Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Rapture is Near

A mysterious day that millions are waiting for; when Jesus Christ will call His people to be with Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); a day that will be so glorious and wonderful that the mind can't comprehend. This event is so misunderstood in the body of Christ that the church is split over the topic, "RAPTURED". Some believe in it and others don't; some say the word rapture isn't even in the Bible and that's their proof that a rapture of the church doesn't exist. But I want to make it very clear that a rapture of God's people isn't something new; it has happened many times in the Bible already. The Bible explains seven raptures; five of them have already taken place two of them will happen in the near future.

The first rapture was that of Enoch - Genesis 5:22-24, Hebrews 11:5

The second rapture was that of Elijah - 2 Kings 2:11

Moses and Elijah after appearing to the disciples were raptured - Matthew 17: 1-8

Jesus Himself was raptured - Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:9

Paul was caught up to the third heaven - 2 Corinthians 12:2

Then in the near future the church will be raptured - 1 Corinthians 15:51-53

The last rapture will be of the two Prophets in Revelations 11:3-12

So we see that raptures have happened many times in the past and will happen two more time in the future; the second coming of the Lord is expected by millions and first we will see the rapture of the church.

What's the reason for the rapture?

God's desire is to hide us from the judgment that is coming upon the earth (Isaiah 26:20, 21). I don't understand why so many think that God wants to harm His people and not remove them from this coming wickedness that is fast approaching the earth. The Lord tells us that we can escape this time of great judgment and wickedness (Luke 21:36), (Revelations 3:10). Remember we as God's people are not appointed to wrath but to peace and glory (1 Thessalonians 5:11), (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The reason for the message of the rapture is to comfort and let others know there is a way out, a way to escape the coming judgment on the earth (1 Thessalonians 5:11), (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Remember to keep this comfort that the rapture is coming; when you hear of all the darkness in the world and how worst it is getting every day just know there is a time when God will say enough is enough and call His people home. There are a lot of opinions on this subject but stick with the Bible opinions mean nothing when it comes to the word of God. Have this comfort and assurance that one day Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds and the dead in Christ will be raised from the dead then we who are alive will meet Him in the air while He deals with this world (those who hate Him and His people).

God will not destroy the righteous with the wicked (Genesis 18:23-32). Israel was spared from God's wrath upon Egypt under the law, how much greater will we be spared under grace.

Jason Powers Author, Bible Teacher, Jason's heart is to reach out to souls and to encourage others not to give up believing for their miracle. Jason Powers Ministries

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