My thoughts this morning;
I feel pressed by the spirit to say something about the rapture and persecution. This term ‘rapture’ as you probably know is not actually mentioned in scripture but this event(s) is described. Many things in scripture exist but are not described in the terms we use today – eg; ‘The Trinity’ is not found in The Bible but it is a modern term used to describe something – a mystery that is described in scripture.
In regards to the ‘rapture’, many people, Christians and pastors seem to be spending a lot of time discussing and convincing themselves and others that the rapture will happen – either before, during or after tribulation. My personal view (which I believe is not important, and indeed may turn out to be incorrect) is that Christians will indeed go through much persecution before and during tribulation – and that it goes against logic to assume that we – the people right at the very last few years of history, will miss all the suffering – but that all the other Christians in thousands of years of history had to suffer greatly for their faith – as if we in our time are different. But let’s put all that discussion and debate aside as i feel it is a distraction.
IT’S NOT WHEN – IT’S BE READY!
My real concern is not when, how or if the rapture will happen. My big concern is that if those that believe they will be rescued and saved before tribulation occurs, find that it doesn’t happen the way they expected – or were taught, and that they do in fact go through suffering… that they might LOSE FAITH AND FALL AWAY.
I want to say that whatever you believe about the rapture – DO NOT LOSE FAITH IN GOD AND JESUS – HE IS, AND WILL SET THINGS RIGHT AS HE PROMISES IN THE ORDER THAT HE CHOSES – AND THAT MAY – OR MAY NOT BE AS WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT.
The Bible says; ‘no man – not even Jesus knows the exact time’ so it makes NO sense to spend time tryng to define this time or even to state one view as being ‘correct’ and another false when it is clear that in this case, theologians can produce arguments and scripture to support both sides.
Does this mean scripture contradicts itself? NO – it indicates to me that the issue is of less importance that we chose to give it – or that God actually doesn’t want us to dwell on it – unlike say the doctrine of hell – that is mentioned clearly over and over by Jesus and not many pastors like to discuss. I wonder sometimes if there is a correlation between church attendance and the subject picked to preach on?
But I am digressing again. It is my view that we should be watching and observing the times and the seasons and realise that we ARE approaching the end-times exactly as described in The Bible, but not listening to preachers and teaching that tickle our ears. Perhaps God was very wise in NOT disclosing the exact hour to people that are always looking for a fire escape.
It is incredibly hard to accept that we may suffer but we must always look to the cross and have faith that God will sustain us as he did Christ – impossible though it seems – God is a God of impossibility – hallelujah!
IN EVERY CASE – WE MUST BE READY FOR WHAT IS COMING – GOOD, BAD, PRE-TRIB OR POST TRIB, AND WE MUST KEEP BELIEVING – NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION!
I love God, Christ, The Bible. art, painting, playing music, improvising music, guitar (first instrument), drumming (not very good at it:), and anything musical or art related. Quick note – my articles are usually spun off in minutes so forgive any errors – hopefully you get the essence of the article and I’ll pick up mistakes later. If you want to write of 101ChristianMagazine and inspire and edify Christians with articles on faith, general news, hobbies or anything that interests you email me at: epgb101@gmail.com:)
