Friday, April 25, 2014

What Is To Come

Behold, the former things have come to pass. And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 47:9

     As the days of the end draw ever closer, remember since Jesus ascended into heaven almost 2,000 years ago, believers have been preparing and watching for His coming. Each day brings us closer to that truth and as we have seen and heard over these last few days, the signs of the end are increasing and converging in ways we can’t deny.

     As we watch and wait and pray, I believe the Scriptural evidence points to the fact that the church will be raptured (caught up) into the presence of God before the great and final days of tribulation.

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

     We will begin celebrating the marriage supper of the Lamb. Did you know Jesus, the Lamb of God, is called the bridegroom and the church, the bride?

Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, “These are the true Words of God.”  Revelation 19:7-9

     The final days of the earth as we know it will play out. Because of the devastation on the earth the world will be searching for a savior and a man will rise up, in the power of Satan. He is called the antichrist, (1 John 2) the son of perdition, and the lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2) He is the counterfeit Christ.

     He will appear deceptively brilliant and well-spoken. He will bring words of peace to a broken world. (see Daniel and Revelation) There is good news during this time of tribulation where the world bows to this evil and takes his mark. 144,000 Israelites will be sealed by God and witness to His truth and many will come to know Christ. Most will be martyred for their faith. (Revelation 13)

     The final war of the world will bring the final return of Christ, not as the lamb this time but as the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings and His kingdom, the new heaven and the new earth, will last forever.

     Jesus says,

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

     Let this small synopsis of Biblical prophecy whet your appetite for more. God knows the end from the beginning and He tells us to watch the signs and be aware of the times. Our redemption draws near. Jesus loves us. He has and will overcome the evil one and His kingdom will live forever.

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.  Revelation 33:3-5

Dear Jesus,
Heaven will be our destination forever. Every knee will bow to You. Show us how to be Your ambassadors as we await Your final coming. Protect Your believers around the world as they speak of You boldly.
Amen


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