Recently, I had lunch with a colleague. Our conversations often drift into theology, doctrine, and even politics – three topics that can stir up quite the discussion. On this particular day, we talked about the current state of the world, how unsettling things have become, and the direction humanity seems to be heading. I mentioned that it seems like we’re primed for the Rapture of the Church, and I added that I, for one, am ready to take that ride up to the clouds.
His response was, well, all too common. He chuckled a little and said, “Even those in Paul’s day thought they would see the Rapture,” followed by, “People have been looking for the Rapture for years, and it hasn’t happened yet.” I’m sure as you’re reading this, you’ve heard those very words or a close variation of them. While I wasn’t surprised by his comment, I was struck by how prophetic it was. His doubt actually aligns with what the Bible says about the last days.
To be completely transparent, I’m surprised the Rapture hasn’t happened yet. But here’s the difference: God isn’t surprised. The Rapture will happen in God’s perfect timing – not mine, not yours, and certainly not the timing of the scoffers. Still, his response got me thinking: What do we have today that those in Paul’s day or in other periods of history didn’t?
Scoffers: A Fulfillment of Prophecy
First, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about scoffers. In 2 Peter 3:3-4, Peter gives a sobering prediction:
“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’”
Peter tells us plainly: scoffers would arise in the last days, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These individuals, whether knowingly or not, fulfill prophecy with their very words. Think about the common phrases we hear today:
- “They’ve been saying Jesus is coming back for 2,000 years.”
- “People thought the world was ending during the World Wars too.”
- “We’re still here, aren’t we?”
These statements may sound like casual banter, but they’re proof that the Bible is true. God, through Peter, told us exactly what would happen…and it’s happening before our eyes.
The Unique Generation
But what sets this generation apart? Why do I believe we’re closer to the Rapture now than ever before?
- Israel is Back in the Land
For nearly 2,000 years, the Jewish people were scattered across the globe. Yet, in 1948, a miraculous event occurred: Israel was reborn as a nation. This fulfilled prophecies in Ezekiel 37, where the dry bones of Israel are brought back to life, and Isaiah 66:8, which asks, “Can a nation be born in a day?” The answer, of course, is yes, Israel’s rebirth was a direct act of God.
For centuries, skeptics argued that the prophecies about Israel couldn’t be literal. They scoffed at the idea of a dispersed people becoming a nation again. But God proved the scoffers wrong. Israel’s existence today is not only a testament to God’s promises but also a major sign that we’re living in the last days.
- The World is Being Preconditioned
When we look at the world today, it seems tailor-made for the events described in Daniel’s 70th Week—the final seven years of human history as we know it.
- Globalism: The push for a one-world government, economy, and religion aligns with the system the Antichrist will establish.
- Technology: Advances in surveillance, artificial intelligence, and digital currencies set the stage for the “mark of the beast” system described in Revelation 13.
- Moral Decay: Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3 that in the last days, people would become “lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy…” It’s hard to argue against the fact that this describes the world we live in today.
We’re watching the infrastructure for the Tribulation being built before our eyes. If the signs of Daniel’s 70th Week are already casting their shadow, how close must we be to the Rapture, which precedes it?
- A Convergence of Signs
Another thing that distinguishes this generation is the convergence of prophetic signs. While believers in the past saw some signs of the end, they never saw them all happening simultaneously. Today, we see:
- Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6)
- Famines and pestilences (Matthew 24:7)
- Earthquakes in various places (Matthew 24:7)
- Persecution of believers (Matthew 24:9)
- Increase in knowledge (Daniel 12:4)
Each of these signs is happening right now, and they’re accelerating. It’s as if the world is groaning, preparing for what comes next.
Why Do Scoffers Scoff?
So why do people scoff at the idea of the Rapture and Christ’s return? The Bible gives us some insight:
- Spiritual Blindness: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” Scoffers reject the truth because they’re spiritually blind.
- Willful Ignorance: Peter says in 2 Peter 3:5 that scoffers “deliberately overlook” the evidence of God’s power, particularly in creation and the Flood (be sure to check out the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter). Many choose to ignore history and prophecy because it’s inconvenient.
- Love for This World: In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns that people will turn away from sound doctrine and embrace what pleases their itching ears. Scoffers are often rooted in this world – they don’t want to believe in Christ’s return because it would disrupt their way of life.
What Should Our Response Be?
As believers, how should we respond to scoffers?
- Stand Firm in Truth: Just because people mock the Rapture doesn’t make it any less true. Jesus promised He would return, and we can trust His Word.
- Be Watchful: In Luke 21:36, Jesus instructs us to “keep on the alert at all times.” Instead of being discouraged by scoffers, let’s allow their words to remind us that God’s Word is true and the time is near.
- Share the Gospel: The Rapture hasn’t happened yet for a reason – God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Let’s use this time to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost.
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt discouraged by scoffers, take heart. Their very words are a fulfillment of prophecy, and they point to the fact that we’re living in the last days. Israel is back in the land, the world is being preconditioned for the Tribulation, and the convergence of signs is undeniable.
The Rapture of the Church is closer than it has ever been. While we don’t know the day or the hour, we can see the season…and we’re in it. So, lift your head, Christian, because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). As for the scoffers? Well, scoffers are gonna scoff. But that doesn’t change the truth: Jesus is coming soon.
Are you ready?