Things Future

Paul expresses to young Timothy, “that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1, “perilous” implying “demonically fierce”). In verses 2 through 9 he describes a complete societal breakdown of morals, laws and absolutes. The characteristic of the world that surrounds the Church does not reflect a betterment of civilization, but rather the opposite (Luke 17:26-30; 18:8). In fact, we must remember the “world” doesn’t want the Church here, and the propensity of fallen man is to do the opposite of what God teaches and mirror disobedience rather than obedience (John 15:18-20; Ephesians 2:2,3). The Christian’s hope does not rest in the political endeavor for global uniformity and peace. Rather, the Christian rests in “that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). We understand “that day shall not come, except there be a falling away first” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

The actual time of the Lord’s literal return on the earth, which is called the “Second Advent,” will happen at the end of the seven-year Tribulation Period. The “Rapture” (from the Latin “rapio” meaning “caught up”) will happen seven years before the Second Advent and can unfold at anytime. This is the mysterious and miraculous catching away or disappearance of believers in Christ, those in the grave and those alive on earth, as they meet the Lord in the air (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 4:1).

In fact, no one knows the day or the hour the rapture will take place (Matthew 24:36; 25:13; Mark 13:32,33; Luke 12:35-40; Acts 1:7).There are no signs regarding the Rapture of the Church. The Rapture is imminent (Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:14; James 5:8). Signs are indicators for Israel during the Tribulation or “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” attesting that their “redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28; Joel 2:1,2,11; 3:11-16; Matthew 24; Daniel 9:27; Revelation 4-19). The so-called signs, shadows and thundering we see today on the horizon are very real, but are pointing toward Tribulationevents and ultimately the Second Advent…not the Rapture.

In this day, where many false teachers, sensationalists, and “feel good” ministries exist, we must remain faithful to the text of Scripture “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lust shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4).

For a clear understanding of “Things Future” here is a brief synopsis (not all inclusive) of events yet to unfold:

1. RAPTURE (John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 4:1)

This event is imminent. There are no signs preceding the Rapture and it will happen seven years before the Second Advent. Immediately after the Rapture, the “Judgment Seat of Christ” takes place (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is a judgment for believers (those who are saved) in order to determine eternal rewards, or lack of rewards, based upon obedience.

2. TRIBULATION PERIOD or “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” (Isaiah 26:20; Daniel 9:26,27; 12:1; Matthew 24; Luke 21:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8; Revelation 4 -19)

The Tribulation lasts for seven years and will take place after the Rapture of the Church. The Antichrist will come on the scene and create a treaty of peace in the Middle East that affects the world for three and one half years. During the second half of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will show his “true colors” as Satan incarnate, on the Earth and break the treaty, and declare himself Messiah.

Jesus said this would be a time of “great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). God’s wrath will be poured out upon the earth during this time. The Battle of Gog and Magog will culminate during the middle part of the Tribulation (Ezekiel 38,39). Then, the Battle of Armageddon will mark the beginning of the end of the Tribulation (Zechariah 14:1-3; Revelation 16:13-16; 19:11-21). Also, “Commercial” and “Religious” Babylon will be destroyed probably towards the end of the Tribulation (Jeremiah 50,51; Isaiah 13,14; Revelation 17,18).

3. SECOND ADVENT (Zechariah 14:4,5; Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 19:11-21)

This is when the Lord literally comes to earth. He defeats the armies of the Antichrist on the plain of Megiddo. He casts Satan into the “Bottomless Pit” for one thousand years and Jesus the Messiah will rule the earth from the Throne of David in the golden eternal city of Jerusalem. The curse will be removed from the earth and those who believed in Messiah will begin to reign with Him, for He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Isaiah 11:1-10; Daniel 2:44; Luke 19:11-27; Romans 8:18-23; Revelation 20:1-6).At this time the nation Israel will come to know that Jesus is indeed the Messiah and believe on Him. What a glorious day that will be! Until this event takes place there will be a “remnant” of God’s ancient people that will come to believe in Jesus as Messiah (Romans 11:5; Isaiah 11:10-12:6; Jeremiah 30:7-11; Ezekiel 20:33-38; Zechariah 12:8-10; 13:6; 14:16-21; Romans 11:25-29).Also, the “Sheep-Goat Judgment” will take place during this time (Matthew 25:31-46), meaning, the Gentile nations will be judged based on their treatment of the Jews during the Tribulation.

4. SATAN’S FINAL REVOLT - (Revelation 20:7-15)

Satan will be released after the thousand years and he will try one more time to overthrow God. He will not succeed. He will be cast into the “Lake of Fire” for eternity.

5. GREAT WHITE THRONE - (Revelation 20:11-15)

This is the final judgment for those who have rejected God’s message of redeeming grace through Messiah Jesus, our Lord. At this time the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3).

6. NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH, NEW JERUSALEM – (2 Peter 3:7-13; Revelation 21,22)

God shall wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, pain, sorrow or crying. God will make all things new. Then, we will enter the eternal state abiding with God (Ephesians 2:7; 2Peter 1:11; Revelation 11:15).

This is our hope! This is our assurance!

So, in the final analysis, we are not looking for signs. We are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Messiah Jesus. We are to bring people to a saving knowledge of the Lord. We are to live godly in an ungodly world and be faithful until our Lord returns. We are to comfort one another with this blessed hope (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 2 Peter 3:11,14; Titus 2:12,13; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:18).