LEFT BEHIND: THE RAPTURE

REFERENCE: John 14:2-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 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 14:2-3

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

COMMENT:

 It is true the word rapture does not appear in the Bible. Anyway, it is lack of understanding and also stubbornness to dismiss “the event” which appears in the bible for more than ten times just because the word rapture does not appear. The event is prominently implied and explained.  It is a popular prophesy yet to be experienced in the near future.  It will come to pass before the Anti-Christ (man of sin) is revealed or in the middle of his seven year rule. It will be witnessed by the whole world because millions of born again Christians will disappear without trace and billions will be left behind. DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND!

The religious groups, scientists and political leaders will have a difficult time to explain what has happened when the rapture takes place. Religious leaders who claim heaven or hell do not exist will have to find ways to explain but as they are in touch with Satan, a supernatural explanation will be ready. Political leaders are likely to dismiss the disappeared Christians as irresponsible.

Jesus Christ in the gospel of John chapter 14, has assured his followers that he went away to prepare a place for them. He was comforting them and added that they knew the way to the place, he was going. He went on to explain that he is the way. He did not stop there; He said he is the truth and also the life. Nobody can get there without going through him. That means that you cannot enter there even through a close relative of Jesus.  No other human being or institution of any kind can take you there.

The rapture is for both the living and the dead as long as they know the Way, the Truth and the Life. That is the Lord Jesus Christ who, first and foremost, they must believe in, and trust him for salvation.

A trumpet will sound and in the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised imperishable and the living will be changed. In view of this, not all the living must pass through death. A popular song among the Bantu tribes in Kenya that all human beings must die at one time is not true. Two men have passed on without dying and their names are known. They are Enoch and Elijah. See Gen. 5:24 and 2 Kings 2:11-12.

Those left behind will have to go through suffering known as the great tribulation, during the brief rule of the Anti-Christ. They will be forced to receive the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. The rejection of the mark of the beast (electronic identification number planted in the skin) will lead to inability to buy, sell or transact any business. This will be terrible suffering for Christians left behind and as if this is not enough, capital punishment by cutting off their heads will follow. That is the only way to heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ will be waiting for the new arrivals and will live with him for eternity.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit! Convict us so that we can accept and receive Jesus Christ as our personal saviour.