For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
One of the great hopes of every generation of Christians is that we will be the ones to experience the promise of these verses, to not die but be caught up in the clouds with Jesus at the rapture.
The Rapture and the Second Coming are two separate events. It’s not certain but most theologians believe the Rapture will occur and that will usher in the tribulation period – a time period where Antichrist will rule the earth in a truly terrible New World Order, culminating in the battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus to earth.
While the second coming has signs that peecede it, the rapture does not. It is imminent. It could happen any second. It could happen in 10 years or 100 years because “no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” Matthew 24:36
But the fact is, we are already seeing signs and prophecies be fulfilled regarding the second coming. So if we can see the signs of the second event, surely the first must be near.
While no one knows the day or the hour, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
My sister is pregnant right now. We know she is due in the fall but we do not know at what day or hour her precious baby will be born. But we know it’s coming as we watch her belly grow. And when she starts having contractions we will know the time is very soon. We will not be caught off guard or surprised when the baby is born. We are expecting him!
Jesus told us that we should not be ignorant and we should be wise about the signs. He didn’t tell us this to lead us astray.
We see the signs already of a growing one world government, which is predicted in the Bible. We see the technology and interests in place for the “mark of the beast” – a required mark on our right hand or forehead to participate in commerce. We see an increase in tyranny, persecution and famine. And we live with the first generation of adults in the last 2000 years to see Israel be rejoined together as a nation.
Another fascinating prophecy on the verge of coming true is that before the Second Coming the gospel must be preached in every tongue. For the first time ever, this is about to come true where at least a part of the gospel has been translated into every language.
Movies have depicted the rapture in different ways. Because this event will not be seen by unbelievers I sort of imagine it the way it appears the Left Behind movies…a sudden disappearance where the tangible possessions of a person such as their clothes and jewelry are left in a pile. Those left behind will not know at first what has happened. But many who have heard the truth and dismissed it will soon figure it out.
The period after the rapture will soon begin a time known as the tribulation. This is where the world will find their authority in the great deceiver, an antichrist who will eventually be indwelt by Satan and force people to take his mark and worship his image.
It will be the hardest and most terrible time period in human history. Many will choose to follow this satanic new world order. But many, many others will become part of a great revival, tribulation saints, working to bring others to Jesus before His physical Second Coming at the end of the 7 year tribulation.
There is hope for those left behind to choose Jesus. But it will be a literal hell in earth as judgements from heaven rain down to get attention of the unbelievers. People will ask how come a loving God will use such harsh tactics to grab the attention of people. But I ask you now…if He doesn’t have your attention when you live in abundance, when you live in prosperity, what will it take to get your attention?
Believers around the world are expectantly hoping for the rapture and the utter privilege to be a part of that prophetic moment.
Don’t be left behind.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:3
Anna Farley 