ARE YOU READY FOR THE IMMINENT GATHERING? (PART 3)
"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Today, I want to take some time to dwell on the matter of the suddenness of the rapture. I've decided to do this because of its immense importance to us, in order that we do not fall victims of ignorance; for God says:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:" (Hos 4:6; see also Isa 5:13; Jn 8:32). As God's Children, we possess knowledge; unlike those outside the Church, who are much more likely to be tripped because of ignorance. Indeed, the Child of God has no valid reason to fail to be raptured.
It's an event that will happen "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Thess 4:16). The imminent nature of the second coming of the Lord Jesus, otherwise and variously referred to constitute part of the events that make up the Day of the Lord is very aptly described in the following Scriptures:
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." - 1 Thess 5:1-3 (KJV).
That being so, let's have a closer look at certain things of interest contained in these verses. First, we note that the second coming of the Lord is destined for "times and the seasons" about which as Children of God, the Apostle said that he had no need that he wrote unto us. "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." (1 Thess 5:1-2). There are two main reasons why the Apostle considered that he needed not write to the Church about the matter of "times and seasons" as they relate to His second coming.
(1) There are certain things that God has placed in His power (Acts 1:7) and the rapture or the Day of the Lord is one of such things (Matt 24:36)
(2) The Lord Jesus, nevertheless has given His Church clues to keep her prepared for the event, in order that we are not overtaken by it.
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." - Matt 24:42- 44 (KJV). For the lack of space, see also Luke 17:24-37.
In the same vein, the Apostles have in various places re echoed the Lord's warning and admonition to His Church concerning His second coming:
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night" - 2 Peter 3:10. The same sentiment is expressed in 1 Thess 5:2.
The Bible further says that we are adequately informed and not in darkness, that that day should overtake us as a thief. Being children of light therefore, we shouldn't sleep, as do others; but that we should watch and be sober; especially because God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, so that, whether we are alive or dead at His coming, we should live together with him (1 Thess 5:4-10).
The heart cry of Jesus regarding the Church has been thus stated:
"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me:" - John 17:24 (KJV)
Dearly beloved, this calls for soberness, diligence and vigilance on our part so that this desire of the Lord will be fulfilled in our lives. Amen.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank You for informing me adequately about the rapture. As a child of light, I live my life daily to please the Father Who has not appointed me to wrath, but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son