On our calendars here at the house and on your calendars also are listed specific dates: birthdays, anniversaries, doctor appointments, holidays, etc., but there is coming a date on all calendars that will change the world forever as we know it—the Rapture.

In our minds we remember family birthdates and the date a loved one died, also dates we graduated from school and got married. Oh so many dates to remember. I know that we who are citizens of the United States of America remember most of the important dates associated with our country. Most of us had them pounded in our heads as students.

We can’t know the exact date, but the date the Son of God hung on a cross, died, was buried and rose again has touched the world like no date before or after. The date the King of kings and Lord of lords returns will have no equal, and this is another date we cannot pinpoint at this time. Yet, there is a third date that falls between the cross and the return of Jesus Christ at the end of the seven year period commonly known as the Tribulation. This date is known as the Rapture.

I like to call these special dates the three R’s. Schools used to concentrate on the three R’s which were reading, writing and arithmetic. The three R’s I am referring to though are redemption, removal and return.

R – Jesus redeems us at the cross

R – Jesus removes His bride from harm’s way at the Rapture

R – Jesus returns as King of kings and Lord of lords after the Tribulation

It is said that Jesus died on the cross on April 3^rd, 33 AD. Maybe that date is correct, maybe not, but I’m sure it is at least close.

We do not know the dates for the Rapture and Jesus’ return at His second coming after the Tribulation. We know they are close at hand, but we have no date supplied to us. We do know that when the Tribulation begins Jesus will return seven years later, but we have no such information for the Rapture. There are no signs for the Rapture. We are only told to watch for the signs and we will know He is at the door, but if there are no signs for the Rapture, what is He talking about?

We are already seeing a tremendous number of signs beginning to form that relate to the Tribulation which follows the Rapture. Therefore, even though there are no signs for the Rapture, there are many signs for the Tribulation which follows it. That being the case, the Rapture is really getting close since it precedes the event (Tribulation) that has the signs we are now seeing. How close? Sorry, but I don’t know. That information is above my pay grade.

One day soon there will be a loud shout from Heaven to the Church (the bride of Christ), a call like the sound of a trumpet, to come forth and meet our Lord in the air. This date will definitely be marked on the calendars of all those who are left behind to journey through the following seven year Tribulation. The removal of the Church from this earth will certainly be a time to remember, for all who leave and all who remain. This will be a day that will shake the earth with mass confusion and hysteria.

Over half of the world’s population of those who remain after the Rapture will die. The world’s population at present is estimated to be 7.6 billion. It is estimated that of this 7.6 billion, 2.2 billion are Christians. Which means almost 29% of the world population would leave in the Rapture. However, I think that percentage is too high. I feel it is probably more akin to 10%. Either way, after the Church is gone, roughly 3.4 billion people will not survive the Tribulation.

It is taught that the Rapture is not a “starter” to the Tribulation, but I think it is in one respect. Let me explain with an example.

The horses are all lined up at the Kentucky Derby, and the starter gates are about to fling open. These beautiful muscled horses will thunder from the gates and race down the field to the finish line. But wait! There is a little kitten on the track just a few feet in front of the starting gates. If the horses are released now, there will be nothing left of the little kitten but a smear on the turf. Suddenly, it is snatched straight up in the air and saved from the thundering hooves of the race horses.

This is what I mean when I say the Rapture is a “starter” to the Tribulation. The Tribulation (the race in my example) cannot begin until the bride (the kitten) is removed from danger. The Lord will not allow His bride to be trampled by His own judgments upon fallen mankind. The Tribulation cannot begin until the Rapture first occurs. This is what Paul was telling the Thessalonians.

The Rapture; what will that day be like? For those who are part of the bride of Christ, the excitement and joy will be off the charts. There will be no way to equate the overwhelming happiness of the Church on that special date.

But what will be the initial reactions of those who are left behind? Of those left behind there will be many reactions, depending on the person.

• Some may have heard about the Rapture, but previously laughed it off.
• Some may be shocked to discover they are left behind.
• Some may consider UFOs and little green men.
• Some may not really care.

I would like to consider the first two groups; those who may have heard of the Rapture and those who may be shocked to discover they are left behind. In my opinion, the reaction will be closely the same for both groups. Unfortunately, the more they remember of what they heard about the Rapture and especially the following Tribulation, the more intensified will be their fear.

Aside from the shock and terror of losing loved ones who have disappeared, a fear of what has actually happened sets in. These two groups have possibility heard enough about the Rapture and that dreaded event that follows it, to cause a sickening overwhelming nausea. It will be a gut-wrenching reality because they know what lies ahead. These dear folks are overcome with remorse, asking themselves over and over, “Why did I not call upon Jesus to save me?” “Why did I not make sure about my spiritual life?” “Why did I not listen?”

While the devil’s crowd celebrates that those goodie, goodie Christians are gone, those who straddled the fence and waited too long are sick with grief and fear.

The Rapture date could be May 2, 2018 (today). It could be June 12, 2018. It could be September 27, 2020. It could be any date on the calendar. Only God knows what that date will be, but hopefully on this date (the date you read this) you will be born again and become a child of God.

Jesus said, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) If you want to be saved, then that means God is calling you. Go to Him now and put your faith in Jesus. If you do, He will save you by His grace. If you do, you will leave for Heaven, whether by the portal of death or the Rapture, and experience joy unspeakable instead of a fear beyond belief.

Most people are taking this event much too lightly. Those who speak of the Rapture are called escapists, quacks and religious nuts. Unfortunately, many of those left behind will be praying out to God, wishing they had listened when they had the chance.

Folks, I don’t know when God will write this date upon the calendar, but when He does He will not come as the little baby in the manger, or the blood-soaked lamb upon the cross. He will come as Almighty God, snatch His bride from danger and then release His judgment upon this fallen world. Those seven years to follow the Rapture, and especially the last 3 ½ years, will be so unspeakable that, but for the grace of God, there would be no survivors.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22)

Add a new date to your calendar now, today’s date, the date you became a child of God.

Grant Phillips

Email: grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html

 

One of Satan’s greatest weapons against a child of God is to inflict them with doubt. Sometimes we are either ashamed or afraid to admit that we have doubts, but we all have them. (Some will say they never have any doubts, but I find that hard to believe. We are all human.)

In the old werewolf movies only a silver bullet could kill the werewolf. Of course we are not werewolves, so this is just a way of saying that Satan wants to harm us as lethally as possible. I suppose I could just have easily said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).

In my opinion the greatest doubt Satan inflicts upon a Christian is shown in that piercing question we ask our self, “Am I really going to Heaven when I die?” Of course today, we seem to be so close to the Rapture, the question may be, “Will I really go in the Rapture or be left behind?”

Satan loves causing us to doubt our salvation. He loves nothing more than to cast doubt upon those who are of God. He has done this from the very beginning. “Yea, hath God said?” is the very first question he asked Eve. The silver bullet of doubt left the chamber, raced down the barrel and found its target in Eve. He has been hitting bulls eyes with that silver bullet ever since. That’s all it took in the Garden of Eden, that little bit of doubt and the whole world is in a tizzy.

Since he already has mankind in the death throes of sin, what is his point today? I personally think he likes to watch us squirm while he keeps us confused and unproductive. What about this thing called “death” though? Can a Christian have peace in this area without constantly being bombarded by Satan with doubts?

I have heard a few Christians say on occasion that they have never doubted their salvation since the day they were saved. If that is true, and I’m sure it is for some, then I’m happy for them. However, that isn’t true of every Christian. Many have endured those doubts. You know how it goes in Christian growth … one step forward and two steps back … then two steps forward and one step back … until finally the backward steps become fewer and fewer. Satan is always trying to hinder any growth in the Christian life.

In my experience of those I have known personally, many good Christians did not want to admit their doubts and shortcomings, but folks we are ALL saved by GRACE and not one of us is worthy of that salvation FREELY GIVEN to us that cost our Lord Jesus so much. We are going to fall at times, but Jesus will always be there to pick us up.

Often times (especially as a young Christian) when I would sin Satan would immediately attempt to cause me to doubt my salvation, and there I would be, back on that stomach churning roller coaster of doubt. Then one day I was reminded of two things, both with the same conclusion.

1. When I was in college a professor was questioning the authenticity of certain areas in the Bible. As an impressionable young man that hit me hard, especially knowing the professor was a pastor. Within a matter of days, I said to myself, “This is enough. Either the entire Bible is true, or none of it is true.” After that, it didn’t matter what man said, but it did matter what the Bible said.
2. Several years ago, I was reading Romans and came upon chapter 3, verse 4. One section in that verse reminded me where I needed to be spiritually, “… let God be true, but every man a liar…” It took me right back to my college class experience.

Now, the conclusion that was reinforced in me from these incidents is this: God cannot lie. He always tells the truth. I know what the Bible says about salvation and His keeping power. I know I am a sinner and will always be a sinner upon this earth. I know I was saved by His grace and not by my works. As His child I will try my best not to let Him down, but I know I will sin and He knows that, but when I do, I can ask His forgiveness and our fellowship will be restored (1 John 1:9).

The most important thought I can get across is our salvation and home in Heaven does not depend on us. It depends on whether or not God will keep His word, and we already know … He said He would, and He does not lie.

Doubt weakens our faith. On the other hand, exercising the faith He gives us weakens any doubt.

Doubt steals the joy from our life, but faith increases joy.

Doubt will stunt our spiritual growth. Faith will enrich it.

Doubt will steal our assurance, but allowing our faith to blossom will make us spiritually strong.

Following are a few verses we can all find strength in. Let your faith grow in the Lord and experience the freedom of mind that God provides.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed [discouraged].” (Deuteronomy 31:8, bracketed definition mine)

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalms 116:15)

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [deceit, trickery] of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, bracketed definition mine)

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)

The account is given in Genesis 15:7-21 of a promise God made to Abraham (Abram at that time). Please read this account and then return to finish this article.

During that time the method God chose was practiced among men to solidify a vow (an oath, a promise). This oath was different though. The custom was that both parties would walk between the carcasses, but in this case God put Abram to sleep while He walked between the carcasses alone.

This is to show that the promise being kept did not depend upon the ability or failure of Abram. It depended solely upon God. God keeps His promises whether we keep ours or not. None of the promises God has given us depend upon our abilities. God’s word of guarantee depends upon who and what He is, not who and what we are.

He promises salvation. He promises to save. He promises to keep.

If we are His child, He promises we will live with Him forever. He has given His word and His word is solid.

Satan desires more than anything to sprinkle doubt here and there in our lives. Don’t give him the satisfaction. Allow the Lord to run him off with his tail between his legs (so to speak) by trusting God. God has given us promises. He guarantees the promises. They are always there for us to claim. We should let our faith develop muscle, and we do that by using the faith He has provided each of us. When we don’t use it our faith gets flabby, just like a muscle when it is not being used, and along come those doubts.

What amount of certainty can a Christian have of Heaven after death? What if he/she is living when the Rapture occurs? What certainty does he/she have that they will meet Jesus in the air and go on to Heaven?  Is 100% certainty enough? We can be just as certain of being in Heaven as if we are already there.

Grant Phillips

Email: grantphillips@windstream.net

Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com

Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html