The concept of the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ has captivated the minds and hearts of believers for centuries. It is a topic that ignites curiosity and sparks discussions about the end times, biblical prophecies, and the future of humanity. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Rapture and its significance in biblical teachings. The Rapture is often portrayed as a two-stage event involving the secret removal of the saved to heaven at the beginning of seven years of tribulation, followed by the triumphant return of Jesus to Earth. By delving into this topic, we can equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to navigate the tumultuous times that lie ahead.

The Meaning of the Rapture & The Tribulation: A Prelude to Earth’s Final Days

The term “rapture” refers to the belief that Jesus’ coming will occur in two distinct stages. The first stage involves the secret gathering of the saved to heaven at the beginning of a seven-year Tribulation period, during which the antichrist will appear. The second stage occurs at the end of this Tribulation when Jesus returns to Earth in glory and triumph.

After the Rapture will come the seven-year Tribulation according to Bible prophecy. It is during this time that evil will spread and humanity will witness unimaginable atrocities. While the diseases, natural disasters, wars, and devastation we witness in our world today offer us a glimpse of the challenges to come. They pale in comparison to the horrors that will unfold during the Tribulation.

As the Tribulation nears its end, the Antichrist will emerge as the embodiment of evil, standing at the center of this malevolent period as he personifies Satan himself. It is important to note that the Tribulation is an inevitable event, and despite our best efforts, we cannot prevent its occurrence. Yet, we can equip ourselves with a thorough knowledge of God’s Word, revealing everything we need to know about Earth’s final days.

Relevant Scriptures and End-Time Prophecy

Several scriptures in the Bible provide insight into the Rapture and the events surrounding it. These passages reveal God’s plan for the future and provide comfort and encouragement for believers:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, 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.”

• Matthew 24:36-44: In this passage, Jesus speaks about His Second Coming and emphasizes the need for readiness and watchfulness.

• Revelation 3:10: “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”

Seven Signs the Rapture Is Near

The days preceding the Rapture and the commencement of the Tribulation are in Matthew 24:5-14. These signs will serve as indicators that the Tribulation is drawing near. Let’s explore these signs in detail:

1. Deception by False Teachers

False teachers will emerge, spreading deceit and leading many astray. It is crucial to be discerning and rooted in the truth of God’s Word. To avoid falling prey to their misleading doctrines and deceptive practices.

2. Shortage of the Food Supply

The availability of food will be severely affected, leading to widespread hunger and scarcity. Famine will grip the nations, exacerbating the suffering experienced during this period.

3. Disease in Various Places

Pestilences and diseases will plague humanity, causing widespread suffering and death. The world will suffer a health crisis of uncommon proportions.

4. Worldwide disasters

Natural disasters will intensify, ravaging the earth with extraordinary frequency and intensity. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and other catastrophic events will leave a trail of devastation in their wake.

5. Persecution for the Sake of Christ

As the persecution of Christians escalates, believers will face severe trials and tribulations. Many will be martyred for their faith, paying the ultimate price for their unwavering devotion to Christ.

6. Moral Decline in Humanity

Many people will become obsessed with themselves, full of pride. They will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

7. Declaration of the Gospel

Despite the increasing darkness and challenges of the Tribulation, the message of the Gospel will continue to spread throughout the world. God’s redemptive plan will persist, offering hope and salvation to those who choose to believe.

The Mark Of The Beast

The Mark of the Beast is a significant aspect of the end-times prophecy. It is a sign that individuals will be offered to accept during a time of great tribulation, so they can buy and sell from food to clothing or shelter. Accepting this mark signifies allegiance to the Antichrist, who will rise to power in the last days. Word of warning, do not accept this mark!

Revelation 13:16-17 states, “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”

Revelations 14: 9-11 warns us what will happen to anyone who takes the mark. It states “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

Once again, word of warning…Do not take the mark of the beast!

The Antichrist and God’s Witnesses

The Tribulation serves a purpose beyond its overwhelming devastation. It acts as a warning to mankind, heralding God’s imminent judgment. During this period, God will appoint two godly witnesses to serve as beacons of truth amidst the darkness. These end-times prophets, empowered by the Spirit of God, will shine a light upon the world, proclaiming His message of redemption and judgment.

Those who embrace the message of these witnesses will undergo the horrors of the Tribulation but will be spared from the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20. This judgment represents the final judgment where all the unrighteous will face the consequences of their actions.

The Great Harvest and Salvation During the Tribulation

The Tribulation will also witness a great harvest of souls for Christ. Matthew 24:14, explains how the Gospel will be preached in all the world to all nations before the end comes. People from every nation, tribe, and language will have the opportunity to become part of the redeemed multitude.

The Tribulation will be a time of immense suffering and persecution. Those who had not accepted or rejected the Gospel before the Rapture will have the opportunity to receive salvation through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Proclaiming the Gospel During the Tribulation

An important question arises: How will people hear the Gospel during the Tribulation? While it is true that there will be no believers on Earth at the beginning of these seven years. Scripture reveals that there will be two witnesses and 144,000 sealed Israelites who will boldly proclaim the truth. In addition, it is reasonable to assume that millions upon millions of copies of the Bible and Bible portions will remain, providing a silent witness to the truth amidst the chaos.

These blood-bought believers, both the witnesses and those who read the preserved Scriptures, will courageously warn others of the impending judgment. They will preach repentance and the consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation, even at the cost of their own lives.

The Blessed Dead and the Importance of Decision

For those who become Christians during the Tribulation and subsequently face death, the Lord has pronounced a special blessing upon them. Revelation 14:13 states, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” This beatitude reminds believers that death is not the end but a temporary slumber as they await the coming of the Lord. Even though these words specifically apply to those who die during the Tribulation, they serve as an encouragement to all saints of every generation.

The urgency to make a decision for Christ is evident. While it will be possible to get right with God during the Tribulation, it will be a time of unprecedented opposition from Satan. Those who have rejected the Gospel before this period will face a “strong delusion” that leads them further away from the truth. So, today, in this present moment, we urge you not to delay. Embrace God’s gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ while there is still time.

The Glorious Reality of Heaven

During the Tribulation, while the world experiences unparalleled turmoil, Christians will find themselves in the presence of God in heaven. Imagining this heavenly scene, we see God seated on His throne, surrounded by a resplendent rainbow of emerald greens. The twenty-four elders, symbolizing the Church, will encircle the throne. Before them lies a sea of glass, and around the throne, four living creatures continually offer praise to the One who sits upon it. The worship in heaven will resound with the adoration of the glorified Christ, the Creator of the world. Thunder, lightning, and voices will proceed from the throne, signifying the impending judgment that will follow on Earth.

Embrace Salvation and Fulfill Your Commission

In light of the coming Tribulation, the best preparation is to ensure that you will not be present during this period. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and trust in Him as your Savior, and be active in living a repented humble life. Now you have a commission to carry out. Jesus has appointed us to share His message of salvation to the ends of the Earth (Matthew 28:19-20). While grace will be available to some during the Tribulation, it is our current responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to anyone who will listen. And for those who won’t listen intercede for them in prayer in the hope that they will encounter the truth of Jesus Christ.

The exact timing of the Lord’s return may elude us, but we must be ready when it comes. God, in His goodness, has revealed the consequences of rejecting Him and has offered salvation to all who receive Him. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

How To prepare for The Rapture and the Second Coming

To prepare for the Rapture, you must get right with God and come to genuine repentance. To repent it to confess your wrongdoing and change. Here are some things to consider:

• Seek Salvation: Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, repent of your sins, and live a life surrendered to Him.

• Study Scripture: Engage in the study of God’s Word to gain wisdom and understanding of His plans and promises.

• Cultivate a Relationship with God: Develop a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

• Share the Gospel: Spread God’s love and salvation to others, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Not All Believers Will Get Raptured

Not all believers are on fire for Jesus and have chosen to comprise themselves to fit in this world. James 4:4 clearly says ‘You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.‘ Only those believers who genuinely seek Jesus and live righteously will get raptured. But even though they will experience the wrath of the Tribulation they will have eternal life in Heaven, as long as they don’t get the mark of the beast.

Stay On Fire For Christ To Stay Rapture Ready

Many have had dreams of the rapture where people who were saved were left behind because they were still bitter or prideful toward others. May this not be you! And make the urgency to get passionately on fire for Jesus Christ a priority. Repent, pray, study the scriptures, and stay watchful.

Have you given your life to Christ?

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, here is a prayer you can say.

“Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I choose to declare with my mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead. I ask you Lord Jesus to please come into my heart and have your way, teach me to walk in the way of righteousness and to turn away from my sins. Thank you for your precious blood that has washed all my sins away, In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Conclusion

The Rapture is a momentous event that holds great hope and anticipation for believers. While we do not know the exact day or hour, we can find guidance in the scriptures that speak of the Second Coming and the signs of the end times. As we await the glorious return of Jesus Christ, let us be vigilant, faithful, and prepared. Make Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life, live a repentant lifestyle, and spread the gospel’s good news to those who have yet to accept Jesus.

Great trials, tribulations, and disasters are on the horizon, so be sure you stay ‘Rapture-ready’ and warn as many people against the mark of the beast and the coming of Jesus Christ. May we continue to strive to follow Jesus, share His love, and eagerly await the fulfillment of his plan. With God’s grace, we can look forward to the day when we will be reunited with Him in the eternal paradise of Heaven.