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The rapture is not a new topic for Christians all over the globe, and a series of preachers have made known the true gospel which should help the believers prepare for the coming of Christ Jesus!
First off, let us see what the term 'rapture' really means. Explaining from the biblical perspective, the rapture can be defined as an occurrence when the long awaited Christ returns to collect the faithful Christians that are still on earth, and resurrect the faithful ones who have died and carry them to be with him in his kingdom.
There have been many illustrations about the rapture amongst which there have been series of misconceptions. Experts have been trying to predict the time when the rapture will most likely happen by observing the prophecy of Christ, and using it to calculate the current times. With much effort being placed to figure out the actual time, it is good to understand that the word of Christ is an important factor which every believer must consider. The Lord Jesus stated clearly that no man knows when the rapture will occur, none of the angels knows the time except God the father. Jesus said, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32).
Subsequently, being that this gospel has been preached for thousands of years, there are people who don't believe that something like the rapture will occur; this belief is common within the infidels and few selected Christian bodies. However, our evidence is in the words of Christ, and there are enough references in the scripture where Christ assured us of the rapture.
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EVIDENCE THAT THE RAPTURE WILL OCCUR!
The evidence as first indicated lies in the word of God. Remember, the word of God is not like that of men; it is a strong vessel which doesn't change. Jesus stated in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” The above verse is the ultimate promise Christ gave to his disciples and all those who will repent and accept him to be their savior.
Next is the illustration given in Matthew 24:30-31, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” This same illustration is given in Mark 13:24-27.
So it's obvious, we are very confident that the rapture will happen. Any Christian who doubts the authenticity of the rapture is not a true believer. We can actually determine the closeness of the coming of Christ if we carefully follow the prophecies of Daniel, John, and Christ the saviour. This article emphasizes more on the prophecies of Jesus and John. Later on, another article will be published in which more insights shall be given out as to what Daniel the prophet saw concerning the end times.
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SIGNS THAT SHOWS THE RAPTURE IS NEAR!
There are several signs believers can use to deduce that the day of the Lord is near. The signs are clearly written in Matthew 24:4-12, there shall be so much godlessness during the period, and many disasters will happen. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, we have learnt that there shall be falling away first, and the man of lawlessness will be revealed. Jesus said, when you see these things happening, you ought to know the time draws nearer. Secondly, the revelation of John illustrates what we can expect in order to know the end is near. The great tribulation is to happen, Satan and his cohorts of darkness shall come and wage war against the saints. We shall be hopeful and prayerful that God in his mercy shorten the time, except the time is shortened, there shall abound a lot of agony, pains, torment, and no one can survive it (Matthew 24:22). The mark of the beast shall be mandated upon all people, this won't be in number physically, but would most likely be a symbol, tattoo etc.
Take note that, the world leaders at that time will try to convince the whole world presenting the betterments it would bring to the people. More precisely, this kind of system falls deep in the microchip implant which was invented some years ago. That implant gives you so much security benefits though, but who else sees deep to what lies beneath it? Christians must be very careful indeed, for Satan and his cohorts always come in deceitful forms.
After the great tribulation which will take several years, Jesus will come to the aid of the believers, for the time shall be shortened; all those that will maintain their faith till the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13). It isn't new that a lot of Christians are expecting the rapture before the tribulation; however, this is not what the prophecy stipulates. The purpose of the tribulation is for the saints to be tried, persecuted, and the church blasphemed (Revelation 13:1-18). If the rapture happens before the tribulation, which saints would then be tormented by Satan? Or are there any indications that the rapture will occur twice? Jesus promised just one rapture. A more tangible evidence is found in Mark 13:24, after the tribulation is when the rapture is destined to occur. Let those with ears hear what the spirit says.
After the one and only rapture, God's judgment and wrath shall befall the earth. All those who have neglected the true gospel of Christ shall be doomed. The same measure will fall on those who will accept the mark of the beast, and there will be no second chance for repentance. Beloved brethren, as you hear the word of God, do not turn thy ears off it. Accept Jesus totally into your life and secure your salvation. You will also be saving more souls if you share this message to reach others. May the peace of God be with you all.
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Bible verses and images from: www.biblehub.com and www.google.com
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Much love @gloriousgirl