I was overjoyed to meet a friend for coffee the other day. She does not live in Minnesota anymore, so we see each other rarely.
Both of us have had extremely similar life experiences, so it’s especially sweet to share our like-mindedness, our reactions, our ongoing challenges. We get each other.
We both love prophecy, and agree on our theology, so that is a joy.
We chatted about the things happening in the world. As we see more and more “signs of the times” we are filled with hope.
The Bible prophecies fearful things about the last days. Scary stuff. Anyone who reads the passages referring to “last days” should rightly blanch at the events predicted.
Preterists think everything has already happened. It’s the reigning theology these days. Personally, I have never seen a description of the sky rolling back like a scroll in some testimony. I believe that is still something to come.
“Things to Come,” is a book I recommend. It’s written by D. Pentecost. (What a great name!) It speaks of things that are still to come in the prophetic timeline. He wrote it decades ago, so some things have indeed “come.”
Because of that FACT, I believe we are truly about to embark on the seven year tribulation, and before that, believers are swept away.
As things manifest on Biblical proportions I had envisioned anxiety and fear being a part of our response. In fact, I am seeing the exact opposite! Those of us who believe in the Scriptures, who have put our faith in Christ, who are aware of the prophetic timeline, are filled with hope and joy!
Jesus is coming soon! We are NOT appointed to wrath!
I have been increasingly persecuted for stating my beliefs, and I imagine the levels of persecution against Christians around the world are rising (if my own experience is any measure). That is all in the predictions. It’s expected.
The Great Tribulation does not involve the “Church,” or bride of Christ. That dispensation will come to an end with the Rapture, the Harpazo, the catching away.
But there will be so many left on earth who will be filled with regret, who will be subject to the beast system.
Recently I had to explain this term to someone. I was rather surprised that it isn’t a more well-known term to those who (supposedly) read Scripture.
The book of Revelation describes a person called the “Anti-Christ.” There are other figures that aid this leader, who sets himself up as a savior of the world. “The Beast” is one of them. In chapter 13 there is a description of an economic system that requires a “mark” to buy or sell. Economics. The Bible actually describes the mark as the number “666.”
This buying/selling system is overseen by this beast figure, hence we prophecy people call it the “beast system.” No, that is not a Biblical term. It’s extra-Biblical. It’s simply a descriptive term.
It could also be referred to as the “globalist system” as it will be global. Everyone is under it. The Bible says that anyone who bucks the system will be beheaded.
Gruesome. Maybe that is why so many don’t read about it. It is frightening, for those who will have to face these circumstances.
Nazi Germany was a bit of a taste of what is coming. The Bible describes something far worse than what happened under Hitler. Annihilation if one doesn’t comply or fit the sanctioned status (bearing the mark).
But we believers won’t be here. Those scary events are not about believers. WE are not appointed to the wrath that is coming.
The seven year Tribulation is a time where God’s wrath will be poured out upon the earth, and He will deal with His bride, Israel, and bring ALL of ISRAEL to Himself. Every single Jewish person will come to the Messiah! They will bend their knees to the Holy One!
There will be two witnesses who proclaim truth, there will be 144,000 Jewish evangelists, 12,000 from each of the tribes started by the sons of Jacob.
Is this too amazing to believe? Too preposterous?
We serve an omnipotent God who made the Universe. He knows the DNA in each and every person alive on this world. He keeps track. This is an easy thing for Him to bring about.
Jesus, Messiah, will be embraced as LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS!
Like I said, I am excited and hopeful. The millennial kingdom is coming, where Jesus Christ will REIGN on this earth!
After the bridal feast (which is traditionally a “week” or seven days—or years in this context) we return with Christ to this earth to reign with Him. Since there are orders in heaven we have yet to see how or who will reign and where. That is not disclosed.
Sure seems like we will know soon!
What hope we have in Jesus!
Yes, this earth is full of beauty. I wake up to one of the most beautiful sights every single day; lush fields, green trees, colorful skies! The wildlife here at Corgi Hollows is simply amazing. I am truly blessed.
But I recognize that this beauty is only temporal. Those of you who gaze at mountain grandeur and ocean magnificence must also acknowledge that the beauty to come will far exceed what you see today.
It is what is to come. Unimaginable peace and love, beauty and joy.
We are getting close.
MARANATHA!