A disturbing attitude is surfacing among those who adhere to a post-Tribulation Rapture. One of the things I’ve tried to point out previously is that the mindset one has in the contrasting worldviews of pre-Tribulation Rapture belief versus post-Trib is quite different. Many of us in the pre-Trib camp are simply weary and ready to give this world to the people who want it so much. We know this is not our home and have come to grips with giving it up.

Nothing could please us more than for Jesus to appear in the clouds with that trumpet shout and to call us to Himself.

How glorious and wonderful! What a magnificent hope we have in the promise of our Lord to snatch us away like the Bride we are and take us to His Father’s house, where He has prepared a place for us.

In contrast are those – Christian and secular – who are digging into this world with all they’ve got.

You know the Christians who are doing this because they inevitably speak of the generations to come. They have no understanding of God’s prophetic Word, which details what will soon occur, nor do they realize the extent of the horrors facing people during the Tribulation. Rather, they prep and gird up and think that somehow God will protect them through all the plagues that He lets loose upon the earth in His wrath upon this unbelieving world, not to mention Satan’s wrath as he does what he can to destroy all that God has called good.

In a previous Commentary, I discussed the Christian prepping phenomenon in relation to God’s character – for what I believe an impossibility of God requiring us to endure the Tribulation’s atrocities based on how we know Him from Scripture.

Here, I want to look at another angle of Christian prepping.

We know that God has called His children to be radically different from the world. He has shown us that we must keep our eyes on Him and our hearts soft in order to receive the goodness of the blessings He has for us. The wisdom Jesus imparted in His Sermon on the Mount reflects these truths. Critically, He said in Matthew 6:19:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal…”

Given this, do you think that prepping for the Tribulation might fit that description?

I think it does. But it also leads to something worse.

As I’ve said in the past, there are many whom I believe to be good and true Christians who do not adhere to a pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrine. Rather, they think Jesus will come only at the conclusion of the seven years; thus, they are post-Trib Rapture believers. As such, they are storing up food, ammo, and whatever else they deem necessary to endure this most horrific time in the history of our planet.

What has come to my attention is a most disturbing aspect of this prepping mentality. When confronted with the challenge of potentially sharing what they’ve squirreled away with others who might not have been so prudent – Christian or secular – for their time of need in the Tribulation, there seems to be an attitude among at least a few of these folks something along the lines of: “Tough luck. You didn’t prepare, and I have no intention of sharing any of my stuff with you.”

Shocking, isn’t it? But does it surprise you? If someone’s heart is aligned with their treasure on earth, and he isn’t keeping his eyes on Jesus above, what kind of response would we expect?

This is a worldly perspective that comes from our sin nature. Remember, we don’t have to teach little children to say, “Mine!” and snatch the rattle away from another child.

This non-sharing attitude also runs counter to what we learn about the early church in Acts 4:32-35:

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

I guess I would say this: If our post-Trib prepping brothers and sisters want to picture themselves as the chosen of God insulated from His wrath raining down all around them, and in so doing, pretend like they represent a sort of early church movement during that time, then they need a heart transplant.

Short and sweet: This is one more reason why post-Trib belief is erroneous. It tends to center one’s focus on the wrong place. We are to look up and expectantly wait for the deliverance of our Lord coming in the clouds. Keeping our eyes on this world and our hearts on staying alive in the midst of utter destruction simply doesn’t align with what God wants from us.

Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!

—

The transcript for this audio commentary is available at my website blog under the post with the same title: https://garyritter.com/biblical-audio-commentary-a-disturbing-post-trib-attitude/

Gary Ritter website: books & blog

http://garyritter.com/

 

Matthew 19:13-14; “Then children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.'” (ESV all emphasis mine)

Matthew 18:1-6; “At that time, the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?’ And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones, who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea.'”

The above verses really need to be considered by those who are abusing children today. The abuses I’m speaking of are getting more and more extreme and more evil, with children being treated as if they aren’t even human. This is nothing really new in this world, but the degree of violence and mayhem is gaining ground as we get nearer to the end of this age. Satanic influence has come out of the closet, and it’s in plain sight. Sadly, what’s being criticized is anyone who claims to be a Christian.

As an example of present-day persecution: previously, a baker in Colorado won a partial Supreme Court Victory for refusing to make a gay couple’s wedding cake. Now, he’s being challenged for refusing to bake a cake celebrating a gender transition. A local judge fined the baker for discrimination. However, this will also be appealed.

This would not even be an issue, but the baker is known to have Christian convictions, and the radical left is targeting him. It’s not as if there aren’t other bakeries in the area that are secular and would gladly supply the product. This is also happening to Christian photographers, Christian florists, and any other businesses known to be run by believers.

Just about 20 years or so ago, this would not have been an issue. However, with some changes in government attitudes and the “coming out” of all the alphabet groups, it’s as if a hunting license has been issued against anyone who has Jesus as their Savior.

Before going further, Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 24; Luke 21, and other places in the Bible tell us these things would be taking place near the end of this age. Jesus said we would be hated for His name’s sake, and that is obvious in today’s society.

God has not changed one bit. What was called an abomination in His word is still an abomination. Today, what Jesus said about causing little ones to sin – or to be subject to the abusive sins of others – still stands. They may not be “prosecuted” on this earth, but Revelation 20:11-15 gives a description of their eternal residence. At that Judgment, all decisions are final, and no appeal will be available.

No true believer will be at that Judgment. All who will have received and accepted the free gift that our Savior provided will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) and will receive or lose rewards for what we have done here. However, our eternity will still be with Jesus in Heaven.

Growing up in a Christian home, and during a time that was much different from today’s values, we learned kids’ songs such as “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and “Jesus Loves Me.” They had meaning in my heart then, and they’re still there today.

Taking a look at these old Christian favorites, first is “Jesus Loves the Little Children” by Clarence Herbert Woolston (1856-1927), released in 1913. I remember the refrain most of all.

1.) Jesus calls the children dear, ‘Come to Me and never fear, For I love the little children of the world. I will take you by the hand, lead you to a better land, For I love the children of the world.’

Ref) Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world.

2.) Jesus is the shepherd true, and He’ll always stand by you, For He loves the little children of the world. He’s a Savior great and strong, and He’ll shield you from the wrong, For He loves the little children of the world.

3) I am coming, Lord, to thee, and your soldier I will be. For You love the little children of the world. And your cross I’ll always bear, and for You, I’ll do and dare. For you Love the little children of the world.

Next would be “Jesus Loves Me” by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827-1915), released in 1859.

1.) Jesus loves me; this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.

Ref) Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

2.) Jesus loves me, He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide. He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in.

3.) Jesus loves me, this I know, as He loved so long ago, taking children on His knee, saying, “Let them come to Me.”

John 15:9; “Jesus said, as the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you; abide in My name.”

Today, the emphasis in many churches is modern, upbeat, heart-thumping songs. For “Jesus Loves Me,” I remember well the first verse and the refrain. Both of the above songs still give me a warm, loved feeling just thinking about them.

All the events of today are practically shouting out that the end of this age is very near. Of course, the secular world that is being led by Satan perceives all this to be a foolish notion.

In 2 Peter 3, we’re given a message about all the events that will take place with “scoffers” following their sinful desires. Even though it seems like the evil will never end, God knows the exact second that He will act. He is patient where we are not, and He wishes that no one should be condemned. However, that day is absolutely drawing near, and true believers are ready to be with our Savior.

This leads to a final “Jesus Loves Me” song that’s especially for all senior citizens. The author is unknown, though it’s posted in several sites from early 2000. It fits what should be in our hearts during this very troubling time on earth.

1.) Jesus loves me, this I know, though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, still He bids me trust in Him.

Ref.) Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me; the Bible tells me so.

2.) Though my steps are oh so slow, with my hand in His I’ll go; on through life, let come what may; He’ll be there to lead the way!

3.) When the nights are dark and long, in my heart He put a song, Telling me in words so clear, Have no fear, for I am near.

4.) When my work on earth is done, and life’s victories have been won, He will take me Home above; then I’ll understand His Love.

If you haven’t called on Jesus to forgive and save you, right now would not be too soon. The time is approaching that God said would take place, and it could even be today. If you have your “reservation” in, your heart will resonate with “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know; For the Bible Tells Me So.”

Hope to see you soon at Home!

huebshman46@gmail.com