In most of America, it’s refreshing to know that when a medical emergency arises there are ambulances with paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMT’s) not too far off. Some countries do not have this luxury, and things we take for granted can be life-threatening there. (emphasis mine)
Having worked in several hospitals in the past as a Respiratory Therapy Technician, and having been an EMT, there were many times I saw teams work with outstanding results in saving lives. It’s hard for me to imagine anything that’s considered “minor” here could cause someone to lose their lives without proper and immediate treatment.
This is mainly for the physical body, but what about the spiritual soul? It doesn’t matter where in the world we may be, the spiritual part of us is in more danger than the physical. One cause of this is indifference toward our eternal destination. It’s sad that the majority of the world population is very “sick” spiritually, but do not seek a cure. For one to look for treatment, they first have to admit there is a problem. Two statistics today are the estimated percentages of true believers: first in America, and then all the world-wide Jewish population.
In today’s America, it is estimated that between 10% and 15% of the total population are true believers. This is not referring to any particular organized evangelical or other religious groups, but the overall actual people who have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior. Some would say these percentages are actually high compared to what’s happening today. There are many who would proclaim they are “religious,” but that does not mean they are saved.
As for the Jewish population world-wide, the percentage of Messianic Jews, or true believers in Jesus, is even less. With a total of approximately 14 million Jews, only 1%-2% are categorized as Messianic. It should be noted, this will be corrected to 100% by the end of the 7-year Tribulation period, with all surviving Jews believing in Jesus. Sad part, according to Zechariah chapter 13, at least 2/3 will be killed during that time.
It should be noted, there are recent reports of people accepting Jesus in some troubled places around the world, and the totals are increasing daily. Iran is one place, and it’s said the women are accepting Jesus in larger numbers than the males. North Korea and China are two other places where souls are calling out for the Savior. This is in spite of the fact that, if caught, they face prison or even martyrdom. They must meet in secret, and are risking everything to proclaim Jesus as their Savior.
America is following Matthew 24, 2 Timothy 3 and 1 John 2-5. False prophets and antichrists are out in the open more than ever before, and people are eager to hear their false messages. Many so-called evangelical churches are falling prey to “modern” thinking, and the truth is being subdued with ear-tickling messages that do not feed the soul; rock-type music to set an emotional tempo; stage-type productions that are meant to entertain so people will return and put more money in the plates, are all too common. All this means Satan is gaining more ground, and people are willing to ignore their eternal status for a “good life” here. God is allowing them to choose Satan and all his lies, but is still willing to accept any and all who will repent and accept His Son as their Savior (2 Peter 3:9).
For anyone who believes this is something new, Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14 that the road to destruction would be wide, and many would be on it. Likewise, the road to Salvation is narrow and straight, and few would find it. One verse in John 14 tells just what the straight and narrow is. Verse 6, “Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” It’s just that simple, yet more choose to reject Jesus than accept Him. To add to this, Acts 4:12 states, “And there is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
A major issue, especially in America, is a turning away from Jesus that is increasing in intensity daily. False prophets are declaring that there are many ways to heaven, even without Jesus. Some say it’s proper to accept God, but Jesus was just a good prophet. Also, they are saying the Bible is out of date and needs to be more “people friendly.” Any relationship that God declared an abomination during biblical times no longer applies. They say that today God accepts any and all relationships that a person may choose.
Just one problem with this; I can’t find this anywhere in the Word of the Lord. God is not regulated by time as we are, and His word is the same today as when first given. He does not change, and He does not lie (Titus 1:2). When God makes a covenant with us, it’s forever.
This is one reason why the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside every true believer. Every soul on this earth is valuable to our Heavenly Father (John 3:16-18; Romans 5:8), but those who accept the sacrifice made by His Son and call out to be saved are even more precious to Him. We are the ones that will be in His immediate presence forever, and are considered a part of Jesus’ flock.
For those who reject the Savior, but accept the ways of this world, they are facing an eternity away from the Father, and in total darkness. They will suffer their eternal punishment without any relief forever. Unlike comments such as, “I’ll be partying with all my friends,” the Lake of Fire is no joke. All the times Jesus mentioned the “outer darkness,” He was warning everyone how this was to be.
Consider the 5th Bowl Judgment in Revelation 16:10-11, “The Fifth Angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish, and cursed the God of Heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.”
Remember also, Luke 23:44 and referenced in Matthew 27:45 and Mark 15:33; “It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” This would be from noon to 3 p.m., which was only three hours; imagine eternity never seeing any light again.
My belief at this late stage of earth’s existence is that all whom God knows are right on the brink of calling out and being saved are being given a bit more time to do so (Acts 2:21 and Romans 10: 9-13). This time will not last a whole lot longer as 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is about to take place. It is called the Rapture, and Jesus will call for His church; true believers, not any organized evangelical group, to meet Him in the air. This is to keep us from going through the 7-year wrath as promised by the Father (1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 for example.) This will be the absolute maximum “first-aid” believers will receive.
For those left behind, it will be as if it’s a primitive culture where “spiritual first aid” will be scarce. There will still be the ability for some to call out and be saved; but as in the Middle East, Africa and Asia today, more than likely the end result will be martyrdom. Rather than rely on “primitive” measures, would not “preventive” measures be much better?
For anyone who has never read the Bible for themselves, I would strongly recommend getting one soon, and reading from it daily. Pick a translation that is the true word, but understandable to the reader such as the New King James, New American Standard or English Standard Version. For new readers, it would be good to read the book of John first, followed by Romans. After that, if the Rapture has not taken place, go back to Matthew and read the 27 New Testament books. Just a chapter or two a day will be valuable “preventive medicine.”
Especially read John 3:16-18; John Chapter 10; Romans 5:8; and Romans 10:9-13. Have faith that God’s word is true, and believe Jesus came to die for your sins as He did mine. For remission of sins, go to 1 John 1:8-10.
A note for new readers to consider: God’s precious love letter to us can become habit-forming. However, it’s a healthy habit with positive eternal results. There are no hidden meanings as it means just what it says.
All the end of this age prophecies have been fulfilled except for the Rapture and everything related to the 7-year tribulation. It’s also called the Wrath, as God will severely discipline this evil earth, and all unrepentant people on it. An obvious question – if someone could avoid this terrible time, why would they not do so? All who call on the name of the Lord now will be saved and spared going through that wrath.
Today would not be too early, as the Savior could call at any minute. Those of us who are saved do not know the day or hour, but it doesn’t cause any worry for us. We know when it happens we will be taking our Heavenly Flight.
Shalom