Faith, Love, and A Glorious Hope

The Bible is packed with powerful prophecies, profound principles, and precious promises. From beginning to end we marvel at the majestic Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as Creator and Redeemer of the human race. From Genesis through Revelation we are amazed at the absolute attributes of our Great God and Savior, including, but certainly not limited to, his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

Through Scripture we learn the real meaning of such things as truth, righteousness, justice, unconditional love, and peace, because we see them from God’s viewpoint. More than that: with an open mind and heart we understand that God is Truth, Righteousness, Justice, Love, and Peace. These divine concepts are available and attainable to the human race only through God’s Son, Messiah Jesus, who is the perfect embodied expression of God.

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:15-16).

Because God created us in his image, he has graciously given us the capacity for kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, and consideration for others. God also gave us free will to choose right from wrong, good from evil. Because Adam and Eve chose wrongly, we now have a fallen twisted nature to be and do the exact opposite of what is good and right. Hence, the purest expression of these aforementioned positive qualities and others like them are possible only when Christ through the Holy Spirit is living in us and through us (Galatians 6 & Ephesians 5).

There are:

“Three things (that) will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (I Corinthians 13:13).

Love

“God is Love” (I John 4:8 & 16).

This love was expressed unconditionally through God’s grace, the greatest gift of all time: the sacrificial death of God’s Son on the cross for forgiveness of sin and pardon from the penalty of that sin—eternal separation from God. We are mercifully delivered from eternal judgment, and graciously given everlasting life (John 3:16).

Without God’s love and his initiative to express that love for us, there’s no way that any human being can possess and convey the same kind of unconditional agape love to others as described in the 13^th Chapter of I Corinthians. We love God and others, because he first loved us (I John 4).

Although salvation and eternal life is given to us for all time (never to be taken away) the moment we believe and receive Christ Jesus as personal Savior, it takes a lifetime of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to better understand and express that kind of love to others. (II Peter 3:18).

Faith:

From the very beginning, all Adam and Eve had to do to live forever in paradise was to believe (have faith and trust in) what God had done for them and what he had said would come to pass if they didn’t obey him. Obedience to God is a direct result of trusting him and in him. Tragically (for our original parents and the human race), they failed this simple test of trust. Long before the Law of Moses was given, we find that trusting and obeying the Lord was all that was required of Abraham. This faith resulted in the most splendid thing that a human being could ever have or hope for: a right standing (righteousness) with God (Genesis 15:6).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Ephesians 2:8-10, King James Version).

None of our works or deeds is really good in God’s eyes, until and unless we have been created (born-again) in Christ Jesus by placing our trust in God’s gift of grace—manifested through the death, burial, and resurrection of His matchless Son.

Hope

God’s Biblical plan of Salvation gives us something else that the Apostle Paul said would last forever: hope. This hope looks longingly for the culmination of so great a salvation—resurrection from the dead and transformation of those still alive when Christ returns, to a brand new body equipped to live forever in heaven. That is the main featured focus of today’s article; born-again believers enduring expectant hope for the Day of the Lord to begin.

Because of the remarkable 2,000-year influence of the Christian faith on this earth, many unbelievers have heard or know something about, The Second Coming. Virtually all true believers know of this phenomenal prophetic promise; however, even some Christians are confused about the Rapture and the Return of Messiah to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Are they one and the same, or are they two distinct events? If they are separate events, will they happen at virtually the same time at the Second Coming of Christ Jesus?

There are two ways to approach this subject: (1) Provide Scriptural evidence first, then reach the conclusion based on that verification. (2) Answer the questions up-front, then examine the Biblical evidence to confirm the premise.

There would be more suspense in the buildup afforded by option one, but I will choose number two for the following reasons: (A) Although this is the first Eye of Prophecy article devoted entirely to the subject of contrasting or equating the Rapture to the Second Coming of Christ to the earth, several prior articles have made reference to the Rapture and the Return of Christ in the context of the main theme of those articles.

(B) Some Christians who have studied Biblical prophecy to some extent or another, understand these two events and know the correct answer to the questions, including at least a familiarity with the sequence of events that comprise what the Bible calls as a whole, The Day of the Lord.

Premise: The Rapture and the physical Return of Christ to the earth are, indeed, two distinct happenings that will take place at conspicuously separate times. Yet it’s also important to grasp the Biblical evidence to support that conclusion.

Different Degree of Emphasis in Scripture

Here, I’m referring to the sheer quantity of Biblical prophecies, both Old and New Testament, on the First and Second Coming of Messiah compared to the relatively few passages about the Rapture. That doesn’t mean that the Rapture is of less importance; only that the Rapture is just one part of what the Bible calls, The Day of the Lord, and what Bible scholars and teachers label, The Second Advent of Messiah.

To be as Biblically literate as possible concerning end-times prophecy, it’s of paramount importance to comprehend that the return of Christ encompasses a sequence of five events or phases. Beginning with the Rapture, then the Great Tribulation, then the Return of Messiah to the earth, then the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth to establish the Kingdom of God, and finally the perpetual existence of this Kingdom that includes among other amazing things: the New Jerusalem and a new heaven and earth (extreme makeover). Thus, when Jesus spoke of his return (as did the apostles Paul and Peter and John), we need to distinguish between references to the Rapture and the physical return of Messiah Jesus to the earth.

The Rapture

Found only in the New Testament, there are three definitive expositions of the Rapture: Matthew 24-25, I Thessalonians 4, and I Corinthians 15. There are also two Biblical incidents that provide prototype parallels of the Rapture in the form of a mysterious catching up of two men before disaster strikes the earth. One is Enoch in the Old Testament (Genesis 5:21-24) who was suddenly and mysteriously taken (alive) from the earth to be spared from God’s first world-wide judgment of mankind … the Great Flood. Then, the author of Revelation, John, was suddenly caught up to heaven to witness the second and final judgment of God on the earth … The Great Tribulation.

“Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this’” (Revelation 4:1).

Come up here. I’m convinced that these same words Jesus spoke to John will be the shout heard around the world along with a series of trumpet blasts to herald the Rapture.

As a reminder, the word Rapture is not found in Scripture. Nonetheless, it is an accurate term that vividly conveys and portrays what actually takes place. The Greek word used in the Rapture passage of I Thessalonians Chapter 4 is harpazo, which means to suddenly seize or catch up (to heaven). Please refer to the very first Eye of Prophecy article, What is the Rapture? (Posted 7-26-13). Followed by four more articles on the Why, When, Who, and How of the Rapture (8-3 through 8-24-13).

The Second Coming of Messiah

In the Old Testament the (second) coming of Messiah is referred to as the day of the Lord or the end times or the last days. However, there are other passages that don’t use a catchphrase, as such. Rather, they simply describe what takes place when God, through his Messiah, brings all things together to accomplish his purpose for mankind at the end of time. Meaning that time itself won’t end … only God’s specific plan for that particular time or times. Furthermore, both Messianic and non-Messianic references to the last days found in the Old Testament are specifically written about Israel—her physical and spiritual restoration. And, of course, there are many prophecies pertaining to Messiah’s first arrival to bring salvation to all—Jew and Gentile alike.

Different Purposes

Perhaps the biggest distinction between the Rapture and the Return of Messiah to the earth is found in the respective purpose they serve. Rapture is exclusively for the Church, the body of Christ, consisting of all Jews and Gentiles who have placed their faith in our Jewish Messiah, Jesus. The Second Coming of Christ to the earth is for the preliminary purpose of rescuing Israel from total destruction and the Jews from annihilation at the hands of the Antichrist. In doing so, Jesus will destroy the armies of Antichrist; thereby, completing the wrath of God on a very wicked world.

The Rapture of Believers

The primary purpose of the Rapture is to preemptively save believers from the Great Tribulation, with a secondary reason of dramatically and traumatically getting the attention of those left behind. To demonstrate that they have one last chance to receive God’s pardon through His chosen Messiah.

Messiah Jesus was the first to introduce the specific event of the Rapture, and he did so in the broader context of his astounding Mount of Olives message found in Matthew Chapters 24 and 25, with a more condensed account in Mark Chapter 13 and Luke Chapter 21. In those riveting portions of Scripture, Jesus covers the entire episode of his Second Coming—the Rapture, the Tribulation, and his glorious return to the earth—although not necessarily in sequence. Here is his dramatic descriptive allusion to the Rapture, which will trigger the ominous apocalyptic events of the Tribulation culminating in his actual return to the earth:

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So, you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:37-42).

Those “taken” in the Rapture are believers in Christ; just as Noah and his family were removed and relocated in the ark, and Lot and his family taken (literally grabbed by the angels) out of Sodom. Those who experienced God’s judgment were not taken out of harm’s way; they were the ones left behind to die on the earth. Likewise, those left behind at the Rapture are unbelievers who will go through the terrible Tribulation.

(Some Will Be Taken, Many Left Behind)

It’s important to grasp the fact that when Jesus spoke of his Second Coming, he incorporated the Rapture, Tribulation, and physical return to earth—as three phases of a continuous comprehensive series of events. He distinguishes between these three stages by explaining what will happen. It’s then up to us to separate and match his descriptions to these three phases of his Second Coming. We do that by comparing them with all other Biblical end times prophecies, or at least enough passages to know which one he is describing … Rapture (to include global birth pains leading up to the Rapture) Tribulation, or his Return.

The purpose of believers “taken” from the earth is presented by the Apostle Paul after he discloses the astonishing sequence of the Rapture itself in I Thessalonians 4:15-18.

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever” (I Thessalonians 5:9-10).

The very fact that we are spared from God’s anger (which isn’t released globally until the Great Tribulation) means that the Rapture must take place before the Tribulation which will last for seven years. Therefore, the Rapture is a uniquely different occurrence from the physical return of Messiah Jesus to the earth, near the end of the Tribulation.

When Paul uses the phrase, “when he returns” he, like Christ before him, is referring specifically to the first three of the five phases of the Day of the Lord, i.e. the Rapture, Tribulation, and Second Coming of Messiah Jesus. The remaining two phases are the Millennium and what some Bible scholars refer to simply as Eternity ushered in by the final defeat of Satan and those who subsequently oppose Messiah at the end of the Millennium. These final two epic ages are described in such passages as Revelation Chapters 20-22 and Isaiah Chapter 11.

In fact, before Paul illustrates the actual catching up of believers (Rapture), he cites the reason that the Lord Jesus so graciously and generously revealed this astonishing prophetic hope for believers. This is the part of the Rapture passage in I Thessalonians 4 that isn’t often quoted or is overlooked in favor of the more well-known portion of this passage.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord. We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died” (I Thessalonians 4:13-15).

First and foremost the Lord is telling us through Paul that the resurrection of dead believers in Christ will not only take place at the Rapture; it is the Rapture itself! So also will believers still alive when the Rapture occurs be given new resurrected bodies. In effect, this, too, is a resurrection from the dead … a deliverance from our decaying, dying bodies. This remarkable transformation is vividly portrayed in I Corinthians Chapter 15.

Return of Messiah to the Earth

We’re still in the category of Different Purposes between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ to the earth, with the aforementioned purpose of the Rapture to spare believers from the wrath of God and the madness of Satan and Antichrist during the Great Tribulation.

There are several passages in both the Old Testament and New Testament that clearly convey the fact of and purpose for Messiah Jesus’s physical return to the earth. None more so than the following:

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war … and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty … On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:11-16).

That is exactly what Paul said earlier in I Thessalonians: “…we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” And, of course, believers who are still alive at the Rapture also will accompany Christ upon his glorious return to the earth.

But first, both the dead and living in Christ must be taken up to heaven in order for the, “armies of heaven dressed in … pure white linen to follow him on white horses.”

Different Time/Different Places

The Rapture

“We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:15-18).

At the Rapture, born-again Christians will “be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” We will go up. We will not meet him on the earth or descend with him back to earth at the Rapture; nor is there any mention of Messiah Jesus actually coming to or stepping foot on earth during this first phase of his return.

Moreover, the Rapture will occur over a short span of time to include “the blink of an eye” transfiguration of our bodies (both dead and living).

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies” (I Corinthians 15:51-53).

Please read Eye of Prophecy Article, How the Rapture (posted 8-24-13) showing that the entire progression of the Rapture (described in I Thessalonians 4) will take place in real time over several minutes, not in the blink of an eye. The only thing that takes place in a nanosecond (blink of an eye) is the actual transfiguration of our bodies, which is the last thing that happens during the Rapture sequence before believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the sky.

There will be no immediate warning that the Rapture is about happen. It is the Rapture phase of the Second Coming of Christ that will come abruptly as, “a thief in the night.” Which is why no one knows the day or hour when it will take place; and why it will stun an unsuspecting, unprepared, unbelieving world like nothing before in human history since the Great Flood.

Conversely, there will be many warning signs before Christ returns to the earth, including all of the Tribulation events. Plus, the fact that his physical return will take place seven years after the Tribulation begins—maybe to the day, or maybe a few days before the Tribulation ends. Many of the redeemed saints and even some die-hard unbelievers during the Tribulation will accurately predict the day of Jesus’s actual return to the earth.

The Return of Christ to the Earth

Here is Messiah Jesus’s description of his post-Tribulation return to earth:

“And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30, italics for emphasis).

Zechariah 14:3-4 tells us that Messiah will step foot on the Mount of Olives which is one of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies that Christ will actually descend (return) to the earth. This magnificent reappearance as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah, as King of all kings (contrasted to Messiah’s first appearance as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world) will begin when the Son of Man is seen coming “on the clouds.” From there, he will descend to the earth along with all of the (previously) raptured believers.

(Pictorial Depiction of Messiah’s Two Advents)

There is not only a grammatical difference between in the clouds/air and on the clouds (of heaven); there is also a positional and purposeful variation. On the clouds of heaven represents a position of authority and power with the originating purpose of dispensing justice on the earth. In the clouds of the air is where we will be gathered as brothers and sisters in Christ to first meet our wonderful Lord and Savior.

With regard to the timing of these spectacular first and third phases of the Lord’s return (Tribulation is the 2^nd phase) we have already established the fact that believers are not destined to experience the wrath of God (I Thessalonians 5). By default, then, the Rapture must take place before the seven-year Tribulation begins. Scripture is equally clear that Messiah Jesus will not return to the earth until the end of the Tribulation. Thus, the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ to the earth itself cannot possibly be the same event. Nor, as two separate events, will they take place at the same time (back to back). The Rapture and the return of Messiah to the earth are separated by seven years of unprecedented terror on planet Earth.

The respective timing of the Rapture and Jesus’s physical return to the earth is further reinforced by the marvelous wedding feast of the Lamb that raptured born again believers in Christ will celebrate as the “bride of Christ” with the bridegroom. Some say this will last for the entire duration of the seven-year Tribulation. Because it is not mentioned until the Tribulation is about over, I personally believe it will take place over a period of several days. Most likely seven days, as this was the traditional duration of Jewish wedding celebrations in Israel.

Listen to the stirring words of John recording another marvelous vision late in the book of Revelation after all of the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of God have taken place.

“Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: ‘Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people” (Revelation 19:6-8).

This is the same “white linen” worn while we descend with our Great God and Savior, Messiah Jesus as he “strikes down the nations” (Revelation 19:15).

The Rapture and the Return of Messiah Are not “Yo-Yo” Events

Although the Biblical evidence is conclusive, we can also rely on the common sense of it all. Or in reverse, the nonsensical notion of being caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds/air, only to immediately go back down to the earth with the Lord to dispense the final wrath of the Lamb at the final battle of Armageddon.

All phases of the Second Coming of Christ will take place in real time and space (place), not virtual time or reality. Among other things, how is it possible for the wedding feast with our Savior to take place before we return with Christ at the final battle of Armageddon, if we’re caught up to heaven at the same time Christ is coming down to the earth? Revelation is crystal clear that believers will celebrate the wedding feast with Messiah BEFORE Jesus returns to do battle at Armageddon.

Believers will not meet Christ going (up) and coming (down) all at once. That makes no sense at all. That would be like an elevator full of employees going up to meet their boss with the unmistakable understanding that he is waiting for them in the Penthouse Suite having prepared a great Christmas party for them. Only for the boss to change his mind after they arrive, and then take the elevator back down with all of the guests to first “take care of business” below.

Praise and thanks to God … born again believers will sit out the tribulation! There will be seven years between our elevator rides!

Different Meaning/Different Results

In this category of explaining the differences between the Rapture and Messiah’s physical return to earth, we can actually combine the two events; but only with regard to and in the context of the different meaning and results between believers and unbelievers.

Believers

Neither believers nor unbelievers can know the day or hour of the Rapture. However, for the believer, the Rapture that initiates the sequence of events that we lump together with the phrase Second Coming of Messiah or Day of the Lord (synonymous in terms of meaning and results) is a source of great hope for the born-again Christian. That’s why Paul instructed the believers at the end of his first disclosure of the Rapture, “to encourage each other with these words.”

Giving and receiving encouragement is tantamount to maintaining consistent and persistent hope for the resurrection of the dead in Christ and those alive to be transfigured to our new heavenly bodies. It’s what keeps us going in and giving to the unsaved world the wonderful truth of so great a salvation granted to us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus—to all who believe and receive him as personal Savior.

It’s what motivates fellow believers in the Lord to, “…live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds” (Titus 2:12-14).

That wonderful day that Paul alludes to is none other than The Day of the Lord. Thus, for the believer, the Rapture then the physical return of Christ to conquer the forces of evil on this planet are equally wonderful. In that regard, they have the same meaning and results. The Rapture will spare us from the most terrible time and horrible happenings that ever has or ever will be experience by mankind. (See Eye of Prophecy article, Shocking Statistics of the Great Tribulation, posted 6-6-15).

And we will return with our Messiah to watch his stunning victory over, “the dragon (Satan), the beast (Nero), and the false prophet … all the rulers of the world … and their armies gathered for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty … to a place with the Hebrew name, Armageddon” (Revelation 16:13-16, my parenthesis, italics already in the text).

To that end, all believers will be prepared for the Rapture, preempted from the Tribulation, and participate in the glorious return of our Savior to set all things right in this wicked world we live in. We are prepared because we are IN CHRIST, now and forever.

For those saved by the atoning blood of Messiah Jesus, the Day of the Lord will be one of unspeakable joy … a great and glorious day. With the Rapture being, the first day of the rest of our lives.

It is everlasting life in a beautiful heaven with the angels, fellow believers, and most of all with our awesome God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Unbelievers

Not so for those who have chosen not to accept what Jesus has done for them, who have rejected the Way, Truth, and Life and the fact that everyone must come to God through Christ Jesus (John 14:6).

For them the Day of the Lord will mean going through the carnage of the Great Tribulation.

It will be:

“…the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be!” (Joel 1:15).

It will be a time of great dread, distress, debauchery, destruction, and death.

“For see, the day of the Lord is coming—the terrible day of his fury and fierce anger. The land will be made desolate, and all the sinners destroyed with it. The heavens will be black above them; the stars will give no light. The sun will be dark when it rises, and the moon will provide no light. I, the Lord, will punish the world for evil and the wicked for their sin. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and humble the might of the mighty … For I will shake the heavens. The earth will move from its place when the Lord of Heaven’s Armies displays his wrath in the day of his fierce anger” (Isaiah 13:9-13).

Things to Ponder

Neither the first nor the second coming of Messiah to the earth has been a mystery. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies tell of his first arrival … hundreds more of his return. But the Rapture of the Church (Messiah’s bride and body) was a mystery, not revealed until our Lord himself said some would be taken, others left (behind).

I can’t think of any greater hope for people all over the world than that of global peace and security, both individually and nationally. And I would dare say that the vast majority of people on this planet would, if seriously speaking their mind and sincerely sharing their heart, agree that the best (if not only) way to achieve peace is through one Man who can set aside all the cultural, racial, religious, national, and international differences that divide the human race.

That day will come and soon. When Messiah Jesus returns as the Prince of Peace, all religions will be eliminated (the Christian faith is not a religion, it is a relationship with a Person who is Truth and Life itself … the only redemptive way to a right standing with God our Creator); all earthly rulers and nations will acknowledge him as Lord; there will be peace on earth, good will toward all people.

“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshipped” (Zechariah 14:9).

If you are alive when the Rapture occurs, but have not yet accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you will be given a second chance for as long as you stay alive during the Great Tribulation. But as God is my witness, you don’t want to wait until after the Rapture.

Although the decision of which messiah to follow will be the clearest choice ever made, it will be agonizingly difficult to choose the true Messiah Jesus over the false messiah (Nero). Most will opt for temporary security on earth over eternal life in heaven, because to choose everlasting life through Christ will mean instant poverty, persecution, and peril at the hands of Antichrist.

On the other hand, that would be the most short-sighted decision of all time, even as it is now before the Rapture will take place. For to reject the only hope of salvation and eternal life through the Son of God, Son of David, and Son of Man is to sentence one’s self to eternal separation from God.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

“Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).