Starting with 2 Peter 3:3-4, “Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation’” (ESV – all emphasis is mine).
Isaiah 5:20-21; “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight.”
Then, 2 Timothy 4:3-4; “for the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
In Matthew 13, Jesus gave the parable of the seeds. He speaks of the Sower, who would be our Heavenly Father, and those who spread His true messages. The seed would be the gospel of our Lord and Savior, and the soil represents our hearts and our readiness to accept or reject His word.
In the parable, some seeds were sown on a path, on which there was no opportunity to take root. They are trampled underfoot or eaten by birds before there can be any growth.
The rocky ground allows the seed to start taking root, but at the first sign of any trouble or persecution, the seed dies as it has no deep roots.
Those sown among thorns take root, but are choked off as they grow. This represents allowing the cares and troubles of the world to choke out any real growth.
The good soil allows the seeds to take root and grow into true spiritual fruit. These are the ones who have truly received and accepted Jesus as Savior and live out their faith in spite of the lures of worldly things.
Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 give us events that our Savior said would be taking place near the end of this age. Today’s news is full of all the events that are listed. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul tells about the negative attitudes that will be present near the end of this age, and each one is getting more and more obvious every day.
The Rapture of all believers is the one event that has not taken place yet. This has to take place so that the ultimate antichrist can make his appearance. Because the Father has promised that all true believers would not enter the wrath, also known as The Tribulation, as given in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:20, we’re told that we will not be here. The “Restrainer” (Holy Spirit) will be taken out of the way in order that the evil one and his false prophet can put this earth through the worst seven years it has ever seen. They are totally controlled by Satan himself.
The “Rapture” or taking up will be over in less than a second according to 1 Corinthians 15:52. It states, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last Trumpet.”
It should be noted that some skeptics have said there’s no Rapture as that word is not in the Bible. While this is true, the word “Trinity” is not mentioned, as well as the word “Bible.” That does not mean they don’t exist.
The Bible does record three events where a “taking up” took place. Genesis 5:18-24 records Enoch was taken up; 2 Kings 2:1-11 records Elijah taken up in the presence of Elisha; and then Acts 1:9-10 records our Savior was taken up in the presence of His apostles. Each of these events could have stated they were “Raptured.”
Because of Satan’s negative influence, there are those who actually believe that our Heavenly Father is limited in His capabilities. However, for anyone who has studied and believes His word, we know He has three definite traits. He is Omniscient or “all knowing,” Omnipresent or “everywhere at once,” and Omnipotent or “all-powerful.”
When Paul tells about the event where all believers will rise up to meet the Lord in the air in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15 51-53, and that everything takes place in the “twinkling of an eye,” our Father can definitely accomplish this.
For everyone who has ever lived on this earth, and for those who will live to the absolute end of time here, there will only be one of two final destinations – Heaven or Hell.
Those who lived from creation up to Calvary that were in the will of God, their souls went to a place of peace described as the “bosom of Abraham” in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).
From Calvary to the end of time here, the souls who were in Christ will be with Him, as stated by Paul in Philippians 1:21.
For all who were out of the will of God prior to Calvary, and all who did not receive or accept Jesus from Calvary to the end of time on this earth, they will attend the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. Everyone at this judgment will learn what degree of punishment they will have for all eternity. There are no pardons or suspended sentences there.
The other Judgment is in 2 Corinthians 5:10 – The Judgment Seat of Christ. No one at this judgment will go into the lake of fire but will lose or gain rewards for what they did while they were alive on this earth. We will still be in eternity with Jesus forever, worshiping and serving Him.
Which eternity you will be in is absolutely up to each and every individual. Our Heavenly Father is completely fair and will force no one either way. Whichever path you choose will be yours to select. If you take your last breath on this earth without having Jesus as your Savior, it will put you in that line at the Great White Throne.
Therefore, I would highly recommend each and every person consider where they would be if they died this very minute. Forever is never-ending, and your choice should not be put off. No one is guaranteed another day here.
Romans 10:9-13 gives the simple steps to Salvation. Our Savior is never too busy to take a call asking His forgiveness, and to be asked to be our Savior. He would love to add you to His precious flock.
Please understand we will sin in these human bodies as long as we are on this earth. However, the Father has provided a pathway to forgiveness when we do sin, as given in 1 John 1:8-10. You can be assured of not going through The Tribulation by receiving and accepting Jesus as your Savior today.
Being left behind is so unnecessary. Being prepared to leave at any minute would be the best decision you could ever make.
Hope to see you at Home!
Come, Lord Jesus!