The Rapture - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

The Rapture

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. When we say this, we base it on the Lord’s own word: we who remain alive when the Lord comes will certainly not take precedence over those who have died.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a rousing cry, with a call from one of the ruling angels, and with God’s shofar; those who died united with the Messiah will be the first to rise; then we who are left still alive will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Complete Jewish Bible)

Being caught up along with many to meet our Lord in the air will happen. Christians know it as the rapture, though that word is not found in the Bible. Scripture does declare, plain and simple, that the Lord Jesus (Yeshua) will come back, at the sound of the shofar (trumpet) to have His own meet Him in the air. We are to encourage one another with these hopeful and sound words, as the Apostle Paul states in his message to the Thessalonians. Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so, as they had become fearful of being left behind. Thus we can count on it happening. But when on the prophetic timeline will it happen? That has become a big question.

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul writes to the believers at Corinth this message, that also sheds more light on this glorious event. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?"

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58 NKJV)

The question remains then about the timing. For it is not IF the rapture happens, of being caught up, but WHEN will it happen? When will it come, and the Lord's glorious return?

This has been a hot topic in the Church for the last two centuries, as theologians began connecting it to the Tribulation time period, those seven years when the Lord’s wrath is to be righteously poured out upon the evil people of earth. But is it to be connected to the Tribulation? The early church fathers didn’t necessarily put the two together, though Paul says it will occur at the last trumpet. The apostle John speaks of the trumpets, once you get to Revelation Chapter 11. So, there remains some uncertainty even amongst the brethren.

I have heard the arguments for a pre-Trib, a mid-Trib, a post-Trib, and now even a partial-Trib. Whichever stance you take, it does determine now how you are living your life. To me, that is what should be our main concern - not just the timing of this coming supernatural event.

Those who are believing that there will be a “pre-Trib rapture” tend to watch current news, declare that the nations are going to hell; that they deserve any and all judgments coming upon them, so bring it on. They themselves believe that they will be taken out of here prior to these disastrous events, and thus will avoid all that. So they sit back and do nothing. Carry on with life as is.

What does that position and attitude say then about the Lord’s commandment to occupy where we live, while also taking the Gospel to our nation and the other nations? What about being actively involved in His kingdom’s business? In my spiritual world, that “pre-trib” position doesn’t line up with the Lord’s heart revealed in a vast majority of Scripture.

If another position is taken, (of when the rapture’s moment in time comes) it does affect how you view people’s lives, and whether you will take an offensive or defensive posture in your daily faith walk. I find that those who understand what the Lord’s beating heart is, to save as many as possible, do act with mission and purpose, preparing themselves and others to be “rescue boats”, rather than just putting on the life vest and waiting to jump (up, in this case.)

For me, I’d rather have my spirit, soul and body prepared for the more likely plan - of the Lord’s purpose to have a Holy Spirit empowered Body of Christ on the earth, during these current tribulations that many even now are already going through, and also being on board to serve in Holy Spirit fired love during the great Tribulation. I can wrap my brain around that one, and live my life in such a way that I am pushing forward, and not sitting around.

What you believe now will determine how you act now, and in the days to come. I would encourage you to act in faith at all times, anticipating that we will be here as the Lord’s light, shining through our hands and feet during the darkest times. We will be actively participating in  His assigned work that will be given to each of us.

And, if we are martyred along the way, which I fully expect to happen in my life, we will instantly be with Him in heaven. It’s a win, win situation.

This is our glorious hope - having His love in our lives, which has saved us for eternity with Him, and sharing that love, along with all fellow believers, on earth as it is in heaven.

RISE UP O men and women of the Almighty, Living God of Israel! He is coming back, as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, for a prepared and alive Bride -  not for some cowardly, unbelieving  christians cowering in a corner, getting ready to abandon ship!

Maranatha Lord Jesus! Come on!

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

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Now Think On This #199 “The Rapture” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.30.15) Friday at 7:10 am in Charlotte, NC

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve