What the Bible Says about the Rapture, pt. 5

CONCLUSION
We have seen that the Tribulation is the wrath and judgment of God. We have also seen that it is impossible for those who are in Christ to be brought into the judgment of the Tribulation, John 5:24, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” And Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”

The judgment of the believer is impossible because of our union with Christ, I John 4:17, “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” The judgment which the believer faces is that which has motivated our works, a judgment of rewards, II Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

If the Church is subject to the judgment of the Tribulation then the promises of God are of no effect and the death of Christ is ineffectual. Who would dare to profess or to teach that the promises of God are of no effect? Who would dare to profess or to teach that the death of Christ is ineffectual? We can have the utmost confidence in the promises of God towards us, II Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

The Rapture of the Church is the event promised by Jesus whereby He will remove His Church out of this world to the place He has prepared for us, John 14:1-4, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

Jesus told us in Luke 21:36, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Our worth comes from knowing Jesus. To pray to be worthy is to be in Him, trusting Him alone for your righteous standing before the Father.

WHEN WILL THE RAPTURE TAKE PLACE?
The Rapture of the Church will take place suddenly and without warning, I Corinthians 15:52, “…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…” Jesus Himself said, Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” To presume to know is to presume to know more than Jesus knew when He dwelt here on earth. Many have predicted the Rapture of the Church only to be proven wrong. To do so is either pride or ignorance; either way it is dangerous, as to do so is to mark yourself a false prophet. Although we do not know the exact time of the Rapture of the Church, we are able to recognize the times and the seasons preceding the Rapture. We see in our world the explosion of technology and knowledge, prophesied by Daniel, Daniel 12:4, “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” We see in our world the formation and establishment of a European super state, the European Union (EU), the precursor to the final world government prophesied by Daniel (the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s vision, Daniel 2).

But perhaps the most startling thing we have seen in our lifetimes has been the re-establishment of Israel back into their home land after almost 2,000 years, an event foretold by Jesus, Matthew 24:32-35, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near — at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Isaiah prophesied of Israel, Isaiah 27:6, “…Israel shall blossom and bud, And fill the face of the world with fruit.” Today fruit from Israel is shipped all over the world, literally fulfilling this prophesy. Again, Isaiah prophesied, Isaiah 35:1, “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” Flowers from Israel are shipped all over the world, literally fulfilling this prophecy. These are but a few of the glorious prophecies fulfilled in our lifetime concerning Israel.

The Psalmist declared, Psalm 102:16, “When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.” (KJV). The Lord has indeed built up Zion. Israel has once again become a nation and is re-established back into the land given to them by God. And Jesus said that the generation that witnessed this event would not pass until they also witnessed His coming for His Church. We are living in exciting times. Maranatha! “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).