Covid-19 has led to talk of conspiracies and world government and advanced technology leading to the ‘mark of the beast.’
Even in Christian circles, there is fear. So let’s re-read prophecy and Jesus’ words of hope! In his parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus strongly implies that the so-called ‘age of grace’ or ‘Church age’ will end: “… the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). What then?
The short time epoch (seven prophetic years) during which God judges the earth
The pre-tribulation view of prophecy fits well with today’s scenario. This view takes Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:24-27) as still future and provides the short time epoch (seven prophetic years) during which God judges the earth. Some maintain that Christians then come under intense pressure and many are martyred. But does this include the true Church? Maybe not.
Why does the Church ignore the very clear teaching Jesus gave on the mysterious removal of believers before the traumas of week 70
Why does the Church ignore the very clear teaching Jesus gave on the mysterious removal of believers before the traumas of week 70 (see Matthew 24:36-44, Luke 17:26-37)? The Philadelphia-type church that Jesus loves appears to be “kept from the world’s hour of trial” (Revelation 3:10).
Paul sees this mystery as “instantaneous immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:50-54) as true believers are caught up to meet with Christ in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). It seems that whilst the godless suffer God’s wrath, those caught up (the bride of Christ) enjoy a wedding feast (Matthew 24:10), prior to their return to earth with him.
Doesn’t this view give us hope and an urgency to reach out to the unsaved before the door shuts? More at https://seekingtruth.co.uk/what-is-the-rapture-in-the-bible/
Dr Graham Wade
Yealmpton, Devon
(Views on the ‘pre-’ or ‘post-tribulation’ ‘rapture of the saints’ vary and it is hoped to have articles explaining both views in a future issue – Editor)