Escapism is a tendency to prefer distraction as a relief from unpleasant realities. Often it is through seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy. In this world of virtual reality, space travel, and staycations, Christians are accused of escapism. Sounds ironic don't you think?
I think that I prefer escapism over procrastination in a Christian context. To argue the point I look at the greatest escape plan, the rapture. It is even better than a Houdini stunt. When Ironman asked Dr. Strange if there was any probability that they could win in a battle against Thanos, one in millions was found. If it was the same odds for the rapture I would take it.
The good news is that God is always true to His word. He keeps His promises they are yea and amen. There are many Christians who do not believe in the rapture. That is ok, we are all saved by the blood of Jesus and the testimony of our life in Him. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! Romans 5:9. It should not be a reason for argument or tension.
WHY DO I THINK THERE WILL BE A RAPTURE?
Firstly, I have to clarify that those who believe in the rapture believe that the Great Tribulation is for the non-believers not the Christians. By Christians I mean true followers of Jesus. The wrath of God is directed at the Jews in particular. The question remains, What happens to the Christians? This is where the rapture comes in.
The teaching of the rapture is not based on a modern day concept. Irenaeus of Lyons in the second century spoke of the rapture (Book 5). You can further research it if you like. But as I always say do not get distracted. His book is called Refutation and Overthrow of Knowledge - falsely so-called but also called Against Heresies.
The reason why I think there will be a rapture is not because there are increased sightings of spaceships. I do believe there are spaceships but I do not think it is from outer space. I have personally seen it more than once in my country. Two times I saw it with someone else. Once again let us not be distracted by these things. There is no relationship between the rapture and spaceships except if the rapture occurs and someone blames it all on aliens.
The rapture is the one time we can blame God. The drive of the people at this time would be to deny God exists. But the world leaders will have to blame someone for millions of Christians disappearing. I do not plan on being here after the rapture so it will not be of concern to me. It will concern those left behind. This is important. For those left behind there will be many lies and deceptions to filter out. Here are my reasons for believing there will be a rapture.
The example was set in the Bible. Seth, Enoch, and Elijah do not die. They are taken up to heaven.
The difference between the church and the believers. The ones left behind are referred to as believers. The ones who are caught up are the Church. Anyone left behind must be sure to give witness to the word of God, God said this and it is so.
In the Book of Revelations 1-3 the church is spoken and then disappears after. I think that is for specific reasons:
- to summarise the era of the church
- to let the left behind who called themselves christians but were not raptured, know why they were left behind
- to guide the left behind as to what not to be guilty of during the Great Tribulation period, this will be the new believers
The devil looses access to heaven. So that no one gets confused, people can be truly saved during the Great Tribulation which occurs after the rapture. But the accuser, the devil will no longer have access to the heavens. This happens around the time of the rapture. Possibly just after:
Now have come the salvation and the power,
and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—
he who accuses them day and night before our God. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelations 12:10-11
But after the rapture the believers will have to pay the price Jesus freely offered with their own blood, Revelations 6:9-11. This is why they will be beheaded or martyred.
Isn't it curious that with all the chemical agents that bring death, the guns and explosive devices the method of death is beheading? We know this to be true because this is what ISIS does today. If you choose Jesus over Islam you will be beheaded. Even children.
Hour of trial. Entrance to eternal life with Christ is the way that Jesus speaks of. God is saying it is better because He can keep you from the hour of trial.
I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. ... Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelations 3:8,10
We are the bride of Christ. Jesus does not want a battered bride. An unprepared bride will go through stress Matthew 25. Also, the church raptured returns with Christ in the Second Coming.
Jesus prepares a place for you. If you have to either be under the altar or still to be martyred during the 7 year tribulation then when will you live and enjoy your mansion? John 14:2
Anti-Christ is not yet revealed. The church will not know the identity of the lawless one until we are taken away.
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8
The Latin translation. The consistent meaning of 'caught up' in the New Testament. Fourteen times it is used. All with the same meaning of 'snatched', removed forcibly, 'catch' and 'seized'. The Greek word for 'caught up' is 'harpazó' and the Latin is 'rapturo'.
By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Appearing is different to coming. The Second Coming of Christ is different to the rapture. Those raptured will meet Christ. Those on the earth still will see Him coming after the Great Tribulation 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. We will meet Him in the clouds. Jesus does not come down to the earth at this point. Some Bible translations will confuse us a bit, but ask The Holy Spirit to help you understand.
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:30-31
I hope you see it. That in the Second Coming, believers are living on the earth. The martyred and the church raptured come with Jesus then. Part two of the topic of the rapture will be published tomorrow.
I pray for revival in your country. I pray you live in revival in your country and can freely worship God in Jesus name.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you.
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