This week, we look into the Holy Scriptures to get clarity about the end times. This subject has caused much debate and division in the Body of Christ, because people sometimes try to stitch verses together out of context to fit their theories. Saints, sound doctrine is built on the whole counsel of God, not on isolated texts; remember, a matter is established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1). So let us rightly divide the Word of Truth with humility (2 Timothy 2:15), leaving room for correction rather than stubbornly clinging to mistaken convictions. One thing is certain: Jesus is coming back soon (John 14:3; Acts 1:11). This truth should not make us fearful, but remind us to set our affections on things above (Colossians 3:2) and walk in holiness, eagerly awaiting the Lord’s appearing while staying faithful in our mission to win souls for the Kingdom.
The Old Testament foreshadows rapture by showing moments where individuals were taken from this earthly realm into another. Two striking examples stand out, one Gentile and one Jew, reminding us that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile … for we are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The first is Enoch, who “walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Enoch had a steady fellowship and intimate relationship with God, not just the occasional encounter. And one day, without facing death, God simply took him. The second is Elijah, who was taken up suddenly by a whirlwind as a chariot of fire separated him from Elisha (2 Kings 2:11). Jesus Himself spoke about rapture and His second coming in the New Testament. In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked, “Tell us … what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?” Jesus described these signs, so that neither they nor we would be deceived (vs.4-35). Then He declared, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (vs.36). This is a mystery known only to God the Father, meaning all of heaven, even Jesus Himself, awaits the Father’s command. Jesus, in His mercy, gave us clues, saying, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (vs.37). Noah preached righteousness for years, calling people to repent, but they refused and carried on “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away” (vs.38-39). Jesus warns that the same will happen before His return: the signs will be clear, yet many will dismiss them. He said, “Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40-41). This is the reality of what will happen; so, “watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (vs.42).
Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica to bring clarity about how that Day will unfold, noting that these things will happen “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51). The apostle taught that these events will signal the beginning of rapture: the Lord will descend with a shout of joy and triumph, as the archangel Michael leads the heavenly protocol (1 Thess 4:14-16a). And just as sheep recognize the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27), so too will believers hear and respond to the Lord’s call. Those who are asleep will follow the same pattern as Jesus’ death and resurrection – they will be raised incorruptible, in glory and power; those that are alive at His coming will be transformed into immortal, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 & 53-54), and will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord (1 Thess 10:16b-17). This is our comfort (vs.18), that whatever trials, afflictions, or losses we face, we will spend eternity with Christ. But until then, we are called to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) so we can experience God’s best on this earth, and continue with the work of ministry, while awaiting the fullness of our inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:10–14).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for our hope in Christ and the promise of His return. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom, walking in holiness and sharing the Good News with others. Help us to remain steadfast until that glorious Day, so we may dwell with You forever. Amen!
