According to so-called scientific evidence, the age of Earth is approximately 4.54 billion years, and the age of our universe is about 13.77 billion years. Scientists supposedly determine Earth’s age using radiometric dating of meteorites, all using man-made instruments. The results vary by a billion years or so, depending on which study one happens to read. (ESV – all emphasis is mine)
The “study” I put my faith and trust in is the Holy Word of our Heavenly Father, known as the Bible. Numerous archeological discoveries have been made that prove God’s word is true and accurate, and not billions of years old. No one can give exact dates from several thousand years ago, but tablets have been found giving names of Biblical people, showing they actually existed during a certain era.
If we accept the scientific model, then it appears we will just continue moving along as always, with no real end in sight. Also, the scientific model does not give any eternal outcome for our human souls. However, looking at events of just the past decade shows the world is following the Biblical end of this era’s schedule.
Jesus, Paul, John, and others gave us signs of events that would be taking place before the start of the seven-year tribulation. If we take into account each of their prophecies, the next major event on our timeline would be the taking up of all believers to meet Jesus in the air to be kept from that wrath. In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10, the Father promised we would be removed before the appearance of the ultimate antichrist.
In 2 Thessalonians 2, we’re told that the ultimate evil one is being held back by the “Restrainer, who would be the Holy Spirit. The time is approaching when the Holy Spirit will be removed, and the Satan-inspired evil one will come out to take over the world. All who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit for having received and accepted Jesus as their Savior will be taken up to be with Jesus, and out of the pathway of all the evil that will come upon this earth.
The sequence of the Rapture is given in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the Trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the lord.”
Going to 1 Corinthians 15:52, we’re told just how fast the Rapture will be. It states, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last Trumpet. For the Trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
There have been some reports published recently stating that the Trumpet has already sounded. If that were the case, everyone who has put their faith and trust in God’s Holy Word should be absolutely disappointed by still being here.
The Biblical sequence given above does not have the Trumpet of God and Shout from an archangel until the Lord Himself calls us up to meet Him in the clouds; the dead in Christ first, then all who are still alive. Once that takes place, it will be obvious that a major event will have taken place to all who are left behind.
The main issue that each of us must consider is whether we are ready if that event were to take place today? Once the Trumpet sounds and the shout is given, there won’t be enough time to call out to be saved. That must be done prior to the Rapture taking place.
For the benefit of someone just now considering the outcome for their eternal soul, Salvation is given as A-B-C – Admit – Believe – Call.
Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23 all tell us that we all have sinned, but we can have eternal life through the free gift of God through the shed blood of His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Our part is to admit we’re sinners in need of a Savior.
We must believe that Jesus is that Savior, and Romans 10:11 states, “For the scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.’”
Finally, Romans 10:13 states, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The only hard part of this is actually believing these are the only true steps to eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. We cannot buy or earn our way there by doing certain works or through monetary donations.
Ephesians 2:8-9 addresses this specifically. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”
Once the Rapture has taken place and the 7-year tribulation starts, it will still be possible to call out and be saved. However, the outcome for that decision will most likely lead to being martyred. As mentioned earlier, the best time to avoid this is before the Rapture takes place.
We do not know the day or hour that our Savior will call for us (Matthew 24:36). To put off asking Jesus to forgive you and to be your Savior is playing right into Satan’s most popular ploy. He influenced Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1 with the question, “Did God actually say…?” He uses the same question today, and unfortunately, many still fall for it.
Please know that our Savior is available 24/7 to receive our calls. Whoever will truly receive and accept Him as their Savior will not be turned away.
For those who believe they’ve sinned so greatly that they cannot be forgiven, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, and Romans 10:13 state that all who call on Him will be saved. Our Triune Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – does not, and will not lie.
The Father will force no one to accept Jesus as their Savior, but will honor all who truly do.
Likewise, all who refuse will be assigned a place at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) when they pass from this earth, and will spend eternity in the lake of fire with Satan and all his demons.
Today would not be too early to receive and accept Jesus as your Savior. No one can tell you the exact time the Savior will call all believers up to meet Him, but rest assured, it will happen.
Your eternal soul is too valuable to gamble with. Be assured of your Heavenly destiny by having Jesus as your Lord and Savior now.
The day is approaching, and all who have Jesus in their heart are proclaiming – Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
Hope to see you at Home at the feet of our Savior!