Tag: Luke 21:36

Light in the Last Days – Day 63

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Matthew 24:3-8  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  (4)  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.  (5)  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  (6)  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  (7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.  ( 8 )  All these are the beginning of sorrows. (9)  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

We are living in the “beginning of sorrows.” The Greek word behind “sorrows” is odin, and its definition is vital: it means “birth pangs.” This is why we see the world’s problems happening with greater frequency and intensity. Like a woman entering labor, the world is experiencing prophetic contractions that are getting closer together and harder to ignore. These aren’t just “bad times”; they are the specific pains that lead directly to the birth of the Kingdom of God and the return of the King.

ὠδίν
ōdin
o-deen’
Akin to G3601; a pang or throe, especially of childbirth: – pain, sorrow, travail.

If you ask any woman who has delivered a child, she’ll tell you: labor is a game-changer. At the start, the pains are small enough that you might think, “This isn’t so bad; I’ve got this!” That was certainly my experience—until reality set in. Those “feelings” were a poor guide, because the pains soon became much stronger and the breaks between them much shorter. Jesus used this specific comparison for a reason. He wanted us to understand that the signs of His coming wouldn’t just be “bad events,” but a literal progression of intensity that cannot be stopped once it begins.

History repeats itself, but the intensity of today’s events is unprecedented. What we see now is a “perfect storm” where prophetic signs are occurring concurrently across the globe. Jesus pointed toward verse 9 as a specific marker—a time of intense affliction. The level of antisemitic vitriol we see today is a haunting echo of the 1940s, as Israel faces nations that openly call for her destruction. This is the reality of the hour we live in. My dear reader, don’t let your heart be troubled. These signs are the heralds of our King. Look up, for our deliverance is closer than we ever imagined!

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.

All the signs point to one imminent event: Jesus is coming to rescue His Bride. The Rapture is the finish line for the Church age, and it is closer than ever before. Don’t you want to be included in that headcount? Don’t let this world distract you from the invitation of a lifetime. The door is open, the Master is coming, and you are invited to join Him in the clouds.

Luke 21:36  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.

When Jesus speaks of an “escape,” He is referring to the horrific events of the coming Tribulation. This is a powerful promise that the Church will be delivered from that hour of trial. Scripturally, this period is known as “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Since Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, we see that this seven-year period is God’s final dealing with the Jewish nation. The Rapture serves as the “period” at the end of the Church Age. Once the Bride is safe with her Groom, the spotlight of prophecy shifts back to Israel, preparing their hearts to finally recognize Jesus as their King.

My friend, regardless of your background or your perspective on these things, there is one non-negotiable truth: you must be born again to be part of God’s kingdom. It is no coincidence that you are reading these words right now; God has placed you here “for such a time as this” so that you might find salvation today. Don’t you want to be among the Church when she is caught up into the clouds to meet our Savior face-to-face? (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 62

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Mark 13:35  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mark 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Luke 21:36  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.

1 Corinthians 16:13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Luke 12:37  Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

“Watch!” It’s a word that echoes throughout the New Testament. We are told to be ready, to be alert, and to be found watching at all times. But what is the object of our gaze? What are we supposed to be looking for in a world full of distractions? It is more than just watching the news; it’s watching the clock of prophecy hit the midnight hour.

“Watch!” This command appears in Mark 13:35 and Mark 14:38 for two vital reasons. First, we watch because we don’t know the exact hour of the Master’s return, and we want to be found ready, not slumbering. Second, we watch and pray to stay alert to the spiritual traps and temptations around us. Strong’s Concordance defines “watch” as being awake, and in these end times, being “spiritually awake” is our best defense. If you are watching the signs and staying in the Word, you won’t be caught unawares. You’ll have the divine guidance you need to handle every trial with confidence.

grēgoreō: to be awake, to watch Original Word: γρηγορέω
Transliteration: grēgoreō
Phonetic Spelling: (gray-gor-yoo’-o)
Part of Speech: Verb
Short Definition: to be awake, to watch
Meaning: to be awake, to watch

Strong’s Concordance be vigilant, wake, be watchful.

From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch (literally or figuratively) — be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).

The command in Luke 21:36 to “watch” carries the weight of being on constant alert. It is a spiritual state of being where our hearts are so focused on the Lord’s return that we cannot be caught off guard. This verse uses the word “escape,” which is a perfect depiction of the Rapture: our exit before the global trial begins. If a believer falls into spiritual sleep, they lose that forward-leaning momentum and become complacent. We are called to be a people who never stop looking up, staying sleeplessly aware that our Bridegroom is at the door!

agrypneō: to be sleepless, wakeful Original Word: ἀγρυπνέω
Transliteration: agrypneō
Phonetic Spelling: (ag-roop-neh’-o)
Part of Speech: Verb
Short Definition: to be sleepless, wakeful
Meaning: to be sleepless, wakeful

We are told to stand firm in the faith and keep our guard up (1 Corinthians 16:13), especially against those who try to discourage our hope in the Rapture. Paul’s letters regarding the Rapture were written to provide comfort and edification to the Body of Christ. You won’t find that kind of peace in viewpoints that leave the Church to suffer through the Tribulation. The only reason we can truly “comfort one another with these words” is because the Church will be gone before the judgment begins. Our hope is a secure one!

1 Thessalonians 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

There is a specific, incredible blessing reserved for those found watching when the Master returns. Luke 12:37 tells us that Jesus will literally “gird himself” and serve those who were waiting for Him. This is the ultimate fulfillment of our hope! We are watching and waiting for the moment we sit down at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. As the Bride of Christ, we won’t just be guests; we will be the honored focus of His love as we feast together in the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

Light in the Last Days – Day 42

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Have you caught the news lately? It’s hard to ignore the feeling that the world has completely shifted gears; honestly, it feels a bit chaotic! If you’ve been thinking the same thing, you’re definitely not alone. We are a long way from the early 2000s. In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference between then and now, and what do you think triggered such a massive shift?

Let’s take a look at what the Apostle Paul warned Timothy would happen when this world would reach its near end:

2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Look at the world today: every single one of Paul’s warnings is manifesting simultaneously. We’ve seen these things throughout history, but never all together like this! I urge you to study these underlined words deeply. Dig into their definitions and observe how they define our current reality ‘to a T.’ I was surprised by how much I missed until I did the research—once I understood the true meanings, everything clicked into place.

It is an incredible time to be alive, especially when we look forward with joy to the return of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to gather His Church! While the Rapture was a mystery hidden throughout the Old Testament, the New Testament reveals it with absolute clarity. We know it was a fresh revelation because the Apostle Paul, who always grounded his teachings in Old Testament Scripture, presented it as a new truth directly from the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55  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.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul introduces an exciting ‘mystery’: the truth that not every believer will experience physical death, or ‘sleep’, before Christ returns. He explains that for those who have already passed away, death is only a temporary rest for the body. While their spirits are currently present with the Lord in Heaven, they are awaiting the final redemption of their physical forms. At the moment of the Rapture, these souls will descend with Jesus to be reunited with their bodies, which will be raised from the grave and instantly transformed into an incorruptible, glorified state suitable for the Kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 5:6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

In a ‘twinkling of an eye,’ Paul tells us, everything shifts. This isn’t just a spiritual update; it is a total physical makeover. Those who have died will be raised with bodies that can never again face death, while those living will be transformed without ever tasting death! But Paul doesn’t leave us guessing about the result. By letting Scripture explain Scripture, we see in verses 53 and 54 that this ‘change’ is our final victory over the grave. We are being “fitted” for eternity, trading our temporary, earthly ‘tents’ for permanent, spiritual bodies that are immune to disease, sin, and time. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 15:53-54  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.

Why can’t our current bodies enter Heaven? I’ve heard it put this way: “They are perishable, and the eternal cannot be built on a foundation of decay.” Whether a believer is in the grave or alive at the moment of the Rapture, they carry a body corrupted by the fall of man. This corruption isn’t just physical aging; it is the spiritual reality of our sin nature inherited from Adam. Death is the proof of that sin. To step into eternity, we require a radical upgrade, a complete makeover, if you will. We must trade our sinful, dying flesh for a body that is ‘incorruptible’; a permanent, heavenly body that is no longer subject to the curse of death.

Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The first sin didn’t just bring physical death into the world; it introduced spiritual death, a state of separation from God that affects every human being from the moment of birth. This reality is exactly why Jesus’ ministry was necessary. Because we inherit a sinful nature from Adam, we are naturally born on a path that leads away from God toward eternal judgment. However, the message of the Gospel is one of rescue: by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we are ‘born again,’ effectively changing our eternal destination from separation to life everlasting with Him.

John 3:18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Once a person is born again, that person will live eternally, whether he dies before the Rapture or is alive at the time of the Rapture. No corruptible body of sin can enter Heaven. The born-again believer has become part of the body of Christ, the Church/Bride, and at the Rapture, that body will join the Head of the Church, her Lord/Groom! Jesus Christ will not allow His own body, the Bride, to go through any part of the terrible Tribulation period. He calls her out of the world to join Him in the clouds so He can protect her from it.

That is the whole purpose of the Rapture! It is not to judge the church because Jesus took that judgment upon Himself.

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

If we are in Christ Jesus, then we are counted worthy because HE is worthy! Jesus Himself gave us a glimpse of this when He spoke of the end times in Luke 21:5-36. The key verse is:

Luke 21:36  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.

When Jesus mentions ‘all these things,’ He is pointing back to the entire sequence of end-times events He described from Luke 21:5 through 35. This comprehensive list covers everything from global upheaval to spiritual trials. Just as God established a pattern of rescue by shielding Noah from the Flood and leading Lot out of Sodom before judgment fell, He continues that pattern today. He provides a divine escape for His Church, His own Bride and ‘flesh and blood’, ensuring that those who belong to Him are protected from the coming wrath.

As we learned in the last post, the word Rapture doesn’t appear in the English Bible. The New Testament was initially written in Greek. It was translated from Greek into Latin from which the English translation came.

  • The Greeks’ word for rapture was “harpazo”;
  • when it was translated into Latin, that word was translated to “rapturo” which is where today we get our English word rapture;
  • but when the word was translated into English, it was translated as “caught up.”

Paul tells us that this “Rapture” will occur in the twinkling of an eye. Our physical bodies will be changed into the same type of body that Jesus had at His resurrection. (Luke 24:36-39) When we receive this new body, we can then have what it takes to enter Heaven with Jesus. Be encouraged, reader!

It isn’t by chance that you’ve been called to live in these significant times. God has a specific purpose for your life, starting with the invitation to receive the gift of salvation 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 41

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

What exactly is “The Rapture,” and why does it spark so much conversation? While it’s a major topic in modern prophecy, many are surprised to learn that the Apostle Paul was its primary architect among the early leaders. His focus on it was immediate; in fact, during his very first three weeks in Thessalonica, he dedicated three consecutive Sabbaths to teaching the believers about this event in depth. (Acts 17:2)

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  (9)  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  (10)  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  (11)  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

 At its core, the word “rapture” is a literal description of a sudden event. It’s origin from the Latin rapio, meaning to “carry off” or “snatch away” quickly. While English versions use “caught up” to translate the original Greek, “rapture” describes the intensity of the event: a supernatural, quick and forceful removal of believers from the earth to the sky. By using the Latin-derived term, we are simply using a different language’s way of describing the exact same “catching away” that Paul promised. Charles Ryrie had the best description of this event:

Rapture is a state or experience of being carried away. The English word comes from a Latin word, rapio, which means to seize or snatch in relation to an ecstasy of spirit or the actual removal from one place to another. In other words, it means to be carried away in spirit or in body. The Rapture of the church means the carrying away of the church from earth to heaven.

The Greek word from which this term “rapture” is derived appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, translated “caught up.” The Latin translation of this verse used the word rapturo. The Greek word it translates is harpazo, which means to snatch or take away. Elsewhere it is used to describe how the Spirit caught up Philip near Gaza and brought him to Caesarea (Acts 8:39) and to describe Paul’s experience of being caught up into the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Thus there can be no doubt that the word is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to indicate the actual removal of people from earth to heaven. Charles Ryrie

The Apostle Paul provided a clear blueprint for the “catching up” of believers to meet Jesus in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This event acts as a blessed rescue, where Christ specifically removes His Bride, the Church, from the global devastation of the Tribulation period. Just as God provided an escape during the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-38) and delivered Lot before judgment fell (Luke 17:28), the Rapture serves as a separate act of preservation. It is distinct from the Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation; while the Rapture occurs in the air, the Second Coming concludes with Jesus physically standing upon the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4).

Understanding the “how” of the Rapture remains a mystery, but we are given a definitive “how fast” in the Word of God. Paul describes the event in 1 Corinthians 15:52 as taking place in the twinkling of an eye, which is almost too small to measure. It is a split-second miraculous event where the dead are raised incorruptible and the living are transformed, proving that what we cannot fully comprehend, God can accomplish in less than the time it takes to blink.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52  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.

The Bible describes a specific order for the Rapture: first, the “dead in Christ” rise, their souls from heaven meeting their newly resurrected bodies in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Immediately after, believers living on earth will have their mortal bodies exchanged for immortal ones as they ascend to meet Jesus in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). Though I cannot explain the logistics, I believe His promises without any doubts. Jesus is currently in glory preparing a home for His Church. Just as He promised, He will return for His Bride to ensure that where He is, we may be also! Glory!

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.

The beauty of the Rapture is that the Church goes to meet the Lord and then taken to His heavenly dwelling. This should stir a sense of excitement in every believer! We are not merely spectators; we are His body, and He is our Head (Ephesians 1:22). Since the Tribulation is a time of global judgment upon an unbelieving world, it stands to reason that the Lord would not pour out that same punishment on His own body. He has not appointed us to wrath, but to deliverance. (1 Thessalonians 5:9) This view allows us to follow Paul’s instruction to comfort and encourage each other with the hope of our upcoming departure!!

Friend, God has placed you here right now for a specific purpose: to hear the good news of His deliverance before the twinkling of an eye, the Rapture, changes everything. If you are not yet a part of His body, there is no better moment than this to seek His salvation. Don’t leave your future to chance; instead, trust in the Word that promises a way of escape. (Luke 21:36) You were meant to hear this today so that you can stand among those who will be comforted by His return, rather than those who face the His judgment during the Tribulation. 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 16

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

Today’s study is a deep dive, and I truly hope you’ll stay with me to the very end—it is so worth it! I’ll admit, the Book of Revelation used to feel overwhelming to me. However, through careful study, I’ve found the key to understanding its message. Remember, the Lord promises a unique blessing to those who read, hear, and live out the words of this prophecy. It’s the only book in the Bible with such a specific promise attached! So, let’s jump in and receive that blessing together.

Revelation 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:7  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

I learned early on in my research that whenever the Apostle John records an image that feels ‘out of this world’ or like a Star Trek special effect, it is likely intended to be symbolic rather than literal. Take a look at this example:

Revelation 9:7  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

While that serves as a clear example of symbolism, I found that when the descriptions in Revelation felt grounded and realistic, they should be interpreted literally. A compelling example of this literal approach is:

Revelation 8:10-11  And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;  (11)  And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

In literal terms, this star could be a comet or an asteroid. It’s likely that a body like Wormwood will be discovered by NASA in the coming years, potentially leading to the catastrophic water pollution described in the text. Consider how Noah Webster defines the word ‘wormwood’ itself:

WORMWOOD, n. [G.] A plant, the artemisia. It has a bitter nauseous taste;

So we can interpret the verses above literally. A comet will fall to earth and destroy a third part of the rivers and fountains of waters (fresh water) and make the waters bitter and undrinkable. So now we know what to take literally and what to take symbolically.

“It’s time to look at a key piece of the puzzle: the ‘disappearing’ Church in Revelation. If we were meant to be here for the Tribulation, John would have addressed us specifically. But notice the data: the Church is mentioned 18 times in the first three chapters and then—nothing. The word doesn’t appear again until the final chapter of the Bible in verse 22:16. This silence during the Tribulation chapters speaks volumes about our position in Heaven during that time.

Revelation 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Did you know that Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 4:1 were originally consecutive verses? Before chapters and verses were assigned in 1551, the final word to the churches led directly into the vision of an open door in Heaven and the call to ‘Come up hither.’ It’s a thrilling connection! The moment the focus shifts from the churches on earth to the door in heaven, the Church vanishes from the narrative until the very end of the book. Looking at it this way adds a whole new layer of meaning to the Rapture’s timing, wouldn’t you agree

Revelation 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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

In Revelation 4:1, we don’t see Christ descending to earth; rather, we see John ascending to the Lord’s presence. Jesus explains that He is about to show John future events—those which ‘must be hereafter’—indicating that the period of judgment has not yet begun. This sets the stage for the rest of Chapters 4 and 5, which provide a glimpse into the events unfolding in Heaven, such as the gathering mentioned in Revelation 4:4.

Revelation 4:4  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

After salvation, the way we live for Christ leads to the receiving of crowns in Heaven. These rewards serve a higher purpose: we will cast them at the feet of our Savior as we worship Him throughout eternity.

Revelation 4:10-11  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,  (11)  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The timing fits perfectly: the Church is called upward to Christ (parallel to John’s journey in Revelation 4) before the first seal of judgment is even broken. We find our safety in Jesus, who acts as our Ark of salvation. While the world faces the coming storms of judgment, we will be safely stationed with Him in the Father’s house.

Hebrews 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah’s faithfulness led to his safety during the judgment of the entire earth. Just as he transitioned from the ark to a new life on Mount Ararat, we are destined to return with Christ to a transformed earth, joining Him as He reigns in glory from Jerusalem.

The beauty of the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint lies in its imminency. If the Rapture occurred at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation, we could simply count down the days (such as the 1,260 days mentioned in prophecy) and know exactly when to expect Him. But Scripture tells us that ‘of that day and hour knoweth no man.’ Just as Noah was unaware of the specific start of the flood, we remain in a state of constant readiness. Once the Lord closes the door to safety, the time for preparation is over.

Luke 21:36  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 24:36-42  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  (37)  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  (38)  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  (39)  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  (40)  Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (41)  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (42)  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

The total silence regarding the Church after Revelation 4:1 is one of the strongest evidences for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture. With the Church already in Heaven, God turns His attention back to Israel to complete the final ‘week’ of Daniel’s prophecy. We are currently in a parenthetical ‘pause’ in Israel’s history known as the Church Age, which ends the moment we hear that heavenly call to ‘come up hither’. From that point forward, the narrative focuses on the 70th week of Daniel—the seven-year Tribulation—which begins when the Antichrist makes himself known through a peace treaty with Israel.

Jeremiah 30:3-7  For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.  (4)  And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.  (5)  For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.  (6)  Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?  (7)  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

While God loves the whole world, He has a special, distinct love for Israel and the Church. Because Israel did not fully embrace their mission to lead others to Him, God extended the offer of salvation to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. This inaugurated a ‘break’ in Israel’s prophetic timeline, allowing the Church Age to flourish. However, this wasn’t a new idea; even in the Old Testament, Gentiles like Rahab and Ruth found faith and a place in the Messiah’s genealogy, proving that God’s door has always been open to those who seek Him.

With the arrival of Christ, the Age of Law was paused, marking the end of the first 69 weeks of Daniel’s prophecy and the beginning of the Church Age. This divine ‘pause’ concludes with the Rapture, as God turns His attention back to Israel for the final seven years. The start of this Tribulation period is triggered by the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel, though he will ultimately betray them halfway through those seven years.

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.

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

Light in the Last Days – Day 12

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

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (10)  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 

Good morning! Looking at this sunrise, it’s easy to imagine the Lord just beyond those clouds, waiting for the Father’s word to come and meet us. I find myself living in daily expectation of the Rapture, looking forward to the day our earthly struggles end and we can finally worship at His feet for eternity.

I invite you to share your own excitement for the Rapture in the comments below. While some teach that the Church must face the Tribulation, I find that view leaves little room for the comfort we are called to give one another. If there is no escape from that period of judgment, then the promise of Luke 21:36 loses its power. I choose to look forward to the surprise of His appearing, knowing that He has provided a way for us to stand before the Son of Man instead of facing the wrath to come.

Luke 21:36  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.

What does it mean for the Rapture to be ‘imminent’? It means it’s ‘at the door’—ready to happen at any time! Even way back in AD 51, Paul was emphasizing this truth to his readers. I encourage you to look at today’s verses and put yourself in Paul’s shoes. He knew the Thessalonians were being shaken by false reports that the Day of the Lord had already arrived. To settle their hearts and remind them of the truth, he sent them this message:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  (2)  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Paul’s original teachings were being twisted by deceivers, a struggle that feels incredibly modern. Today, the Pre-Tribulation Rapture is a frequent target of criticism and doubt. This wave of skepticism shouldn’t surprise us, though; it’s the very thing the Apostle Peter warned would happen in

2 Peter 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Before the Tribulation can begin, the ‘Man of Sin’ must be revealed (Daniel 9:27). But unlike the Tribulation, the Rapture has no countdown. This reminds me of Noah’s Ark. Noah spent years building a ship for a storm no one believed was coming because it had never even rained (Genesis 2:5-6). The Ark wasn’t built for navigation; it was built for preservation. Noah didn’t know the day the fountains of the deep would burst open, but he was ready. When the time was right, God took control, shut the door, and kept those eight souls safe and sound until the judgment passed.

Consider how Jesus serves as the ultimate Ark for His Church. The moment we are saved, we step into His divine protection. Because He paid the price for our sins on the cross, we are granted entrance into His ‘Ark’ of safety, shielded from the coming wrath. Through the Rapture (Revelation 3:10, 4:1), He will shelter us in heaven until the day we return with Him at His Second Coming. After He judges the earth, we will enter the Millennial Kingdom together, while the Tribulation saints who survive His return will begin to repopulate the earth!

Why does the timing matter? Because a Rapture that follows a set timeline isn’t ‘imminent’—it’s scheduled. Mid and Post-Tribulation views provide a definite calendar: either three and a half or seven years after the treaty is signed. However, as we see in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, the early church lived in a state of constant watchfulness. Their confusion about whether the Day of the Lord had already begun proves they weren’t looking for a mid-point or an end-point; they were looking for Jesus to appear at any moment.

Matthew 24:42  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Christ Himself commands us to watch because the exact hour of His return is unknown. This uncertainty is what keeps our spiritual focus sharp! If we believed the Rapture was tied to a mid or post-Tribulation schedule, that sense of urgency would vanish because we’d be watching the calendar instead of the clouds. Without the hope of His ‘any-moment’ return, one might be tempted to say, ‘I’ll live for myself now and get right with God just before the deadline.’ But a Pre-Tribulation view inspires us to live for the Lord today, ensuring we are never caught off guard.

It’s inspiring to see how the Thessalonians lived every day as if Christ could return at any moment. Paul reassured them that they didn’t need to obsess over prophetic timelines or ‘times and seasons.’ Instead, he reminded them of our unique position: we aren’t appointed to the coming darkness, but are promised deliverance from the global judgment described below:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  (2)  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  (3)  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  (4)  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  (5)  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  (6)  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  (7)  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  ( 8 )  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  (9)  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

The church is not waiting for the appearing of the Antichrist, but for the redemption of the Son of God, the Lord 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!

Light in the Last Days – Day 8

On By KateIn Devotionals, Light in the Last DaysLeave a comment
Photography by Jill Petrillo

Isaiah 13:6-13  Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.  (7)  Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man’s heart shall melt:  ( 8 )  And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.  (9)  Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.  (10)  For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.  (11)  And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.  (12)  I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.  (13)  Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

We’re diving into a heavy topic today. Isaiah calls the Great Tribulation the “day of God’s wrath.” Some believe Christians will have to face part or all of that time, but as we’ve discussed before, that doesn’t align with Scripture. We can take comfort in the fact that God didn’t design His wrath for those who follow Him.

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

Jesus used Noah and Lot to show us how God handles judgment. Just as they were pulled out of harm’s way before the destruction started, we see a blueprint for the Rapture. It’s hard to square a Mid- or Post-Tribulation view with these stories, isn’t it? God consistently rescues His own before the judgment falls.

Luke 17:26-37  And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  (27)  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  (28)  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  (29)  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  (30)  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.  (31)  In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.  (32)  Remember Lot’s wife.  (33)  Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.  (34)  I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.  (35)  Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (36)  Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (37)  And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

It is significant that the word “church” disappears from the Book of Revelation after chapter 3, verse 22. Immediately following this, Revelation 4:1 issues the command: “Come up hither!” This shift suggests a change in location; the Church is no longer mentioned on Earth during the dispensing of judgments because we have been delivered from the coming wrath. Through the grace of our Groom, Jesus Christ, we have been granted a way to escape the judgment intended for the world.

Luke 21:36  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.

I find such joy in these promises, and I hope you do too. But if you aren’t sure of your future, don’t ignore this moment. You aren’t here by chance; you are here by divine appointment. Today is the day to step into the safety of God’s grace. 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 2

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

The Rapture topic is what led me to the Lord in 1980. A friend came on vacation and brought with her a recording by Hal Lindsey, who was renowned for expounding on end-time prophecy. Everything he said was backed up by Scripture, giving me new insight that I had never encountered before. He spoke of the Rapture, a concept that was never taught in my religion, and his teachings opened my eyes to the realities of the future, and the urgency of the times we live in. It was during this message that I truly found Jesus Christ and the salvation He provides—a wonderful moment that changed the course of my life forever! The joy and peace that flooded my heart were undeniable, and since then, I have been on a path to share salvation and teaching about the Rapture with others. So I pray that you, too, are searching and that today, you will open your heart and find Christ, the Saviour, whose love and grace are available to all who seek Him genuinely!

Three things will happen at the Rapture: the dead in Christ will be resurrected first, and then the born-again Christians who are alive at the time will be miraculously transformed in an instant, experiencing a metamorphosis that defies human understanding. In this astonishing moment, they will be caught up in the air to be joined with Jesus Christ, the Saviour they have long cherished and followed. This transformation will happen in an instant! The excitement and joy surrounding this event are palpable, as the believers who have remained steadfast in their faith are rewarded with a glorious new existence. The transformation of those Christians who are alive at the time of the Rapture is described below in 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, emphasizing the remarkable change that awaits them. In this passage, it is revealed that the corruptible and mortal body, which is subject to death and decay, will be instantly changed to an incorruptible and immortal one (verses 52-53), signifying the completeness of God’s promise and the fulfillment of His plans for His faithful Bride. This moment will mark the beginning of eternal life in the presence of the Lord, where joy, peace, and love will be endless.

1Th 4:14-17  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.

1Co 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.

Isn’t this wonderful? Just as Noah and his family entered the ark and were protected against the flood that affected the entire earth, so shall born-again Christians be protected from the coming Tribulation. If you notice, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says that we will meet Jesus in the air, and that we will forever be with Him! How exciting this is to the believer! It brings great joy and hope to our hearts, reminding us of the reward that comes with being His Bride. What an encouragement it is to know that nothing will separate us from Him for all eternity! This is our hope, dear reader! The unbeliever has no hope! They wander through life searching for meaning and fulfillment, often feeling lost and uncertain about what lies ahead. I recall that prior to my salvation, I too had no hope! I “hoped” that I would go to Heaven but I was never certain, living in a state of fear and doubt about my future. It was through the grace of God and the assurance found in His Word that I came to understand the profound truth of His promises, igniting a flame of confidence and excitement for what He has in store for us.

1Th 4:13  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.

Luk 21:36  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.

We await a wonderful event! Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica with the promise of the Rapture, a moment of the Lord’s intervention that they can look forward to with great anticipation. In fact, he tells them to comfort themselves together as the end approaches, fostering a bond of hope and resilience among them! (1 Thessalonians 5:11) But why? Because this event will usher in the most terrible time this earth has ever experienced since the creation of man. It will be a period marked by unparalleled trials and tribulations. We thought Noah’s flood was bad, well apparently the Tribulation will be much worse! It serves as a reminder of the necessity to remain steadfast in our faith and encourage one another as we live through these prophetic times. In this light, the Rapture is not just a promise, but a blessed hope.

Mat 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.

If you are a born-again Christian and have never studied this out, I hope you are blessed by it and encouraged in your heart. If you are not born again, I urge you to settle the matter right now! Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

The Door is Opened!

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

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

The Book of Revelation used to be a difficult book for me. But as I read, studied and researched it, it was no longer difficult. The Lord promised a blessing to those who read, hear and keep the words written in it. It is the only book of the Bible that promises a blessing if you read it! Therefore, let’s dive in this morning and get blessed! 

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rev 22:7  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

In my research many years ago, I learned that whatever image the Apostle John saw, if it seemed like it was something out of Star Trek and not believable, it should be interpreted symbolically. A good example of this is:

Rev 9:7  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

This is definitely a good example, isn’t it? But when other verses seemed to be realistic, I should interpret it as literal. A good example of this is:

Rev 8:10-11  And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;  (11)  And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

The star could mean a comet or an asteroid. It is likely that Wormwood will be discovered by NASA at some point in the near future. Or it could be the result of a comet or asteroid’s impact of polluting water at its impact. Either way, the name “Wormwood” was assigned to it. I find it interesting that there is a purpose for every word in Scripture. The word wormwood is defined by Noah Webster as:

WORMWOOD, n. [G.] A plant, the artemisia. It has a bitter nauseous taste;

So we can interpret the verses above literally. An object will fall to earth from the heavens and destroy a third part of the rivers and fountains of waters (fresh water) and make the waters bitter and undrinkable. So now we know what to take literally and what to take symbolically.

Let’s get back on track now and discuss the Pre-Tribulation Rapture as it relates to Revelation. If we are to believe the mid or post tribulation viewpoint, then the Church would have a lot of warning. There would be instructions to the Church outlining what to preach/teach during the seven-year Tribulation period. The Apostle John would have instructions for the Church specifically. How then does one explain that the church is never mentioned between chapter three and 22??? This is key here! The word “church” is mentioned seven times in chapter two and the word “churches” is mentioned 11 times in chapters one through three. That’s a total of 18 times that “church(es)” appears in just three chapters! The word “church or churches” is not mentioned again until the last chapter, Chapter 22, in verse 16!

Rev 22:16  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

It is also interesting to note that in Revelation 3:22 (the last verse in this chapter) is the last use of the word churches. Immediately after in Revelation 4:1, “a door is opened in heaven” and Jesus says “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” When the Bible was first written, there were no chapters and verses. The assigning of chapters and verses was finished in the year 1551. How exciting is that? Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 4:1 were originally one verse apart. One is referring to the churches and the very next verse speaks of a door opening. Following Rev. 4:1, there is no other mention of the church. It means a lot more when you look at it like that, doesn’t it?

Rev 3:22  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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

Jesus is not coming to earth in Rev. 4:1. However, John is taken up to where Jesus is located. Secondly, Jesus says He will show John what must be hereafter. None of the judgments have begun yet. The rest of chapter 4 and chapter 5 discuss Heaven and events going on there. One of these events is chapter 4:4.

Rev 4:4  And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Believers earn crowns for their works for the Lord after their salvation and the way they conduct themselves on earth. They receive these crowns in Heaven and cast them at Christ’s feet.

Rev 4:10-11  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,  (11)  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The phrase “four and twenty” appears seven times in the Book of Revelation. (Revelation 4:4 twice, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 11:16, and Revelation 19:4) The 24 elders are clothed in white raiment wearing crowns of gold in Revelation 4:4 and they cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet in Revelation 4:10.

So the Pre-Tribulation viewpoint fits in perfectly: the Church goes up to where Jesus is (as the Apostle John goes to Jesus) and the judgments begin after the Church goes up.

Just as Noah was protected in the ark, the Lord Jesus is our Ark and He protects His Bride, the Church, by taking her to Heaven to be with Him in His Father’s house. (John 14:1-3) We are safe with Him in Heaven; safe from judgment that is to come upon the whole earth. (Revelation 3:10)

Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Just as Noah lived by faith and remained faithful while building the ark, he was protected from the judgment of the flood which would come to the entire earth. Noah and his family were lifted high above the earth in the ark and were safe inside it. Just as Noah returned from the waters onto the mountains of Ararat and a new earth was his home, so will we return with Christ to live on a revitalized earth and Christ will reign in Jerusalem.

No man knows the hour that Jesus will take us up in the Rapture; but we can know the season of His return to rapture His Bride. Just as Noah didn’t know when the rains would come, neither will we know when Jesus will take us away. This is the ONLY version of the Rapture that makes sense. The mid-tribulation viewpoint has its exact days (1260) and the post-tribulation as well (2520). But Pre-Tribulation is imminent and can happen at any time. Once God shuts the door (of our Ark), that’s it! He shuts that same door and no one else can enter. (Matthew 25:10, Revelation 3:8)

Luk 21:36  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.

Mat 24:36-42  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  (37)  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  (38)  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  (39)  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  (40)  Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (41)  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  (42)  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

It is worth repeating: after Revelation 4:1, the church is no longer mentioned (until Rev. 22:16). That is because we have been raptured and are already with Christ. At the beginning of the Tribulation (which occurs when the Antichrist comes to power), God’s focus goes back to Israel’s judgment. After Revelation 4:1, the Old Testament’s prophecies about the time of Jacob’s Troubles come into play. “Come up hither,” is a beautiful depiction of the rapture of the Church. It is prefaced by the wonderful teaching of the Church age in chapters two and three. After the shout to “come up hither,” the Church is not mentioned during the judgments. After so many uses of the word, if the Church were to go through the Tribulation, it would be mentioned. But the focus from that point on is now on Israel. As Daniel prophesied in chapter 9 about the 70 weeks, we see that sixty-nine weeks passed before Christ’s ascension. After that point, the church age began, and there was a pause on the focus around Israel. The focus was then placed on the church. This focus ends with the Rapture of the church. Once the antichrist makes himself known (Daniel 9:27) by signing a peace treaty with Israel, Daniel’s 70th week begins (seven years) the Tribulation. Jeremiah calls it “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”

Jer 30:3-7  For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.  (4)  And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.  (5)  For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.  (6)  Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?  (7)  Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Believers need to realize that there are two groups of people that God especially loves! He loves the whole world but the faithful are close to His heart; He loves Israel and God loves born-again Christians, the Church. God dealt with Israel throughout the Old Testament. Because they would not obey nor would they lead others to Him, God opened the door to all mankind to accept salvation. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us all from our sins; this includes non-Jews, the Gentiles. It’s as though God in His mercy took a “break” from dealing with Israel, to open the door to the Gentile, and put Israel’s judgment on hold. This is not to say that Gentiles didn’t come to faith in the Old Testament. They most certainly did! Examples are Rahab and Ruth. Both were in Christ’s lineage!! However, it was the Jews’ responsibility to share their faith but they kept God to themselves.

The Church Age began with Christ and the Age of Law was put on pause (this ended Daniel’s 69th week). The Rapture of the church takes us out of the picture and God returns His focus to Israel. The Tribulation will begin when the Antichrist makes a pact with Israel. Half-way through the seven years, he will break that pact.

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.

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

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The Wrath of God

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

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

Do the verses disturb you? If you’re born again, they should cause you to be praying for the salvation of your family, friends and those in your circle of acquaintances. If you’re not born again, I pray that you will be disturbed by what you read and that it stirs your heart to be saved.

So today’s verses talk about the wrath of the Lamb that is to come. What is this wrath? Who is going to suffer this wrath? The Lamb is Jesus Christ. This is one of the most used titles for Him. When His judgment upon this earth begins, there will be no turning back. Each judgment will be worse than the one before. The Rapture of the church will have already happened, and those who remain will be involved in a horrific time on this earth like no other: the seven-year Tribulation period. This is called the time of God’s wrath upon the earth. It has been prophesized from the Old Testament all the way through to the last book in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation.

You may be saying that there has always been persecution throughout the ages so this is nothing new. But these seven years will be a time where the people who get saved will be persecuted like no other age and it will occur all over the world, not just a specific location and not for a specific people. It will be for all people!

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

Mid-Tribulation and Post Tribulation believers say that Christians will go through half or all of the Tribulation. However, this doesn’t jive with the Scriptures because the saints of the Tribulation period won’t be delivered from the wrath but will be overcome by it. These saints are not called the church as they were in chapters 2 and 3.

Revelation 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 

We are told in the Scriptures that, just as in Noah’s day when God shut the door to the ark, that God will shut the door to Heaven after the Rapture and no one will be able to escape the Tribulation.

Revelation 3:8, 10  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.  (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.

Those who are alive at the time appointed by God to rapture His church, will be kept from the hour of temptation that will come upon the whole earth.

Luk 21:36  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.

All other times of persecution during history did not occur upon the whole earth, but just parts of it. The antichrist will be in power in order to cause havoc upon the entire earth. The church has been taken up in the Rapture. The words “church or churches” occurs 117 times in 115 verses in the King James Bible. It is found only 20 times in the Book of Revelation and only in chapters 2, 3 and once in chapter 22. Why would Christ, the Lamb, bring wrath upon His own bride (the church)? God’s wrath is saved for those who did not believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Do a simple search to the phrase “children of disobedience,” and you will see who the recipients of God’s wrath are. It appears three times in Ephesians 2:2, 5:6 and Colossians 3:6. God’s wrath is not for those who are blood bought by Jesus Christ!

The first three chapters of the Book of Revelation describe the churches of John’s day. They also represent the various ages of the Church age. However, we see in chapter 4, Jesus tells John that He will show him what is to happen from that point on:

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

The Apostle John was given the opportunity to see and hear what would happen during the Tribulation. God called him up through an opened door. This is indicative of the Rapture of the church. Why? We see that the church is not even found once in Chapters 4-21. These chapters now refer to the Jews. The Jews rejected Christ at His first coming. Therefore, Gospel of Christ was entrusted to the Church until Christ came to Rapture the church. After this event, the Jews will come back into the picture and will see their Messiah is: Jesus Christ!

But for today, we can see that He has yet to be revealed or come into power. Christians will be kept from these seven years of Tribulation and they will be removed beforehand. Praise the Lord!! \o/ Are you ready, Christian?