Comparing the attitudes and actions of today’s world to Matthew 24, Luke 21, Romans 1 and 2 Timothy 3; you might find all of them very similar. In fact, every evil trait and attitude that is listed there, is here right now. Some have been refined to reach new levels of evil that we never thought we’d see in our lifetime. One thing can be said that is Biblically correct, we are very near to the time of the end that Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and others spoke of. (all emphasis mine)
Luke 21:25-26; “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the sea and the waves, (26) people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”
People today are walking in fear because of a so-called COVID pandemic, and the world leaders have the masses falling in step to whatever they say...evil is increasing everywhere. Nations are at odds with each other, and it’s possible there could be some major conflicts soon. Weather patterns are obviously changing to be more severe, and various places are either suffering from drought or severe flooding. In some places, record high temperatures have been noted.
If people would only seek the word of the Father, they could be assured that all the current events were prophesied to happen. His children – all who have called on Jesus to be their Savior – should be rejoicing.
Why would I possibly suggest we should celebrate such events as being good?
Continuing in Luke 21:27-28; “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (28) Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”(ESV)
The actual second coming of Jesus is at least seven years away. We do not know the day nor the hour, but before that 7-year wrath/tribulation takes place, God has a major covenant to fulfill. In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10, we’re told that all who belong to the Savior will be kept from the coming wrath. This would be the “Harpazo”, “taking up”, or “Rapture”, whichever term you would choose. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53)
For anyone who might say they will wait until the “trumpet of God” sounds, and the shout comes from the arch angel to be saved, they could never be fast enough. Paul uses the term “in the twinkling of an eye” in 1 Corinthians 15:52. Experts far beyond my capabilities have estimated this would be considerably less than one second. The best advice I can possibly give here, is be prepared in advance, and you won’t have to be concerned as to the “when”.
The tribulation officially starts when Jesus opens the first seal judgment releasing the antichrist on the world. (Revelation 6:2) There were “announcing trumpets” all through Israel’s history, and the one that sounds at the Rapture, will announce that Jesus is taking His flock Home before the judgments ever start.
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