize that mere belief is not enough. I was raised in a religion that recognized the Trinity but did not talk about being born again. True salvation requires a heartfelt conversion and a commitment to live in accordance with His will. The difference lies in how one chooses to respond to that belief.

James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Check your hear! If you have indeed been born again, you will strive to live the Christian life according to the Bible. If you are not, sure, make sure! If you know that you are not living according to the Bible, then you are considered as part of the children of disobedience. A born-again believer walks after the Holy Spirit’s influence. This is why the Church will not be experiencing the Tribulation’s wrath of God.

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.

If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! 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 Time of JACOB’S Trouble

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Jer 30:7a  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble;

What a blessed day it is!! Are you excited? Are you afraid? There is no greater way to start your day than to be in the Word and listen to God as He speaks to you. This series may be an eye opener for some, and a refresher course for others. In my previous post, we touched a bit on the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” In a few Scripture references, the Bible refers to the Israel’s great tribulation as this time of Jacob’s trouble. This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob so it stands to reason that it is meant for only the Jews, not the Church. Just as the Church isn’t mentioned in the Old Testament, the Church won’t play a role in the “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” Their will be people who will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ during the Tribulation period but they will not be referred to as the Church, but as Tribulation saints. Today’s verse states that this trouble will come just before the Lord Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, returns to save them at His Second Coming.

That final week of Daniel’s 70th week hasn’t taken place yet. An angel told Daniel that, “70 weeks are determined upon thy people” (Dan 9:24).

Dan 9:24  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.

The Bible doesn’t say that the Tribulation is meant as a time of testing and judgment for the Church. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and, therefore, our sins have been judged already. (Romans 8:1) Our sins have been washed away once we receive salvation through Christ and eternal life with Him. The Bible does say that God’s wrath will be upon the “children of disobedience.” The Tribulation period will begin after the Rapture of the Church. We do not know how long it will be after the Rapture, but the Tribulation won’t start with the Church still on earth. We know this because God’s wrath is not meant for the Church but for those “children of disobedience.”

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:

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:

The phrase, “children of disobedience,” appears three times in the KJV Bible. The first appearance explains exactly who these children are:

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:

Satan is this prince – it is his ‘spirit’ that lives within the children of disobedience. God gave us plenty of warnings in the Scriptures. He gave us a pattern for living. He gave us His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, the devil wants nothing to do with Jesus Christ and he is adamant about taking as many souls with him to Hell! Is it any wonder that the devil has managed to cause Christians who used to believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church to change their views? The devil does not want believers to concentrate on Christ but to concentrate on the horrible events of the Tribulation! Satan wants believers to take their eyes off the Lord and prepare themselves for his (Satan’s) reign! Satan will go from being the prince of the power of the air to the reigning antichrist!

Some proponents of the post-Tribulation viewpoint claim that Christians will be tested during the Tribulation. To make this fit into that viewpoint, they have to “spiritualize” the 144,000 Jewish believers in Revelation 7:2-8 who receive God’s protective seal. If the Church was to go through the Tribulation, don’t you think the Apostle John would have used the word “church” here as he did in chapters one through three? The Post-Tribulation proponents are forgetting the different dispensations. Before the Ecclesiastical Dispensation (the Age of Grace or the Church Age), there was the Legal Dispensation, the Age of Law. After the Church Age, God is dealing with Israel once again and only Israel. That is why references to the Age of Law (i.e., the temple), are made in Revelation. The post-Tribulation view tries to combine these two dispensations of the Law and Grace into the Tribulation. Only one age can happen at a time so this does not jive at all! Revelation is filled with judgment and the Scriptures tells us that God’s wrath is not upon the church.

1 Thess 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thess 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

This is why Paul said that we have the blessed hope, Christian! (Titus 2:13) This is such a positive and powerful verse.  Does it even resemble Paul trying to tell us that we would go through the judgments of the Tribulation? Not to me, it doesn’t! The judgments of Revelation are severe and horrifying! Paul wanted to make sure that his followers were well taught about what was to come so they wouldn’t fall for every wind of doctrine.

(Tit 2:13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

The three verses above about the children of disobedience aren’t the only verses that speak of the wrath. God is very clear on who will receive that wrath during the Tribulation:

(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.

(Rom 1:18)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

(Rev 14:10)  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

(Rev 14:19)  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:1)  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:7)  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(Rev 16:1)  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Logically speaking, if the Church is to go through the Tribulation, they would also receive God’s wrath. Why would the Lord do this to His Church if we are not appointed unto wrath? Why would the Groom, the Lord Jesus, allow His wife, the Church, to be tortured and killed? Would any husband allow this in his home? Of course not!

1 Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

To the one who is not saved, this is a scary time. 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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Watch!

On By KateIn Any Day Now, Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Matthew 25:13  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

I can remember the first time I ever heard about the Rapture and thought to myself what a wonderful gift the Lord is offering to His children!! He doesn’t offer anything but His wrath to the children of disobedience (the unsaved).

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:

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 prince of the power of the air is none other than Satan. Unbelievers follow his teachings whether they recognize that or not. We are seeing his influence in our world even more so than times past. The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics is proof positive of the enemy’s influence in our world. This is most definitely a sign of the times mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-9.

2 Tim 3:1-9  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  (6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  (7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  ( 8 )  Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.  (9)  But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

So let’s get back on point on the topic of the Rapture. The most prevalent point to the Rapture is its timing. Mid and post tribulation believers have tried to discredit those who believe in the pre-Tribulation Rapture for years. But they cannot dispute the timing. There is most definitely a timing involved with mid and post Tribulation viewpoints. It’s not rocket science because we know the duration (seven years) and therefore can know the mid point (three and a half years) and the end of the Tribulation! The imminence of the pre-Tribulation Rapture involves:

  • not knowing when the Lord will Rapture His Church
  • busy doing the Lord’s work because our time is short; we don’t know when He will come but we keep busy telling others about salvation through Jesus Christ as well as discipling those who have come to faith in Him
  • constantly watching for the Lord’s return
  • seeing and recognizing the current events as a step closer to His return
  • encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ to keep going

Remember this, the Old Testament revolves around Israel and the judgment that is to come. The Old Testament doesn’t revolve around the church. The church isn’t even mentioned in the Book of Revelation after Revelation 4:1:

Revelation 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

The church reappears in Revelation 22:16! When we search the Scriptures which talk about Christ’s return, we find verses that tell us we won’t know the day and hour. Matthew 25:13 says Jesus will return at an unknown time. But yet we read in Revelation 12:6, there is an exact number of days specifying how long Israelites will be nourished in a place that God prepared for them: God takes care of them in the wilderness for 1260 days. That’s pretty specific, if you ask me.

Revelation 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.

The 1,260 days begin when the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself to be God!

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  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.

The 1260 days spoken of above are exactly three and a half years, which is in the middle of the Tribulation.

Daniel 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.

The Rapture and the Tribulation are two separate events. Jesus protects His Bride, the Church, from the Tribulation period which is to come for the purpose of opening Israel’s eyes to their Messiah.

Rev 3:10  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

The Greek word for “from” is “ek,” which means “out of”!

ἐκ, ἐξ
ek    ex
ek, ex
A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds), from, out (of place, time or cause; literally or figuratively; direct or remote):

The Church age comes to an end at the Rapture. The time of the Jews resumes. That is why it is called Daniel’s 70th week. Israel is the central point of all of the Scriptures. A pause during this timeframe was given for the Church age due to Israel’s blindness of their Messiah. No hope or consolation can be given to people who are about to go through seven years of the worse time in history!

Matthew 24:21  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

How can the Church comfort one another when they have to go through the judgments and martyrdom? (1 Thessalonians 4:18) The fourth seal in Revelation 6 reveals that a fourth of the population will die. The fifth seal reveals that Christians will be martyred. In fact, Revelation 13:6-7 shows us that the Antichrist overcomes the saints. Christ promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. (Matthew 16:18) The Tribulation saints are not the church because the Antichrist will most certainly overcome the saints.

This period of God’s wrath is on the children of disobedience as we see in the opening verses. And to top it off, the Apostle Paul taught the most on the Rapture as a positive thing in 1 Thessalonians. Each chapter has at least one verse that encourages the believers of his day. Take the time and read – study!!!

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!