The Rapture: A Threat or a Blessing?
In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul further explained this concept when he wrote: " For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13). The rapture is a source of blessed hope for believers as they anticipate the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.
In his writing, Peter also emphasizes that the impending arrival of the Lord should not instill fear in believers, but rather serve as a source of comfort and hope. He points out that those who dismiss or mock the notion of the Lord's return are doing so because they are prioritizing their own worldly desires. "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, 'Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.'" (2 Peter 3:3-4). Are you such a person?
The rapture is a joyful event that marks the welcoming of the bride--the believer--by the groom--Christ--for their wedding. Now is a time when the bride should be eagerly anticipating the arrival of her beloved groom. If someone is afraid of the Rapture or discussions about it, it's probably because they're not a part of the the bride. They may think that they're being threatened because after the marriage, the great tribulation will commence. This period is described in Revelation 6:15-17 as a time when "the kings of the earth, the rulers, the mighty men, the rich, the soldiers, and the slaves and free men" will all hide in caves and among rocks in the mountains, crying out to those rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who can stand?'"
Why does the Lamb become angry? The reason is because people do not accept Jesus Christ, who is called the Lamb, as their bride. However, this event is not intended to instill fear; rather, it serves as a reminder of the significance of being part of the bride.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians in this way: "I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Therefore, I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to Christ, but I fear that your hearts are not fully prepared for Him." (2 Corinthians 11:2). Paul is the one who arranged for the Corinthians to marry Christ. This arrangement can only succeed if they accept it. The Corinthians did agree to be united with Christ. As the matchmaker, Paul was worried that the Corinthians might betray their commitment in this marriage. That's why he used the phrase "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy."
Today, pastors, evangelists, and those who go out sharing the Gospel, introducing people to Christ, also serve as matchmakers. They make proposals on behalf of Jesus for individuals to marry Him. Those who accept His offer will soon be welcomed by Christ into heaven. They can look forward to the rapture as a blessed hope. However, those who do not accept Christ or refuse to enter union with Him will face the fiery wrath of Christ during the great tribulation. This is why they are afraid.
The reason some people don't want to accept Christ is that they love this world. John wrote: " Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." (1 John 2:15-16). Individuals who love the world can be considered lovers of the devil, as this world belongs to him. This is why James firmly states in his writing, "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4).
Individuals who love the world resemble adulterers who fear their spouse might discover their secret. Jesus Himself emphasized this when He said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24). Loving the world translates to not loving God, making those who love the world unfaithful adulterers.
It is vital that we do not become such individuals. As adulterers, repentance and confession of sins before the Lord are necessary steps. John affirms this in his writing, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).
The Lord Jesus Himself stated, "No one who comes to Me will I ever cast out." (John 6:37). Now is the time to quickly accept the Lord Jesus while there is still a little time left. He says, "I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20). The Lord Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart; open that door and let Him in.
To do so, you can make this heartfelt prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I have opened the door of my heart. Enter according to Your promise. Rule over my life. Reveal Your will to me. Amen."
If you genuinely call upon Him with a sincere heart, He will enter your heart and be with you forever.
