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September 28 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the vice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. Here Paul is describing the so-called rapture, the calling up of Christ’s church. We who believe in Jesus, and have decided to follow Him, will suddenly rise up into the clouds to meet Him. What a glorious moment! There will be no time or desire to look back at the things of this world. Are you ready? I believe this will take place at any time in the near future. All the prophetic signs are there. This view is called by men as the pre-tribulation position. The church will be spared the awful consequences of the great tribulation described in Revelation. We see a pattern for this in the life of Enoch, who was called to heaven prior to the flood. (Genesis 5:24). And Paul explains that these words about the rapture are to comfort us. We have no reason to want to remain on this fallen earth, for all that we posses in Christ has taught us that we belong to Him, and Him alone. It is good that this calling up will occur without our knowing the time. Otherwise we would try to plan for it and ultimately focus on the wrong things. Instead we are to be ready at all times, for we are to be living only for Him. We do best at that when we just allow Him to lead and do the preparing. Thank You Father for the coming of the bridegroom for His church. We look forward to the great celebration. We shall give all praise to You. Amen. |
