I have been hearing a lot of well-meaning watchers proclaim a word regarding those who go in the Rapture and those who don’t. While the biblical view of the Rapture and who goes is limited to true believers in Jesus, putting a man-made restriction on the Rapture registry is just not biblical or okay. One watcher said (paraphrased) ‘the Rapture is not a right, it’s a privilege. If you’re a Christian and you’re not living right in God’s sight, then you’re not going in the Rapture.’ Another watcher(s) said, ‘If you don’t believe in a pre-tribulation Rapture, you’re not going in one.’ While these are strong statements, they are just that, a person’s statement. This rhetoric is a regurgitated doctrine of what we call the ‘partial Rapture’ theory. This theory says that only the ‘spiritual’ Christians will go in the Rapture and the carnal Christians will be left behind. While this theory still rings true for many well-meaning believers, it’s just not true.
If you’re saved, it’s by God’s grace, not your works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) If you’re not saved, but you think that you are saved, that’s an entirely different situation. A woman is either pregnant or not. A person is either dead, or alive. A man is either rich or poor. I am blind or I can see. I am black or I am Hispanic. I am in Italy, or I am in France. The point here is that a person is either saved or not saved. When they die, if they are saved, then they will go to heaven. If they are not saved when they die, then they will go to hell, regardless of what they thought or believed about themselves or about God. Our salvation is a state of being, not an alleged theory.
A carnal Christian is either saved or not saved. A true Christian is saved, and it’s by God’s grace through their faith in Jesus that they are. We are not to be the ones who judge for others; only for ourselves. Ultimately God is our Judge and He will render each according to our deeds in the end. (Romans 2:5-7) God’s Word is our ultimate guide and His truth is what saves us, or convicts us of sin, which should lead us to repentance.
When the trumpet blows later today or tomorrow, (or whenever) if you’re left behind, then it means that you were not saved; that was your ‘state of being,’ unsaved. If you go in the Rapture, then it means that you are saved. This has nothing to do with your works; it’s only by God’s grace that we are counted worthy to escape all those things that are going to happen to this world during the seven-year tribulation. (Luke 21:36)
If a believing Christioan is not sure about the doctrine of a pre-tribulation Rapture, they will figure it out on the way up. If a person believes themselves to be saved, but they are really not saved, they will figure it out when they are left behind. If a person is left behind, but they thought they were a Christian, they should be thankful to God that He gave them another chance to repent and be truly saved; even though it will be under great duress.
It’s clear that we’re not long for this world, but while we’re living in it, we need to do our best to be our best, living for the Lord, and helping others to meet Him also. Our love for the Lord will be reflected in our obedience to Him. (John 14:21,23) As we strive to serve God faithfully, so we also look to the heavens for His soon return. Our salvation is not in question if we are truly saved by God’s grace. We know that we are saved because the Holy Spirit of God will bear witness with our spirit that we are saved. (Romans 8:16)
If you’re reading this and you’re not sure, just ask the Lord to confirm His salvation for you. If you believe in Jesus, repented of your sin, and confessed your trespasses to the Lord, then you are saved by His grace through your faith in Jesus. It’s a simple process that has been provided for all through Christ’ shed blood on a cross for our sin. This will ultimately lead to everlasting life; something that none of us deserves, but who have been made worthy to be Raptured because we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
One last thing, if this is my actual last blog; it’s been nice having you as a reader. Be sure to look me up on the other side and say hello. I long for the kingdom of heaven and the Christ’ whom I love and serve. With that being said, I have to finish a deck that I have been working on for the past few weeks. A deck that I many never finish, but have enjoyed refurbishing. When the trumpet blows, I am going home. You with me?
Maranatha!
Encourage Men 