The rapture is one of the most influential beliefs within Christianity. Many have accepted the idea that before the tribulation begins, they will suddenly disappear from this world, leaving only their clothes and shoes on the floor. If they are driving a car or operating any type of vehicle, it will just crash or come to a stop. Many believe this event could happen at any moment, and I’ve spoken to some who hope it’s today. Yes, we all want to go to heaven, but what about not being concerned about accomplishing God’s work, our calling, finishing the mission, or wanting to reach more lost souls with the gospel before it’s too late?
I also realize that it’s a much happier thought to believe that all current Christians from around the world will not have to face the tribulation or persecution from the Anti-Christ. No pain, suffering, torture, or death, or having to stand for our faith in Jesus with a sword at our necks. No wonder it’s become one of the most popular doctrines that inspires shouting and dancing. It’s like being stranded on a desert island, and you look out and see a ship coming to rescue you. A miracle! Except there’s a huge difference. Even if we walk through the worst suffering we can imagine, Christ is all we need, and His love will always surround us.
Let’s read the words of Jesus in Mark chapter 8:34-35, “And when He had called the people unto Him with his disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Can we relate to this passage today? I use this statement often, and sometimes refer to sacrificing our will to God’s will. But here, Jesus is talking about our physical body. A few verses before this, He was explaining that He would be rejected, and would suffer and endure many things that would eventually lead to His death on the cross. I’ve heard people say that Christ came to suffer and die so that we would not have to, but the history of martyrdom begs to differ. He saved us from eternal death, but does not always protect us from persecution.
We continue to verses 36 though 38, “For what shall it profit a person, if they will gain the whole world, and lose their own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also will the Son of man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” “Blow the trumpet in Zion” is a biblical command from Joel 2:1 that calls for sounding an alarm to warn of the coming Day of the Lord.” If there was ever a time in this modern age to warn others of a coming tribulation and God’s judgment, it is now.
I hope you have been researching the scriptures that’s been shared over the last 4 weeks. Read Matthew 13:18-30, and see the harvest is not a rescue but rather the end of the age. I’ve let down my guard and as I’ve stated that neither Jesus, the disciples, Paul, or any writer of the New Testament believed or taught a pre or mid tribulation rapture. I rarely discuss eschatology because of the tremendous controversy. I’ve been timid, and I’m sure many pastors feel the same way. It’s complicated, divisive, speculative, and sobering, but it should also cause every saint to fall on their faces in reverential fear, (which is exactly where we should live). Seminary’s teach students to be open-minded to allegory’s, and advise to be cautious with explaining end-time prophecy’s. Many pastors decide to avoid the subject as the end-times are not practical for everyday problems.
Each of us has made the decision whom we will serve, we do not have to wait until we are forced to take the mark. Our minds and faith is already established. By laying aside our self-centered striving, we can experience genuine joy, fulfillment, and a deeper, God-centered existence. Our commitment to Him is a holy vow that ultimately leads to the assurance of eternal life and a deeper relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
