Tag: John 14:1-3

Light in the Last Days – Day 52

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

Human nature loves a deadline. If you knew your family was arriving from across the country next Tuesday, you’d likely wait until Monday night to clean the house. But the Rapture isn’t a deadline to be met; it’s a presence to be prepared for. By keeping the timing a secret, God protects us from the danger of spiritual procrastination. Just as you would want your home ready at any moment for a beloved guest, the unknown timing of the Rapture calls us to live in a state of perpetual readiness, ensuring our spiritual ‘guest rooms’ are always in order.

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)

Our final study focuses on the Post-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint. This perspective argues that the Rapture occurs at the very end of the Great Tribulation, aligning with the end of the 2,520-day prophetic period. Under this belief, the Rapture and the Second Coming are not two separate occurrences; instead, the Church is caught up to meet Christ in the air and immediately returns with Him to Earth. Ultimately, this view maintains that Jesus returns only once, marking His final Second Coming.

This viewpoint centers on the idea that since God’s people have faced persecution throughout history, the Church must also endure the Tribulation. However, this creates a significant conflict with Romans 8:1, which promises that those in Christ are not under condemnation and are exempt from God’s wrath. Since the Tribulation judgments affect everyone on Earth, this would place the Church under the very wrath they were promised to avoid. Additionally, this view struggles to account for Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3 to prepare a place for us in Heaven. If believers simply meet Him in the air and immediately return to Earth for the Millennium, they would never actually inhabit the heavenly mansions He went to prepare.

To summarize, the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is the only viewpoint that addresses the fact that the Church disappears from the text from Revelation 4:1 through Revelation 21. While other views interpret the “saints” in these chapters as the Church, this overlooks a vital difference. Those saints are a separate group of believers enduring the Tribulation, distinct from the Church, the Bride of Christ, who has already been gathered.

The Rapture is an imminent event with no specific timeline, yet two other viewpoints rely on a predictable calendar. This calendar starts with the peace treaty mentioned in Daniel 9:27. If we followed the Mid-Tribulation theory, anyone could calculate the exact day by counting 1,260 days from that event. If the Post-Tribulation view were true, the date would be known after 2,520 days. These theories contradict the idea that Christ could return at any moment. Similarly, the Pre-Wrath view assumes the Church must endure the first five Seal judgments, but it cannot answer for the Church’s total absence from the biblical text starting in Revelation 4:1.

Only the Pre-Tribulation position provides a consistent answer for the Church’s disappearance from Revelation 4:1 through 22:15. Consider the data: the term “church” is used 7 times and “churches” 12 times within Revelation chapters 1 through 3. Yet, throughout the subsequent chapters of judgment, these words vanish entirely until Revelation 22:16. This clear pattern strongly suggests that the Church has already been removed before the Tribulation begins, leaving the judgments to fall on those remaining.

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 52

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

Have you ever thought about why we don’t know the exact date of the Rapture? It’s a lot like waiting for family to visit from across the country. You don’t just sit around; you get the house ready, plan the menus, and look forward to their arrival with excitement. If you knew they were coming on a specific Tuesday, you’d probably wait until Monday night to clean. By keeping the timing a mystery, God encourages us to live every day as if it’s the day He returns.

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)

The Post-Tribulation viewpoint marks the final perspective in our series, and it’s unique because it places the Rapture right at the very end of the Great Tribulation. The core of this teaching is that the Church remains on earth through the entire seven-year period, eventually meeting Christ in the air as He returns to establish His kingdom. However, this creates a major shift in how we view the event: since the Bible defines the Tribulation as lasting exactly 2,520 days (seven prophetic years), this view effectively turns the Rapture into a scheduled event rather than a surprise. Instead of looking for Christ at any moment, this belief system naturally leads to a countdown, setting a specific “expected date” for the Rapture to occur based on when the Tribulation begins.

This view basically says the Rapture and the Second Coming happen back-to-back. Believers are caught up to the clouds and then immediately ride back down with Christ to Earth. To put it simply, they believe there is only one “coming” of Jesus, and it happens entirely at the end of the Tribulation. This is a great chart differentiating between the two:

Proponents of this view point to historical persecution as a reason for the Church to remain through the Tribulation, but this overlooks the distinction between human persecution and divine wrath. Romans 8:1 explicitly states the Church is not subject to condemnation, yet the global judgments of the Tribulation would affect everyone present. Furthermore, this model leaves no time for the fulfillment of Acts 1:9–11 and John 14, where Jesus prepares a heavenly home for His followers. In a Post-Tribulation scenario, the Church meets Jesus in the air and immediately descends to fight Satan’s armies and enter the Millennium, essentially bypassing the “mansions” He went to prepare.

Except for the Pre-Tribulation view, most perspectives fail to account for the Church’s total disappearance from the text between Revelation 4:1 and chapter 21. While many assume the “saints” in these chapters refer to the Church, a closer look suggests these are actually individuals saved during the Tribulation, distinct from the Church, the Bride of Christ.

If the Rapture were Mid- or Post-Tribulation, it wouldn’t be imminent anymore—it would be a math problem. Since the Tribulation starts with a specific peace treaty (Daniel 9:27), you would just count 1,260 or 2,520 days to find the exact date. That completely gets rid of the “any moment” expectation we see in the Pre-Trib view. Even the Pre-Wrath position, which avoids the countdown, still puts the Church in the middle of the first five seals despite the fact that the word “Church” totally disappears from the book of Revelation after chapter 4.

The Pre-Tribulation viewpoint provides a consistent answer for both the timing of the Rapture and the Church’s total absence from Revelation 4:1 through 22:15. While the words “church” or “churches” appear 19 times in the first three chapters, they vanish entirely during the period of global judgment, only reappearing at the very end in Revelation 22:16. This linguistic shift strongly suggests that the Church is not present on Earth while God’s wrath is being poured out.

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 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 33

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

Reading the Bible allows God to reveal His heart and His plans to you. A good Father doesn’t keep His children in the dark, and God is no different—He has provided a prophetic roadmap in His Word so we are never caught off guard by world events.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-5  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.

Those who haven’t accepted Christ, often choosing to ignore His message, are described as walking in spiritual darkness. This isn’t just a lack of information; it’s a spiritual condition. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, the “god of this age” (Satan) has actively blinded the minds of unbelievers. This veil keeps them from seeing the light of the Gospel and understanding the glorious truth of who Jesus is.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Now, let’s ask a critical question: Who exactly is the target of the Rapture? Jesus isn’t coming for the world at large in this moment; He is coming specifically for those who have put their faith in Him—the Church. As the Bride of Christ, we are the object of His affection and the reason for this “catching away.” He is coming to fulfill His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Stay tuned, because in the next post, we’ll look at the very different “Who” associated with the Second Coming.

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.

To understand the Rapture, we must look at the ancient Jewish wedding customs. First, a price was paid—Jesus paid the ultimate bride-price with His life on the cross to establish His marriage contract with the Church. Following the custom, the Groom then left His Bride to return to His Father’s house. His mission there is to build a bridal chamber specifically for us. While we wait here on earth, we are “espoused” to Him, set apart and preparing ourselves for the moment He suddenly appears to carry us away to the home He has built. Jesus said:

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.

Think about this: if the Church stays on Earth through the Tribulation only to meet Jesus as He lands at the Second Coming, when do we actually go to the “mansions” He’s been preparing? John 14 says He is coming to receive us so we can be where He is—which is in Heaven at the Father’s right hand. At the Second Coming, Christ is coming to be where we are (on Earth) to set up His 1,000-year reign. These are two different directions. For the believer, the Rapture is that first step toward the home He has personally prepared for us. 

2 Corinthians 5:20  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.

Think of the Church as a group of diplomats stationed in a foreign land. Just as a nation brings its ambassadors home before a conflict breaks out, God plans to “recall” us to our true home in Heaven before the Tribulation begins. This “calling home” is the Rapture, the moment we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. At some point following our departure, the global stage will be set for the Antichrist to sign a deceptive covenant with Israel. While the world may celebrate this “covenant,” it actually triggers the final years of judgment that only end when Christ returns with His Bride in glory to defeat the armies of darkness.

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.

My prayer is that these devotionals have deepened your understanding of the Lord’s return and sparked a new hope within you. Friend, you are living in a significant moment in history, and it is no coincidence that you’ve encountered these truths today. God’s desire is for you to be saved and secure in His promises before these events unfold. 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 28

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

How can we be certain we are living in the end times? Is the return of Christ imminent or still far off? As believers, we must ground our answers in the Word of God. From Isaiah to Malachi, the Old Testament prophets provide the blueprint, but the book of Daniel is especially vital. It reveals specific details about the days we are living in now. For example:

Daniel 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Consider the world through Daniel’s eyes around 530 BC. He recorded a vision where movement and knowledge would accelerate at the end of time. For thousands of years, man traveled by horse, but the 20th century changed everything with planes and bullet trains. Now, in the 21st century, we are seeing the second half of that prophecy manifest through the AI revolution. Knowledge is being generated and shared instantly, far surpassing the limits of the human mind. Daniel never saw a jet engine or a computer chip, yet he perfectly captured the frantic pace of our modern era. It’s not a stretch to say we are living in the exact “knowledge and travel explosion” he tried to describe.

Daniel’s 2,500-year-old prediction that “knowledge shall be increased” has reached its climax in our generation. We’ve transitioned from the 10MB hard drives of the 80s to 2TB drives that fit in our pockets. More importantly, we’ve moved into the era of Artificial Intelligence, where machines now learn and “know” things at an exponential rate. In the late 1980s, a home computer with a 10MB hard drive felt like a miracle—yet today, a tiny 4TB thumb drive holds 400,000 times that amount of data. By 2009, IBM noted that information was doubling every 11 hours.  When you consider that a modern laptop is millions of times more powerful than the original UNIVAC, it’s undeniable. Between our hyper-connected smart homes and the dawn of AI, we are witnessing the literal “doubling of knowledge” every few hours.

Think back to the very first cell phones—they were the size of bricks and could only do one thing: make a phone call. That was it! Compare that to today, where a device that fits in the palm of your hand can browse the internet, run AI-powered apps, and send emails all while you’re talking on speakerphone. We’ve moved from simple tools to handheld supercomputers in just a few decades.

Revelation 11:8-9  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.  (9)  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

The era of the “global audience” is here, making it easy to see how the world will witness the events in Revelation 11. With instant global communication, the death of the two witnesses will be a live event for every nation. We are living in the very days the Thessalonians anticipated; if they were watchful then, we should be absolutely certain of where we stand on God’s timeline today.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Thanks to the book of Daniel, we can see exactly where we stand on God’s timeline. We aren’t just approaching the end times—we are in them! That means the Rapture is closer than ever, and we could be the ones caught up to meet Him in the air. Praise God! We don’t have to fear the coming Tribulation because, as Paul promised, Jesus is coming for His Bride first. He’s ready and waiting in Heaven for the Father’s signal to bring us home.

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 a believer, I find so much peace even as the world changes around us. We don’t need to be afraid of the future when we belong to Christ! I’m incredibly excited to see these days—are you? But I also know that for someone without the assurance of salvation, the future looks very different. If that’s you, please know that God brought you to this post by divine appointment so that you could find Him today. 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 22

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

Looking at today’s picture, I can’t help but think of the Rapture! The idea of Christ coming in the clouds for us is incredibly exciting. I dwell on this hope every day, yearning for that eternal reunion with our Lord. This post covers a lot of ground, but please stick with me; the insights regarding the Jewish wedding traditions were a huge blessing to me, and I believe they will be for you too.

Understanding the Rapture starts with a simple but vital truth: Jesus’ next coming involves two separate events. There is His appearance in the air for the Church, and His physical return to Israel for His chosen people. Many viewpoints get tangled because they try to merge the two. We must be careful to avoid ‘Replacement Theology,’ which wrongly claims the Church has taken Israel’s place. Let’s follow the example of the Bereans! They didn’t just take someone’s word for it; they studied the Scriptures daily to find the truth. We should do the same as we look forward to His return!

Act 17:10-11  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Bereans: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  (11)  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Paul’s writings are where we find the most detail regarding the ‘mystery’ of the Rapture. This specific term appears 22 times in the New Testament, frequently linked to the revelation of Christ’s Gospel to the Gentiles. By examining Paul’s letters—such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians—we see how God began revealing these hidden truths that had been kept secret since the world began (see Romans 11:24-25, 16:25, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-4, 3:9, 5:32, 6:19, Colossians 1:26-27, Colossians 2:2, 1 Timothy 3:9, 3:16).

We have the incredible privilege of being just as studious as the Bereans because those very same Scriptures are in our hands today! What a profound blessing this is, especially as we navigate a world that has changed so drastically. The world we knew twenty years ago has faded, replaced by an era of increasing darkness. Yet, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s salvation. As we do His work, we should lift each other up with the glorious hope of the Rapture. This ‘mystery’ isn’t just a doctrine; it is our comfort, reminding us that just as God provided for Noah and Lot, He will surely care for us!

1 Corinthians 15:51-54  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

What is the Apostle Paul teaching us here? He is explaining that at the Rapture, those who have died in Christ will receive their glorified bodies as they rise to meet Him (while their spirits are already with the Lord, their bodies are now raised). Those of us who are alive at His coming will also be transformed, receiving immortal bodies in an instant. This is vital because our current ‘flesh and blood’ is subject to decay and cannot inhabit eternity. These new, incorruptible bodies are designed to last forever! Just as Jesus promised to prepare a place for us, He will physically remove us from this earth—just as He rescued Noah and Lot—before His wrath is poured out on the world.

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.

Revelation 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.

In Revelation 3:10, the ‘hour of temptation’ refers to a specific ‘hour of trial’ that is destined to come upon the entire world. Scripture promises that believers will be kept from this time of testing. This reinforces the truth that there are two separate returns: the Rapture, where we meet Christ in the air, and His later return to the earth. Because the Rapture comes ‘as a thief in the night,’ the timing is a mystery. Just as a homeowner is caught off guard by a sudden robbery, the world will be unprepared for this swift and unexpected event.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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

Post-Tribulation proponents suggest that the ‘thief in the night’ occurs at the end of the Tribulation. But this contradicts the idea of an unknown hour! Since the seven-year Tribulation has a definite, scriptural number of days, anyone living through it could predict exactly when it ends. A ‘thief’ doesn’t announce his arrival with a seven-year warning!

We must distinguish between Christ’s appearance in the air and His return to the ground. The Rapture is a private rescue for the Bride, occurring unexpectedly at an unknown hour. However, the Second Coming is a public event where Jesus returns to Israel to conclude the Tribulation. Revelation 19:14 shows the armies of Heaven following Him, clothed in clean, white linen. Since this fine linen represents the saints washed in the Blood of the Lamb, it proves the Church is already in Heaven, ready to return with Him. The Rapture is a mystery for the Church, but the Second Coming is a manifestation seen by the whole world!

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

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

Amen—only the blood of Jesus can make us clean! Because of this, we know that the army following Christ in Revelation 19 isn’t composed of angels. Angels are holy, but they haven’t been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. The Bible tells us that the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ is reserved for the saints—the Church. By looking closely at the text, we see that the Bride is the one returning with her Groom. It pays to be like the Bereans! When you study these details for yourself, you find so much encouragement in God’s specific plan for His Church.

The idea of a Rapture occurring at the end of the Tribulation creates a conflict in the scriptural timeline. How could the Church attend the Marriage Supper in Heaven if we are only meeting the Lord as He descends to earth? The answer lies in the ancient Jewish wedding customs. By walking through the phases of a wedding in biblical times, you will see a stunning comparison that clarifies the timing of our rescue.

There are seven phases from the betrothal to the actual marriage consummation!!! Doesn’t this bless you? As you know, the number seven symbolizes perfection. What a blessing! The phases are:

  1. The father of the groom made the arrangements for the marriage and paid a price for the bride. The Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay for the bride with His blood. (1 Corinthians 6:20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 7:23)  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
  2. The bridegroom goes back home to prepare a place for his bride. (John 14:2)  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. (John 14:3)  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.
  3. The father of the groom determined the timing of when the bridegroom would return to get his bride. The bridegroom did not know the exact time. (Matthew 24:36)  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (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.
  4. The bride is consecrated and set apart. (1 Peter 2:9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
  5. Once the father of the groom gave the go ahead, the bridegroom would go to where the bride was. The groom returns with a shout. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. He then takes his bride to his home. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
  6. The bride and groom go to the wedding chamber. The bride and groom stay in their chamber for seven days. (Isaiah 26:20) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Praise the Lord! Scripture tells us that a prophetic day can equal a year. (see Numbers 14:34) The seven days the Jewish bride and groom spend in the wedding chamber appear to equate to seven years of Tribulation. (Daniel 9:27) Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. The antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation.
  7. After seven days/years, the marriage feast occurs. Jesus returns to earth on a white horse with His Bride to have victory over the earth. (Revelation 19:11-14)  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
  8. Lastly, after the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus reigns in Jerusalem for 1,000 years, known as the Feast of Tabernacles, where He “tabernacles” with man during the Millennial Kingdom!

After walking through the beautiful steps of the Jewish wedding, the timing of the Rapture becomes so much clearer. How could it occur in the middle or at the end of the Tribulation? The biblical pattern shows the Groom and the Bride entering the wedding chamber together for seven full days—a perfect picture of the Church being sheltered in Heaven during the seven-year Tribulation!

By now, the distinction is clear: the Rapture and the Tribulation are two entirely separate events. There is simply no comfort or hope for those destined to endure the darkest chapter in human history. This is why the promise of our removal is so vital.

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

As you reflect on these truths, remember that the promise of the Rapture is not just a theological debate—it is the “Blessed Hope” for every believer. In a world that feels increasingly heavy and uncertain, we can stand firm knowing that our Groom is preparing a place for us and will return to rescue His Bride before the day of judgment. This assurance is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who paid the price for your soul with His own blood. If you are unsure of your standing with Him or feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart today, please don’t wait another moment to secure your eternal future.

Would you like to know more about this life-changing promise? You can find peace and certainty today by learning how to be born again and know it.

Light in the Last Days – Day 10

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

Luke 21:35-36  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. (36) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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.

The world is loud right now, saturated with reports of chaos and global upheaval. But despite the headlines, I am choosing peace over panic. For the believer, there is no room for anxiety—only faith.

The Scriptures offer us a powerful promise: those who are born again and sealed with the Holy Spirit are not destined for the period of wrath intended for the world. While some debate the timing of the Tribulation, the Word of God is clear about its scope. As we see in Luke 21:36 (which urges us to pray that we may be accounted worthy to escape), this coming trial will encompass the entire globe. It will be a time of great distress unlike anything history has ever witnessed, yet we can stand firm in the hope of our deliverance.

Revelation 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.

Looking at Revelation 3:10, we see a distinction that changes everything. Jesus promises to ‘keep thee from the hour of temptation.’ If He intended for us to endure it, He might have said He would sustain us through it. But the word ‘from’ suggests a total exemption. How can the Lord keep an entire group of people from a global event? The answer is clear: He must remove us from the earth before it commences. The Greek word and definition for “from” is:

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):

This verse is specific: Church-age saints are kept from the temptation, not just protected while inside it. Amen! Paul’s letters give us extensive insight into the Rapture, and his message was always one of reassurance. If the Church had to face the Tribulation—the most harrowing period of judgment ever recorded—Paul’s words would offer no comfort. We aren’t looking for the Antichrist or the wrath of God; we are looking for our Savior. Let’s read together:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

We must distinguish this event from the Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation. At the Second Coming, Christ returns to stand upon the earth; however, verse 17 tells us specifically that we will meet Him in the air. Remember Jesus’ promise in John 14:1–3: He went to His Father’s house to prepare a place for us so that He could receive us to Himself. If we were simply staying on earth, why would He spend 2,000 years preparing ‘mansions’ or rooms in His Father’s house in Heaven? Those who believe we endure the Tribulation struggle to explain this, often suggesting these dwellings are on earth—but the Word points upward! Ultimately, if we were destined for the horrors of Revelation, Paul’s command to ‘comfort one another’ would be impossible. There is no comfort in judgment; the comfort is in our rescue.

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!

Supporting the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

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

Today’s picture reminds me of Christ’s coming in the clouds to Rapture His Church! It is such an exciting thought, amen? I meditate on this event every day and long to see Jesus and forever be with Him! Today’s post is a bit long but I promise a blessing (at least it was for me) when you read the part about the Jewish wedding

To truly understand the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, one must understand that Christ’s next return occurs in two separate occasions, not just one. One appearance is in the clouds (to take care of His Church) and the second is His return to earth in Israel to take care of His people. The Church and Israel are two separate “people”! This is where other viewpoints get confused. Replacement theology is a belief that the Church replaced Israel when Israel rejected Christ’s first coming. They are not studying the Scriptures like good Bereans to make sure that what they are being taught is in line with the Scriptures. The Bereans studied these things out for themselves: and so much more should we, Christian!

Act 17:10-11  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Bereans: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.  (11)  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Apostle Paul teaches us about the “mystery” of the Rapture more than any other. The word mystery is 22 times in the King James Version, and all are in the New Testament. It is first spoken in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being opened to the Gentiles (see Romans 11:24-25, 16:25, 1 Cor. 2:7, Eph. 1:9, 3:3-4, 3:9, 5:32, 6:19, Col. 1:26-27, Col. 2:2, 1 Tim. 3:9, 3:16).

We can be just as studious because we have those very Scriptures to study so we can learn about this mystery! What a blessing this is, especially in times like these. The world as we once knew it twenty years ago is now gone. In its place is a more evil world than we have ever seen. We are called to witness to others about the salvation of Christ. While we accomplish His task, we are to encourage one another about this wonderful and blessed topic of the Rapture. The mystery of the Rapture is an encouraging topic for the believers in the Church because it gives us hope – it encourages us – it teaches us that we are going to be cared for just as God took care of Noah and Lot!

1 Co 15:51-54  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

What is the Apostle Paul saying here? He’s saying that the dead in Christ will get their new bodies as they are taken up into the air (their spirits went to be with Christ upon the death of their earthly body). Those which are living when the Rapture occurs will receive their immortal body as well. Why is this so important? The body, flesh and blood, dies (corrupts) and cannot go into eternity because the body cannot live forever. However, the new body that we all receive while we go up to meet Jesus will not die or decay but will live forever! Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us. Just as we discussed on my last post where Lot was removed from Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction, and Noah and his family were saved, so will Jesus come for us and physically remove us from this earth before God’s wrath is released on the entire world.

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

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 “hour of temptation” in Revelation 3:10 means “ hour of trial.” So believers will be kept from that trial which will come upon all the world! Scripture makes it clear there are two separate returns. The first coming of Christ (the Rapture) is clearly not Christ coming to the earth; instead we will meet Him in the air. It is a time that no man knows the day or hour; it will come as a thief in the night. Anyone who has been robbed can tell you that they were not prepared for it. It happened quickly and at a time that was unknown to them.

1Th 4:16-18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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

Proponents of the post-Trib Rapture state that this “thief in the night” is at the end of the Tribulation. But how can that be when there is a definite about of days that the seven-year Tribulation contains?

This “day of the Lord” occurs in the air – in the clouds, not here on the earth. This is when He comes to get His Bride (the Church comprised of born-again believers) to take her to His Father’s house. When does it happen? It happens like a thief in the night. The Second Coming of the Lord, however, is when He comes here to the earth, in Israel, and His bride will be with Him. (see Revelation 19:14) Therefore, we have to already be in Heaven before this happens. Only the Bride (the Church) is clothed in fine linen, white and clean because we are made clean by the Blood of the Lamb! When Christ comes to earth to wrap up the Tribulation period, He returns with us! On top of that, it is seen by all! It is not a mystery or a secret as the Rapture is.

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

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

Only Christ’s blood can make us clean from sin, amen? (1 John 1:7) The angels cannot be the ones comprising Christ’s army because they are not washed clean by the blood of Jesus. The Word doesn’t say that they will be with Christ and His Bride, but angels certainly are not made clean by the Blood of the Lamb. Revelation 19:8 says that it is the righteousness of the saints – the Church is made righteous by Jesus Christ, and Him only. Do you see why you have to read your Bible so you can be encouraged by the Scriptures??? Therefore, the army here is the Bride of Christ. Those who claim this do not compare scripture with scripture and make sure there are no contradictions in their viewpoint.

Friend and reader, how can we be raptured at the end of the Tribulation, prepare ourselves, attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, then return to earth to fight with Christ? This makes no sense when viewing the Rapture occurring at the end of the Tribulation. Let’s look at the Jewish wedding in biblical times. The sequence of the wedding will give you an idea of the comparison with the Rapture and when it occurs.

There are seven phases from the betrothal to the actual marriage consummation!!! Doesn’t this bless you? As you know, the number seven symbolizes perfection. What a blessing! The phases are:

  1. The father of the groom made the arrangements for the marriage and paid a price for the bride. The Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay for the bride with His blood. (1Co 6:20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1Co 7:23)  Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
  2. The bridegroom goes back home to prepare a place for his bride. (Joh 14:2)  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. (Joh 14:3)  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.
  3. The father of the groom determined the timing of when the bridegroom would return to get his bride. The bridegroom did not know the exact time. (Mat 24:36)  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mar 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.
  4. The bride is consecrated and set apart. 1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
  5. Once the father of the groom gave the go ahead, the bridegroom would go to where the bride was. The groom returns with a shout. (1 Th 4:16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. He then takes his bride to his home. (1 Th 4:15-17)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
  6. The bride and groom go to the wedding chamber. The bride and groom stay in their chamber for seven days. Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Praise the Lord! Scripture tells us that a prophetic day can equal a year. (see Num. 14:34) The seven days the Jewish bride and groom spend in the wedding chamber appear to equate to seven years of Tribulation. Dan 9:27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. The antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation.
  7. After seven days/years, the marriage feast occurs. Jesus returns to earth on a white horse with His Bride to have victory over the earth. Rev 19:11-14  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
  8. Lastly, after the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus reigns in Jerusalem for 1,000 years, known as the Feast of Tabernacles, where He “tabernacles” with man during the Millennial Kingdom!

Now that you have read about the Jewish wedding, do you not see that the Rapture cannot occur at the end, or even in the middle? The Groom and the Bride go into their wedding chamber for seven days/years (during the seven year Tribulation)!

You can now see that the Rapture and the Tribulation are two separate events; make no mistake about it. No hope or consolation can be given to people who are about to go through the worse time in history!

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

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

Any Day Now – Day 45

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The only way to be a part of the Bride of Christ is to be born again. It is salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. Friend, if you are not born again, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Any Day Now – Day 33

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

The more you read the Bible, the more God reveals His word to you. God is a very good Father! He doesn’t want His children to be in the dark. His Word lays out the details He wants us to know regarding future events so we are not in the dark.

1 Thess 5:2-5  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.

The unsaved (those who don’t want to hear about Jesus Christ) are those who walk in darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, Satan.

2 Cor 4:3-4  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Let’s take a look at WHO Jesus will come for at the glorious Rapture? He comes to claim the Church for His Bride. (We will cover the WHO at the Second Coming on the next post.)

2 Cor 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.

The Church is the Bride of Christ. As in the traditional Jewish wedding, a marriage contract was made between the groom and bride (Jesus signed the marriage contract with His blood to all believers). Then the groom would go to his father’s house and prepare a place where he could bring his future espoused wife. Jesus said:

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

IF the Rapture were to happen at the end of the Tribulation, why would Jesus go to prepare a place for His bride in Heaven so He could receive her to Himself? No one goes to Heaven after the Second Coming. The Second Coming introduces the millennial Kingdom on earth, not in Heaven. Why would He prepare a place for us if we’re not going to be going there? If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you will be raptured.

2 Cor 5:20  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.

The church is depicted as ambassadors for Christ. Anytime a war is about to begin, that country’s ambassadors are called home. It will be the same with the Church before God’s judgment on the entire earth. He will call His ambassadors home at the Rapture and then the Day of the Lord will begin with the antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel. The judgments will end with the Battle of Armageddon and Christ’s Second Coming.

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

If you never learned about the Rapture and the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that these devotionals have been a blessing to you. 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!