All true believers of our Savior Jesus have one thing in common; we are ready to leave this sin-filled, evil planet and begin our eternity with Him. Unfortunately, there are more people who reject the Savior than those who are believers, and they are caught up with the so-called “pleasures and treasures” of this earth. Whether they realize it or not, they are committing themselves to spending eternity separated from Him in total misery. (all emphasis mine)
One word used by believers is “Maranatha,” which is translated as “Come, Lord Jesus.” There are two Bible verses with this message in them, 1 Corinthians 16:22 and Revelation 22:20. The first; “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, Come!” and then; “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (ESV)
Most prophecy experts and even novices such as myself believe that day is soon to be upon us. There have been movies and books about the event known as the “Harpazo,” which translates as “caught up” or “caught away.” It is also commonly known as the “Rapture,” or the carrying away of the church from earth to Heaven. The Bible tells of this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.
Before going further, Jesus will not be coming to call up any particular organized evangelical group, nor will it only be for those who attend services in any particular building. Jesus’ “church” is made up of people who serve God, and they will be found inside and outside formal churches. There are those who will receive and accept the gift Jesus provided that will never have been inside a formal church service, yet they will spend eternity with Him.
Matthew 16:15-18; “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”
The “rock” was Peter’s confession that Jesus was the “Christ,” meaning one who is anointed or the Messiah. All who are to become a part of Jesus’ flock (John 10) must believe Jesus is our Savior and must accept the free gift that was given at Calvary. The only “ritual” is to confess we are all sinners and know that only Jesus can give forgiveness for our sins. Finally, we must call out to Him to be our Savior. As you will see, these fit the ABCs of Salvation.
There are religions that state you must pass certain rituals, recite scripted lines, and provide some form of funding to become a member. This is why Jesus says the way is “hard” that leads to Salvation. It’s difficult for some to believe that it is actually child-like simple to be one of His flock.
Ephesians 2:8-9; “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
In 1 John chapters 2-5, we’re told about false prophets and antichrists being among us. They were here even in the very first century of this age. Jesus Himself stated that near the end of this age, they would increase in numbers and activity (Matthew 24:5; 11-12 and also Luke 21). This is taking place today in this world, for those who know to look for it.
Isaiah 5:20 has even entered some previously Bible-based churches. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.”
Messages are being given to provide the members a “feel-good” attitude, and sin is conveniently being left out. In fact, what God called abominations are now said to have “evolved” into accepted actions. Whatever relationships between two or more people, with age not being a barrier, are somehow no longer sinful in the eyes of these groups. After all, they believe the Bible is nothing but ancient writings over 2,000 years old, and the old “myths” couldn’t possibly be applied to today’s world.
The turning away from anything to do with Jesus is obvious, especially among the younger generations. Even the people in our government, who are supposed to be there for our best interests, are now steadily moving toward the new world order and the one-world government. The day is almost here when the ultimate antichrist and false prophet will appear on the scene.
When Jesus said, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” the church today, His true flock, will not go through the 7-year wrath/tribulation. God promised this in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 and Revelation 3:10.
As Joshua stated in Joshua 24:15, he and his house would serve the Lord. I firmly state here that in our house, we trust the Lord completely, that His promises are true, and because we have received and accepted His Son, we will not be here for the worst 7-year period of time this world has ever experienced.
All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of the Lord (Romans 3:23). The penalty for our sins is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through His Son Jesus (Romans 6:23). I mentioned the ABCs of Salvation. Please go to Romans 10:9-13. Then John 3:18 and 1 John 5:12. Follow this with John 14:6 and Acts 4:12, and finally, Romans 8:1. The last verse is God’s absolute covenant with all believers because “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
A – admit you are a sinner as we all are (Romans 3:23).
B – believe Jesus died for all our sins, and God raised Him from the grave to conquer sin and death. Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6).
C – Call on the name of the Lord, and you will be saved (Romans 10:13).
Do not complicate what God has provided for us. No one will be turned away, if they will truly call out to His Son to be their Savior.
All who refuse to receive and accept the Gift given by Jesus, paid for with His precious sinless blood, will be at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15.
All world events today are right on target to enter the Tribulation. You can guarantee that you will not be here for that terrible time by becoming a member of Jesus’ flock. Today would not be too early to call on Him, for the “call” for us to rise up to meet Him in the air could be at any moment now. Once you have called out and received and accepted His forgiveness, you too will be saying:
Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!