One. The rapture of the church. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-53. BEHOLD, I SHOW 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 TRUMP FOR THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND AND THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE. AND WE SHALL BE CHANGED. FOR THIS CORRUPTIBLE MUST PUT ON INCORRUPTION.
And this mortal must put on immortality. The concept of the Rapture is both captivating and moving, capturing the minds of believers and even popular culture. The Rapture as described in Christian eschatology. Swift event where all true believers in Christ will be instantaneously taken up to meet him in the air. This event, shrouded in divine mystery, emphasizes not only the urgency of living a life dedicated to God's teachings, but also the unpredictable nature of His divine plan. For no one can predict the Day of the Rapture. No one for knows the date of the Rapture. The rapture is described as to occur in the twinkling of an eye. As mentioned in First Corinthians 15, verse 52. This brief moment, faster than a flash, will irrevocably alter the trajectory of human history. Those who are raptured, having been faithful to the teachings of Christ, will be spared from the tribulations to come for the Book of Revelation and all of its events will be about to unfold on this very world.
This event suddenness can be likened to the unexpected and sudden nature of lightning bright, fast and without warning. One can only begin to fathom the worldwide chaos and disbelief that will ensue. Roads may become filled with abandoned cars as believers are taken. Never for one moment believe that there are no believers on this earth. There are so many true believers in Christ who love the Lord Jesus. They will be raptured if the Rapture were to take place today. God has millions of believers do not believe for a single second that only people who attend your church or look like you are going to be raptured. No, no. No. God is bigger than your church. He is bigger than your geographical area.
Christ died for all mankind. And on the day of the rapture, he will come for his people. Public places such as shopping malls might witness abrupt disappearances, leaving behind dropped bags, unfinished transactions and utter bewilderment. Every sector, from health care to aviation, will experience interruptions and experience the effects of the rapture due to the unexpected absence of key personnel. However, beyond the initial shock and chaos lies the deeper, more poignant aftermath, the emotional and spiritual devastation of those left behind. For parents to wake up and find the rooms of their children empty. For spouses to turn over in bed and find their loved one missing.
The reality will be too grim to grasp. Friends, neighbours, colleagues. The absences will be everywhere, and the holes left behind in the social fabric will be both tangible and gaping. It will be a time of reckoning where those left behind will question their faith choices and the very nature of their existence. The governments and leaders of the world in the wake of such a staggering event will scramble for explanations. Will they turn to scientific anomalies, extraterrestrial theories, or perhaps even acknowledge the divine nature of the occurrence? Theories and speculations will be numerous, each more convoluted than the last. Yet amongst this backdrop of chaos, the true tragedy will be the realization of missed opportunities. Those left behind will have to grapple with the reality that they had the chance to be part of this divine call but missed it. They will be left to navigate a world that has been shaken to its core, devoid of many who once brought light and faith into it, to a false peace. One of the most profound prophecies in the Bible is about the end times and the rise of the Antichrist. The Book of Daniel, especially Daniel nine, verse 27, provides us with a clear insight, and he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering, and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.
This prophecy speaks of a charismatic figure who will rise to power and make a covenant of peace with Israel. This treaty will last for seven years, a period often referred to as the tribulation. But let's understand the gravity of this so-called peace treaty. ISAIAH 28:18, warns, ISAIAH 28:18, AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH SHALL BE ANNULLED AND YOUR AGREEMENT WITH SHEOL SHALL NOT STAND. WHEN THE OVERWHELMING SCOURGE PASSES THROUGH, YOU WILL BE BEATEN DOWN BY IT. What initially appears as peace and safety for Israel will soon turn into a trap. The peace, as prophesied, is illusory. It's a deceptive calm before the storm, a ruse that will lull many into a false sense of security. Half way through this seven year period, this leader, the Antichrist, will show his true colors. He will break the treaty and commit the abomination of desolation. This event is a pivotal moment in eschatological timelines. The Antichrist will desecrate the rebuilt temple by setting up an image of himself and demand global worship. This act is a direct affront to God, a blasphemous declaration of self deification which will only serve to escalate the tribulations of the end times. Three. The rise of the Antichrist and the introduction of his mark. The Antichrist and his reign during the end times.
Scripture foretells a time when the Antichrist will set up his image within the very Temple of God as written in second 2 THESSALONIANS 2:3-4. LET NO ONE DECEIVE YOU IN ANY WAY, FOR THAT DAY WILL NOT COME UNLESS THE REBELLION COMES FIRST AND THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS IS REVEALED, THE SON OF DESTRUCTION WHO OPPOSES AND EXALTS HIMSELF AGAINST EVERY SO-CALLED GOD OR OBJECT OF WORSHIP, SO THAT HE TAKES HIS SEAT IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, PROCLAIMING HIMSELF TO BE GOD.
This act of ultimate blasphemy. Setting up an image of himself in the Holy Temple showcases his audacity and desire to be revered above the most high. Revelation 13 reinforces this.
Offering a vision of a beast from the sea to whom authority is given to exercise dominion over every tribe, people, language and nation. The dragon, which is Satan, gives this beast his power, throne and authority. This beast demands worship, and those who do not bow down to its image will face dire consequences. Furthermore, as the Antichrist solidifies his power, he introduces a system, an infamous mark, ensuring that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark. That is the name of the beast or the number of its name, as seen in Revelation 13, verse 17. This mark symbolizes allegiance and submission to the Antichrist, a clear rejection of the one true God.
It is a decision of eternal significance. To accept this, Mark is to be eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. Beloved, these revelations are not meant to instill fear, but to awaken us to the urgency of our faith and the times we may be approaching as the world leans into technological advancements and global interconnectedness. The foundation for such a system is not so farfetched. Our calling in these times and those to come is to remain rooted in Christ, steadfast in faith and discerning of the times. Our allegiance, Our worship, our very souls belong to the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. In him we find our refuge, strength and eternal hope as we anticipate the return of our Savior. Let us hold firm to His promises, knowing that even in the darkest hours, his light will guide us and his love will never fail. For Armageddon. This final battlefield is not merely a tale of fiction or metaphor, but a very real prophesied event detailed in the Book of Revelation. It is coming. But why does this culmination of forces transpire? Why do nations rally at Armageddon? The nations under the influence of the beast and false prophet are deluded by demonic spirits, uniting them in opposition to God's sovereign authority. Their agenda to wage war against the lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the ultimate expression of humanity's rebellion against its creator.
This gathering embodies the heart of human defiance and the culmination of Satan's age long scheme to challenge the Almighty. However, this grand gathering of armies is not solely the result of human or demonic intent. The Lord himself allows it orchestrating events towards this final confrontation. REVELATION 16:16 , AND HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW TONGUE ARMAGEDDON. This is God's doing. By allowing this gathering, God is setting the stage for His final triumph over evil. Revelation 19 verses 20 to 21 paints a vivid picture of this climactic encounter. Here we see the beast and the false prophet. These two chief antagonists and their fate with all their cunning power and deceit. They are rendered powerless before the king of kings. They who deceive the world, promoting the mark of the beast and the worship of his image are cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. This is divine justice, swift and unrelenting. But what of the mighty armies that gathered to fight against Christ? The imagery is sobering. With mere words. The sword that proceeds out of the mouth of Christ. They are vanquished. It emphasizes Christ's supreme authority and the futile nature of resisting him. He needs no army, no strategy, no weapons. His word alone is sufficient to defeat the amassed rebellious forces. This narrative serves as a potent reminder.
No matter how daunting the enemy seems, no matter the scale of opposition, God's victory is assured. The nations may rally, the earth, may quake, and the powers of darkness may conspire. But our savior, Christ Jesus, remains unchallenged and undefeated. As we reflect on this, let it bolster our faith, reassure our hearts, and remind us always to be on the side of the inevitable. Victor.
Five. The new heaven and new Earth. Scripture paints a vibrant picture of a future that awaits us, a new heaven and new earth. This isn't just a restored earth or a refurbished heaven. It's a complete renewal, a divine recreation, surpassing even the pristine beauty of Eden. Reflect on the moment when God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden during the cool of the day. This was a world untouched by sin, sorrow or death. Yet because of humanity's fall, that intimate communion was broken. Fast forward to the culmination of time. The Book of Revelation heralds an even greater vision. Revelation 21, Verse one declares, And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away. And there was no more sea. What a glorious scene. Imagine an earth so renewed, so transformed that it eclipses even Eden's perfection. This new existence won't merely be a return to the paradisiacal state of the original creation, but an elevation to something even grander.
It's a world where God's glory illuminates every corner, negating the need for sun or moon. The divine radiance of the Almighty will be its light. This means that darkness, both literal and metaphorical, will be non-existent. No more pain. No more tears. No more death. And no more separation from our Creator. No. She will be there. Which in biblical times often symbolized chaos and separation. In this new creation, nothing will separate us from the love of God or from one another. There will be unity, peace and harmony. Streets of pure gold, gates of pearls and walls adorned with precious stones will be our new reality. But perhaps the most profound aspect of this revelation is the intimacy we will once again share with our Creator. Just as God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. So shall we dwell with him continually? The barriers of sin, time and space will be obliterated. Our relationship with the Almighty will be direct, personal and eternal. Brothers and sisters in this world filled with trials, tribulations and temporal sorrows, let us cling to this blessed hope. The new heaven and new Earth aren't mere spiritual concepts, but real tangible destinations for those who trust in Christ. As we journey through our lives, may this vision of eternity guide us, comfort us, and inspire us to live in righteousness and anticipation of that glorious day.
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