Psalm 128:1:

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.”

Living during the closing moments of the Age of Grace is both fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Two distinct groups exist at this time, and each one has chosen either “To Fear” or “Not to Fear” – God. Those who have chosen to fear God are fascinated as they witness the fulfillment of the many things God has so thoughtfully described in His Word about the last days. The other group, the fear-nots, will one day soon realize that they have chosen a position that ensures that they will witness the terrifying events of the coming Apocalypse.

With this in mind, we will first consider why it is so important to be in the group that fears God. We will then turn our attention to the beginning and the end of each group. Lastly, we will discuss how one becomes a member of either of these groups.

Through this endeavor, we will come to realize that those who choose “To Fear” God ‘now’ have no reason to fear the coming Tribulation. However, the exact opposite is true of those who choose “Not to Fear” God; they have every reason to fear what is to come in the most trying period to ever come upon the earth. Jesus had this to say about the time that rapidly approaches:

Matthew 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.” ^[1]

Notice that Jesus said the coming Tribulation is great. In fact, He proclaimed it would be the greatest Tribulation ever. We can take this statement at face value and, from it, realize that all of the previous wars, famines, floods, earthquakes, and calamities of any other sort pale in comparison to what is right around the corner. Oh, but those who choose to fear God now have no reason to fear what is to come… for He has provided a way of escape for the faithful, the rapture, which takes place before the Tribulation to come. We will discuss this in detail shortly.

To understand these two groups, we must go back to the beginning of each. God made man and placed him in the garden to tend it. Adam and Eve were the first of us, and they feared God, as indicated by the fact that they hid themselves from Him when they had done wrong by eating of the forbidden fruit (Gen 3). This wrong was instigated by the first entity that chose “Not to Fear” God. Scripture indicates that Satan was actually the first to lose the fear of God. Isaiah notes his actions:

Isaiah 14:12-15:

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

Sadly, Satan’s rebellion entangled one-third of the angels and the human race as a whole as the first of us fell into his delusion. ^[2]

Thankfully, after the fall of man, many have chosen to fear God and walk with Him, one of the first examples being Enoch. We see in Genesis chapter five that Enoch walked with God and was not because God took him (Gen 5:24). The fact that God took Enoch before the devastation of the flood makes his account a type and shadow of the coming rapture of the church. The church being the universal body of believers made up of all who have ever believed on the name of Christ, whether dead or alive, when He comes to receive to himself those that have chosen to walk with God. ^[3] First Thessalonians chapter four describes this event:

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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 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. 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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Ponder this: we are currently those who are alive and remain. If the rapture happened today, we are the only group that will never die physically. All because we choose “To Fear” God and believe on His Son. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom 10:13):” Sadly, many will not be called up in the rapture because they choose “Not to Fear God.” Their plight will be truly terrifying as they will enter into and most likely die physically in the Tribulation. ^[4]

Now that we have a keen understanding of the groups at hand, their origin, and their end, let us ponder how one becomes a member of either of these groups. We know from our primary Scripture passage that choosing to walk with God brings about blessings, and the exact opposite is true of those who choose not to walk with God; they, according to Scripture, have chosen to be cursed:

Deuteronomy 11:26-28:

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.”

Before Jesus’ atoning death, man could only find grace by being obedient to God. We now know that Enoch accomplished this. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and because of this, the human race survived the great flood (Gen 6:8). Abraham was another who demonstrated the ability to be obedient through faith, as he believed God to the point that he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God; thus Abraham is often affectionately referred to as the father of faith (Rom 4:16-22). Thankfully, God stayed Abraham’s hand and provided a perfect sacrifice, His only Son – Jesus. This is, without question, the most important point made in this article. God made a way, through the obedience of Jesus, where there was no way for the salvation of all who believe:

John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Let us now turn our attention toward how one comes to the place of desiring “To Fear” or “Not to Fear” God. Scripture spells this out for us:

Romans 10:13-15:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [Emphasis mine]

Notice that faith comes by hearing, not doing. Faith that leads to salvation is simply that we believe what God did through Jesus is sufficient. We need not add anything to the mix and attempt to make our salvation special because of… xyz. Many have fallen prey to the idea that we must “do” something to be saved. This notion has been around since the very inception of the church, as demonstrated by the actions of many of the first Christians who wished to rely on former practices under the law. This same inclination persists in those groups that insist on having special recipes for salvation.

Encapsulated in the message of salvation just noted, we see the prescription for becoming one who decides “Not to Fear” God. I will restate this verse for clarity: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Rom 1:16).

When one hears and rejects the Word of God, they automatically become one that does not fear God. Why? Because God has provided a way for all who believe to be saved. Rejection of His message of salvation puts one on the path of utter destruction. Perhaps this is why the Apostle Paul trembled when he preached to the unsaved (1 Cor 2:3); he knew the ramifications of their rejection of the gospel.

Paul describes this process in detail in Romans chapter one; here, we will focus on the latter part of the passage. This lengthy section of the passage is necessary as it speaks directly to what we see manifesting in our very midst as the signs of the end of the age abound all around us. These are perhaps the most indicative signs of our nearness to the coming judgment of man during the Tribulation.

Romans 1:18-32:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

While reading this passage, you likely found yourself thinking of today’s headlines and news broadcasts, or maybe you reflected on what is readily available on almost every TV show of our time. The length and breadth of what was just stated affirms the fact that people have pleasure in celebrating the debauchery of our day. This behavior is typical of those who choose “Not to Fear” – God.

Conclusion

God gave us all the ability and free will to choose to follow Him or not. Here, we have identified those who hear God’s Word and follow Him as those who choose “To Fear” God, and those who hear God’s Word and do not follow Him as those who have chosen “Not to Fear” God. Blessing and assurance belong to those who obey God. Cursing and uncertainty belong to those who refuse to obey God. With these things in mind, I pose the following questions and provide my thoughts in response: What are we to do with this knowledge? How are we to navigate these last of days?

The way I see it, we have three chief responsibilities. Until He calls us up, we must watch for His return. Simultaneously, we must warn others that He is on His way, and above all, we must win souls. ^[5]

Proverbs 11:30:

“He that winneth souls is wise.”

Special Note: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). Therefore, we who fear Him are the only ones who have any chance of winning souls. So, let us be very busy doing just that.

Website: In His Commission

[1] “Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the King James Version.”

[2]For greater understanding, see the article, “The Greatest Lie Ever Told: The Origin of All Lies.”

[3] For greater understanding, see the article, “The Five W’s of the Rapture.”

[4] For greater understanding, see the webpage, “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”

[5] For greater understanding, see the article, “Watch – Warn –and Win Souls.“

The attitude of many is that this world will just keep going on as it has since the beginning of time. As stated in 2 Peter 3:3, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” (ESV – all emphasis is mine)

What is difficult for many to understand is that our Heavenly Father is not bound by time as we are, as He created time for us. Genesis 1:16-18; “And God made the two great lights – the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night – and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that this was good.”

Follow this with 2 Peter 3:8-9; “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any perish, but all should reach repentance.”

If we were to take a serious look at what Jesus, Paul, John, Peter, and others said about this earth near the end of this era, we would see that the time is here right now. Jesus said in Luke 21:28, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

All the issues taken separately have been here off and on throughout the ages. However, in the last decade or so, they have come together worldwide. During that time, anything to do with Jesus and Christianity has been subject to rejection, ridicule, and persecution. In some places on this planet, just to be a follower of Jesus can lead to martyrdom.

Paul gave a fairly thorough list in 2 Timothy 3: 1-5; “But understand this that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

On May 14, 1948, Israel once again became a sovereign nation after almost 2,000 years. The United States was first to recognize Israel as a true independent nation. From day one, they were attacked from just about every side by surrounding nations. The fact that it is still a nation and has survived all attacks is a testimony of our Father’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3; “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you, I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Our Father did not let Israel become a nation once again just to let it be destroyed. Jeremiah 29: 11-14; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.”

Before returning to their land, Israel was barren and hardly fit for anyone to live there. Even Samuel Clements (Mark Twain) commented after visiting there that it was almost uninhabitable. However, since 1948, Israel has become a very wealthy nation. They have found oil and natural gas deposits, and the people have turned the worthless soil into fertile ground for growing numerous crops. The main issue today is that the majority of the Jewish people do not recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

Worldwide, Messianic Jews, those who believe Jesus is their Messiah, make up about 3% of their total population. Paul talks about a “partial hardening of the Jews until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in” (Romans 11:25). Once the Rapture takes place, and the antichrist comes forward to rule the earth, God will turn His full attention again on Israel. Romans 11:26 states, “And in this way, all Israel will be saved.”

We’re told by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2-4, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching. 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.”

This passage tells us where we are today. This means this era is getting oh so short, and we are nearer than ever to being with the Lord. In 1841, Sarah Bethany Adams (1805-1848) wrote a most wonderful hymn titled “Nearer My God To Thee.”

1.) Nearer My God to Thee; nearer to Thee. Even though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer My God to Thee; nearer My God to Thee; nearer to Thee.

2.) Though like a wanderer, the sun gone down. Darkness be over me, my rest a stone. Yet in my dreams I’d be, nearer My God to Thee; nearer My God to Thee; nearer to Thee.

3.) There let the way appear, steps into Heaven; all that thou sendeth me, in mercy given. Angels to beckon me, nearer My God to thee; nearer My God to Thee; nearer to Thee.

4.) Then with my waking thoughts, bright with Thy praise, out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise. So by my woes to be, nearer My God to Thee; nearer My God to Thee; nearer to Thee.

5.) Or, if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky, sun, moon and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly. Still all my song will be; Nearer My God To Thee; Nearer My God To Thee; Nearer To Thee.

While there are issues for all true believers to be uncomfortable with, we should be rejoicing that God’s word is absolute truth and the next major event on earth’s timeline to take place is the Rapture of all our Savior’s precious flock.

The details are found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. To be included requires three things from us, which are found in Romans 10:9-13. We are to admit we are sinners and cannot save ourselves. This applies to every human on earth according to Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23. All of us are deserving of eternal death without the grace and mercy of the Father because of His Son’s sacrifice for us (Romans 6:23).

Second, we are to believe that Jesus came to earth as a human to provide the perfect, sinless blood sacrifice for all who would receive and accept Him. He was crucified, died, and was raised by the Heavenly Father on the third day.

Finally, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. This does not mean we will live a perfect, sinless life from that point on, but when we do sin and ask the Father for forgiveness, He will do so, as given in 1 John 1:8-10.

These are the three steps: Admit (confess), Believe, and Call on Jesus to be our Savior forever. There are no human works to be done, and no amount of money or other valuables could purchase even one second in Heaven.

With each passing moment, we are rapidly approaching the end of this era. The following 7-years will be worse than anything this earth has gone through yet. Today would not be too early to get your reservation for eternal life with our Savior. We are not guaranteed another day here.

Jesus is waiting for any and all who wish to be saved through Him to call out to Him. Once the call has been made, the Holy Spirit will be inside you. When the Holy Spirit is removed to make way for the ultimate antichrist to appear (2 Thessalonians 2:7), all whom He has indwelt will be removed from this earth and will rise up to meet our Jesus in the air. This will be God’s promise to keep us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10)

No one has sinned so greatly that the Blood of our Savior cannot cover. The unforgivable sin is to not have received and accepted Jesus before taking your last breath here. You will be forever thankful if you have Jesus in your heart right now.

Shalom! (Peace) Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus.)

huebshman46@gmail.com