Tag: Romans 8:19-23

Light in the Last Days – Day 49

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

The Different Views of the Rapture

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-Tribulation

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

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

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

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

Ephesians 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Light in the Last Days – Day 43

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

There is a powerful promise in the book of Revelation that I absolutely love! Jesus pledges to keep His followers completely out of the hour of trial: a trial that is to come upon the whole world and all that are alive at the time. Why this special protection? It’s His response to those who have steadfastly ‘kept the word of His patience’ through every circumstance.

Philippians 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:7  So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

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

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

Jude 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

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

The mark of a true believer is a longing for Christ’s appearing. This ‘authentic’ new birth is found in those who have truly repented and become new creations in Him. But we aren’t just meant to wait idly; we are told to ‘occupy’ until He comes. To ‘occupy’ means to be engaged in the business of the Kingdom, winning souls, strengthening the Church, and being a vessel for the Holy Spirit. We don’t just wait for the end; we work until the end!

Now let’s go back and look at Revelation 3:10. Jesus says that He will keep us “from” the hour of “temptation.” There are two things here that I want you to look at:

  • The Greek word for “from” is “ek,” which means “out of.” This where we get our word exit. Strong’s defines it as “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 does not mean that God will protect the Church through the Tribulation period, as some believe. Jesus said He will keep us out of the Tribulation period.
  • Secondly, the word temptation is used in the verse. This is not referring to being tempted to sin. The word temptation here is referring to a trial. Greek word is “peirasmos” which Strong’s defines as: From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: – temptation, X try. Jesus is saying that the Tribulation period will be a time that the world will experience extreme evil. It is a trial that no would willingly want to go through if they knew what was to come.

God has always provided a way of escape for His people, just as He did for Noah and his family in the midst of a corrupt world. We can trust that He will do the same for the Church. Scripture identifies us as the Bride of Christ, and 2 Corinthians 11:2 explains that we are betrothed to Him. As our future Husband, Christ’s nature is to protect. No devoted husband would stand by and let his wife face destruction or endure violence. Ephesians 5:25-27 outlines the sacrificial and protective role of a husband, a standard that the Lord perfectly fulfills for His Church. This fits beautifully into the pre-Tribulation Rapture teaching!

In a future post, we will cover why the Church won’t go through God’s wrath. Friend, 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 49

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

The Different Views of the Rapture

Before one can better defend the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint, one must know the differences of each viewpoint. All but one of them involve Bible prophecy’s timing. Why is timing so important? If you were expecting your parents to come visit from 3,000 miles, you would be looking forward to it. You would be preparing the guest room, making plans to take them places, as well as planning meals.

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

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

We will cover the pre-Tribulation view first so that it will help to spot what makes it different from the others. Jesus gave us a beautiful example of His return in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Let’s review it together:

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

Pre-Tribulation

The Parable above is a beautiful example of the Bride waiting for her Groom! Here we learn that there are ten virgins. They all had lamps but five of them, the foolish ones of verses 2-3, took no oil with them. Oil was not only used for lamps but was used when anointing someone for a task. This oil is representative of the Holy Spirit. We see that in:

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

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

The wise virgins had oil for their lamps. They had received the Holy Spirit when they were born again. Those virgins were sealed by the Holy Spirit with an anointing – that anointing is given to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

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

The unwise virgins did not have any oil. Some claim that these virgins had to have oil to begin with since they had lamps. But notice in verse 4 that the wise virgins did take oil for their lamps. We see that the ten virgins are part of a group that claim to be a part of the Bride. All ten arose when they heard the cry that the bridegroom was coming. All ten trimmed their lamps. We can see this in our churches today. Some are “playing” church and appear to be saved. They have their lamps, they do the works but they do not possess the Holy Spirit. We also see that five wise virgins had taken their oil. These are the ones in the church that do have that oil. They possess the Holy Spirit – this is their proof that seals them unto the day of redemption.

Now let’s get back to why I know the five foolish virgins were not saved. The wise virgins told them to go to the market to buy oil. While they were grone, the Groom came. A bridegroom would recognize his bride when she comes down the aisle, amen? So will our Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ. The bridegroom definitely has something to say to those he does not recognize in this Parable. His Bride goes with the Groom to the marriage (verse 10) and the door was shut. What happens after? The five foolish virgins come along and beg Him to open the door (verse 11). The Groom’s response will surprise those who do not hold to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint.

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

Jesus knows who are His.

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

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

Jesus knows who are His. He knows each of us by name! The fact that He tells the five foolish virgins that I know you not, proves to us that they were not His to begin with.

Another sure fire fact that the Pre-Tribulation Rapture viewpoint is correct is that it is imminent. It can happen at any time without anything having to happen prior. We can know the seasons but we do not know the hour of Christ’s return for His Bride!

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

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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.

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

The Rapture itself is a time of anticipation for all believers. The Church longs for the day, and even more so as we see the end times unfolding:

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

The Second Coming of Jesus to the earth occurs at the end of the Tribulation period. (Matthew 24:15-30; Revelation chapters 6–18) This return is not imminent as we know exactly when this will occur: which is at the end of seven year Tribulation period.

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

Any Day Now – Day 43

On By KateIn Any Day Now, DevotionalsLeave a comment

I’ve always loved this verse in Revelation because of the promise Jesus gives us! Jesus gives the promise that He will keep us from the hour of temptation. Why? He tells us it is because we have “kept the word of His patience.”

Php 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1Co 1:7  So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

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

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

Jud 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

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

The person who has authentically been born again looks for Christ’s coming to rapture us. What do I mean by authentically born again? It is one who has experienced the new birth and has repented of his sins. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Until the Rapture arrives, we are to “occupy” doing the work of the Lord. That wordy “occupy” means to busy oneself with leading others to Christ, be part of the body (your church) and be used of the Holy Spirit to accomplish Christ’s work.

Now let’s go back and look at Revelation 3:10. Jesus says that He will keep us “from” the hour of “temptation.” There are two things here that I want you to look at:

  • The Greek word for “from” is “ek,” which means “out of.” This where we get our word exit. Strong’s defines it as “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 does not mean that God will protect the Church through the Tribulation period, as some believe. Jesus said He will keep us out of the Tribulation period.
  • Secondly, the word temptation is used in the verse. This is not referring to being tempted to sin. The word temptation here is referring to a trial. Greek word is “peirasmos” which Strong’s defines as: From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity: – temptation, X try. Jesus is saying that the Tribulation period will be a time that the world will experience extreme evil. It is a trial that no would willingly want to go through if they knew what was to come.

Just as God protected Noah and his family (a total of eight people in the entire corrupt world), He will protect the Church. Think about it for a moment. The Bible says that we are the Bride of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2 reminds us that we, the Church, are betrothed to one husband as a chaste virgin to Christ. He is our Husband. What husband would allow his wife to be away from Him while destruction comes to the earth? What husband would allow his wife to be beaten and beheaded? Ephesians 5:25-27 gives us a beautiful depiction of what a husband should do for his wife and the Lord is no exception.

In a future post, we will cover why the Church won’t go through God’s wrath. Friend, 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!