Tag: Isaiah 61:1

Light in the Last Days – Day 49

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

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 11

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Chris Michaud

Have you ever considered that the Holy Spirit we know today as a ‘constant Comforter and Companion’ was once a ‘temporary Visitor’? Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit came and went based on the mission at hand. This distinction isn’t just a theological curiosity; it is a vital clue in understanding the Restrainer’s role in the Last Days and why the promise of His eternal indwelling is our greatest assurance against the coming Tribulation.

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;

Shift your focus to the New Testament, where Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will never leave us. The word ‘forever’ is key here! If we are forced through the Tribulation and the Spirit’s presence becomes situational again, it would mean this promise isn’t true. But we know God’s Word is absolute, meaning His indwelling presence is a permanent guarantee for the believer.

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

Listen, friends! We know that God’s Word is perfect and never contradicts itself. As John 10:35 reminds us, ‘the scripture cannot be broken’—every promise stands firm!

Beyond providing comfort, the Holy Spirit was the essential force behind the documentation of God’s Word. From Acts 2 until today, He has never left the Church. He is the one who empowers our mission (Acts 1:8), distributes spiritual gifts, and gave us the Bible itself. Most importantly for us today, He is the Restrainer—the only reason sin has not yet completely overwhelmed the earth before God’s final judgment.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8  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:

Right now, the Holy Spirit serves as a divine shield, restraining the total outbreak of sin and evil influences in our society. If He were to be removed via the Rapture of the Church, the world would descend into a much darker state. We see the ‘mystery of iniquity’ at work everywhere—in the rise of critical race theory, the rejection of biblical gender, and the ongoing tragedy of abortion. This is a direct assault on the most vulnerable among us: our children. As Jesus made clear, those who participate in this evil face a terrifying judgment.

Matthew 18:6  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

This is just to name a few, but you can see my point. This sinful influence was not a part of us in the early 1900’s. But the “mystery of iniquity” has crept in and left its influence in the wicked hearts of man. It is getting worse by the day! Just when we thought we’d heard everything, some new sinful idea comes in the wicked hearts of men and the world actually loves it! But when will the Holy Spirit put an end to this and open the flood gates for the Antichrist to rule?

Scripture tells us, ‘Only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.’ Ever since the day of Pentecost in 30 AD, the Holy Spirit has been the driving force behind the global spread of the Gospel. His work is evident in the fact that, as of 2020, the full Bible has been translated into 704 different languages. However, as the data below shows, the mission is not yet finished—there are still many who lack access to the Word.

According to Ethnologue, there are currently 7,106 living languages in the world. As of 2025 the full Bible has been translated into 776 languages. The New Testament has been translated into 1,798 languages and parts of the Bible have been translated into 1,433 additional languages. 

The internet has helped greatly in spreading the Gospel across the globe but still lacks in many under privileged countries. The map below gives us a good idea of how much is still needed.

When the Rapture occurs and the Church is removed, the Holy Spirit will return to His ‘situational’ Old Testament presence, working specifically through the 144,000 and the two witnesses. Their mission will be vital, yet the reality of the Tribulation is sobering—with Zechariah 13:8 foretelling that two-thirds of the population will perish. But for the believer, there is immense hope! Our Lord is a true Shepherd who removes His sheep from harm’s way rather than leaving them to face the judgment meant for the world. Rest in the assurance that we will be gathered home before the Great Tribulation unfolds.

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!

A Medical Emergency

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Psa 147:3-5  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.  (4)  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.  (5)  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What would happen if you were to apply the same sense of urgency to your broken heart as you would to a broken bone? What would happen if you were to go to your Bible with the same passionate response as you would to the emergency room? The Bible has a lot to say about broken hearts! Broken hearts come in different forms: a broken relationship, a death, a loss of a job, to name a few. But one thing the Christian has that the unbelieving world doesn’t have is that God is at the center of their broken heart.

The Christian finds hope and encouragement that comes as a result of reading the Bible. God hands out healing a broken heart, at no charge! He binds up the wounds like a master doctor! He takes that broken heart and pieces it back together, making it ready for the next task at hand. What I found to be a blessing is that He knows every star and calls them by name! Are you impressed yet? Furthermore, the next verse says His understanding is infinite. No matter what the cause of your broken heart is, God knows the smallest details and understands what you are going through. No one can heal better than God! There’s not a doctor, counsellor or self-help book out there that can know every detail of your health. As well, none can heal every little detail!

If you are not encouraged yet, read the following verses that the Lord placed in His Word just for you!

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isa 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;

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Lord’s healing can be found in the pages of your Bible, but you have to make the effort to pick up that Bible and read it! Let God’s Word cultivate your heart like a good gardener would. Let Him mold and shape your broken heart into a heart that whole and healed.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.

A Medical Emergency

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughts and MeditationsLeave a comment

Psa 147:3-5  He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.  (4)  He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.  (5)  Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

What would happen if you were to apply the same sense of urgency to your broken heart as you would to a broken bone? What would happen if you were to go to your Bible with the same passionate response as you would to the emergency room? The Bible has a lot to say about broken hearts! Broken hearts come in different forms: a broken relationship, a death, a loss of a job, to name a few. But one thing the Christian has that the unbelieving world doesn’t have is that God is at the center of their broken heart.

The Christian finds hope and encouragement that comes as a result of reading the Bible. God hands out healing a broken heart, at no charge! He binds up the wounds like a master doctor! He takes that broken heart and pieces it back together, making it ready for the next task at hand. What I found to be a blessing is that He knows every star and calls them by name! Are you impressed yet? Furthermore, the next verse says His understanding is infinite. No matter what the cause of your broken heart is, God knows the smallest details and understands what you are going through. No one can heal better than God! There’s not a doctor, counsellor or self-help book out there that can know every detail of your health. As well, none can heal every little detail!

If you are not encouraged yet, read the following verses that the Lord placed in His Word just for you!

Psa 34:18  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

1Pe 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Isa 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;

Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Lord’s healing can be found in the pages of your Bible, but you have to make the effort to pick up that Bible and read it! Let God’s Word cultivate your heart like a good gardener would. Let Him mold and shape your broken heart into a heart that whole and healed.

©All content on this site is protected under copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Any Day Now – Day 11

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment
Photography by Chris Michaud

Good morning! What a beautiful scenery this picture depicts. The fog is quietly laying low and depositing dew on the land. This is exactly how I view the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t speak to my heart with fanfare – He quietly deposits God’s will for me through the His word. Praise the Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and through the Church! I remember when I first was saved and attended my first Church service. I’d never been in a Church service where people actually enjoyed and loved being there! They had a common goal and that was to love, sing and worship the Lord together! I couldn’t get over the joy in my heart! I’d always attended Church but there was never any joy.

So back on point, if you recall, the Old Testament revealed the work of the Holy Spirit at various times when He was needed. He did not reside within those who loved God. He came at a time when God needed to accomplish something. There are many events of His presence but here’s one:

Isa 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;

However, in the New Testament, Jesus promised to leave His Spirit with the believers. Notice the verse says that the Holy Spirit would abide with us for ever! If we are to go through the Tribulation, and the Holy Spirit goes back to His Old Testament presence, then this verse is not true!

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

Come one people! The Scriptures do not contradict each other (John 10:35b): “the scripture cannot be broken”!

I firmly believe that the Spirit’s presence was not only needed to comfort and teach, but was also needed so that the Scriptures could be documented. In Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit was revealed and He has been with the Church ever since. It is He who organized the Church (Acts 1:8) and endowed them with gifts. It is He who gave us the Scriptures. It is He who restrains sin until it is time to release God’s judgment upon the entire earth.

2 Thess 2:1-8  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:

Dear reader, all out sin and evil influences are being restrained right now by the Holy Spirit. If He were not within the Church, things around us would be far worse. We see the “mystery of iniquity” already at work. Our world appears to have gone crazy. The devil has managed to infiltrate the world with critical race theory, the belief that there are over 100 different genders, and the taking of innocent lives through abortion. Children are being attacked and indoctrinated with pure evil. Jesus made it clear what would happen to people who allowed this to happen to children!

Mat 18:6  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

This is just to name a few, but you can see my point. This sinful influence was not a part of us in the early 1900’s. But the “mystery of iniquity” has crept in and left its influence in the wicked hearts of man. It is getting worse by the day! Just when we thought we’d heard everything, some new sinful idea comes in the wicked hearts of men and the world actually loves it! But when will the Holy Spirit put an end to this and open the flood gates for the Antichrist to rule?

“Only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way“! From the year 30 AD (when Acts 2 occurred) to today, the Holy Spirit has played an active role in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The Bible has been translated in 704 languages as of 2020. But not everyone has access as we see below:

According to Ethnologue, there are currently 7,106 living languages in the world. As of 2020 the full Bible has been translated into 704 languages. The New Testament has been translated into 1,551 languages and parts of the Bible have been translated into 1,160 additional languages. 

HTTPS://WWW.BIBLICA.COM/RESOURCES/BIBLE-FAQS/HOW-MANY-DIFFERENT-LANGUAGES-HAS-THE-BIBLE-BEEN-TRANSLATED-INTO/

The internet has helped greatly in spreading the Gospel across the globe but still lacks in many under privileged countries. The map below gives us a good idea of how much is still needed.

Internet density map
World connection density map (Source: Chris Harrison)

Friend, once the Holy Spirit’s influence through the Church is removed at the Rapture, His influence will go back to the way He did in the Old Testament. He will work through the 144,000 men of Israel who are sealed (Rev. 7:4) and the two witnesses (Rev 11:3). Their ministry will save many but more will die. Zechariah 13:8 tells us that two thirds of the population will die during the Tribulation. Praise the Lord that the Church will be removed prior to this! Be encouraged my friend! Don’t be dismayed. A true shepherd would not lead his sheep to the slaughter but he would take care of them and remove them from harm’s way. So is our Shepherd going to remove His sheep, the Church, before the hour of testing to come upon the entire earth.

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!

The Rapture – Day 11

On By KateIn Devotionals, End Times, RaptureLeave a comment
Photography by Chris Michaud

Good morning! A beautiful blanket of freshly fallen snow was left overnight and we behold a beautiful scenery. The scenery is quietly left behind. This is exactly how I view the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t speak to my heart with fanfare – He quietly deposits God’s will for me through the His word. Praise the Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and through the church! I remember when I first was saved and attended my first church service. I’d never been in a church service where people actually enjoyed and loved being there! They had a common goal and that was to love, sing and worship the Lord together! I couldn’t get over the joy in my heart! I’d always attended catholic church and there was never any joy.

So back on point, if you recall, the Old Testament revealed the work of the Holy Spirit at various times when He was needed. He did not reside within those who loved God. He came at a time when God needed to accomplish something. There are many events of His presence but here’s one:

Isa 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;

However, in the New Testament, Jesus promised to leave His Spirit with the believers. Notice the verse says that the Holy Spirit would abide with us for ever! If we are to go through the Tribulation, and the Holy Spirit goes back to His Old Testament presence, then this verse is not true!

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

Come one people! The Scriptures do not contradict each other (John 10:35b): “the scripture cannot be broken”!

I firmly believe that the Spirit’s presence was not only needed to comfort and teach, but was also needed so that the Scriptures could be documented. In Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit was revealed and He has been with the church ever since. It is He who organized the church (Acts 1:8) and endowed them with gifts. It is He who gave us the Scriptures. It is He who restrains sin until it is time to release God’s judgment upon the entire earth.

2Th 2:1-8  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:

Dear reader, all out sin and evil influences are being restrained right now by the Holy Spirit. If He were not within the church, things around us would be far worse. We see the “mystery of iniquity” already at work. Our world appears to have gone crazy. The devil has managed to infiltrate the world with critical race theory, the belief that there are over 100 different genders, and the taking of innocent lives through abortion. This is just to name a few but you can see my point. This sinful influence was not a part of us in the early 1900’s. But the “mystery of iniquity” has crept in and left its influence in the wicked hearts of man.

“Only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way“! From the year 30 AD (when Acts 2 occurred) to today, the Holy Spirit has played an active role in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The Bible has been translated in 704 languages as of 2020. But not everyone has access as we see below:

According to Ethnologue, there are currently 7,106 living languages in the world. As of 2020 the full Bible has been translated into 704 languages. The New Testament has been translated into 1,551 languages and parts of the Bible have been translated into 1,160 additional languages. 

https://www.biblica.com/resources/bible-faqs/how-many-different-languages-has-the-bible-been-translated-into/

The internet has helped greatly in spreading the Gospel across the globe but still lacks in many under privileged countries. The map below gives us a good idea of how much is still needed.

Internet density map
World connection density map (Source: Chris Harrison)

Friend, once the Holy Spirit is removed at the Rapture, His influence will go back to the Old Testament way for His work. He will work through the 144,000 men of Israel who are sealed (Rev. 7:4) and the two witnesses (Rev 11:3). Their ministry will save many but more will die. Zechariah 13:8 tells us that two thirds of the population will die during the Tribulation. Praise the Lord that the church will be removed prior to this! Be encouraged my friend! Don’t be dismayed. A true shepherd would not lead his sheep to the slaughter but he would take care of them and remove them from harm’s way. So is our Shepherd going to remove His sheep, the church, before the hour of testing to come upon the entire earth.

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!