When I asked the Lord to clarify the general timing of the Rapture, He told me: “Prepare to stay until the day of My wrath.” Not what I was hoping to hear. And at the time, I wasn’t sure what His statement meant.
The Lord had already clarified to me that the Great Tribulation was Satan’s wrath (Rev 12: 12-17) – not God’s wrath (Rev 16). And that God’s wrath will be poured out AFTER the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24: 21-31).
Was the Lord saying that the Rapture would take place on the day that His wrath begins (the 1st Bowl described in Rev 16: 2)? I don’t think so, because that day can be calculated (God’s wrath begins immediately after the 1260 days of Great Tribulation ends).
Was the Lord saying that the Rapture would take place just before the Day of the Lord (the 7th Bowl described in Rev 16: 17-21)? Possibly, because that day cannot be calculated. The battle of Armageddon takes place at the 7th Bowl but we don’t know how many days the first 6 Bowls will require.
Or, was the Lord saying something more?
I believe that the Lord was saying that we are to spiritually prepare as if we might need to endure everything that the Holy Bible says will happen before the end of this age.
That way, we will not be among those who “fall away” from their faith in Him when we are faced with unexpected hardships.
The Lord might call us home sooner… or He might gather us just before the Day of the Lord (the battle of Armageddon). Either way, we are to trust Him completely – no matter what.
Like the 5 wise virgins who brought extra oil, we are to be prepared for the possibility that the Bridegroom might not arrive as soon as we think He will (Matthew 25: 1-13).
We are to prepare as if His return might be delayed until the last possible moment (the battle of Armageddon) – so that our faith can be unshakeable no matter what happens.
We do not need to fear the future if we truly trust the Lord. He is in control. Nothing surprises Him. He has a plan for each of us. He is faithful. He will be with us no matter what. He will make good things come from whatever hardship we face. And we are building up treasures in heaven (not on this earth).
But, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2: 9)
Regardless of whether or not you believe that you will be here during the final 7 years or during the Great Tribulation (the 2nd half of the final 7 years), PLEASE spiritually prepare for the possibility that you might be here.
May your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be unshakable no matter what the future may hold. God bless you!
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)
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Jesus Christ says in his own words he will come to gather his people after the days of the tribulation read the chapters below for yourself. The Olivet Discourse or Olivet prophecy is a biblical passage found in the Synoptic Gospels in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It is also known as the Little Apocalypse because it includes the use of apocalyptic language, and it includes Jesus' warning to his followers that they will suffer tribulation and persecution before the ultimate triump⁰mlh of the Kingdom of God.[1] The Olivet Discourse is the last of the Five Discourses of Matthew and occurs just before the narrative of Jesus' passion beginning with the Anointing of Jesus.