Most believers often think about one prophetic event yet to be fulfilled: the Rapture of the Church. This is the sudden snatching away for Christ’s Bride. Those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior are the ones who will be taken, without notice, from this earth.

Two of the most prominent passages about the Rapture are 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

As evil escalates and prophesy continues to be fulfilled, the Rapture seems to be on our minds more often. As it should be.

The Bible is clear that Jesus will come one day. I don’t know where people are getting their theology if they do not believe in the Rapture. But for those of us who have our minds set on this glorious day, let’s remember what Paul said: “No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows” (Matthew 24:36).

So, don’t be led astray by false prophesies that predict the date of the Rapture. We just don’t know. But we do know that Jesus’ return for His Bride seems to be soon.

I love to read books on the end days by reputable authors. One end-time leading voice is Dr. David Jeremiah, author and pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in southern California. He’s written countless books on Bible prophesy. Recently, I’ve been engrossed in one of his latest books, “Is This The End?”

If you’re interested in how Bible prophesy is being played out, I would highly recommend Dr. Jeremiah’s book. He references Ezekiel 36-39 as prophetic chapters about the end days. One major event that will take place is that Russia, along with many allied countries, will attack Israel. But before this attack happens, three things must take place in Israel first. Two have already been fulfilled:

1. Israel must be present in its land (Ezekiel 36:24).  *From Dr. Jeremiah’s book… “In May 1948, the newly established Israel was recognized by the United States as a nation-state. Within a few years, for the first time in almost twenty centuries, more than 500,000 Jews had come back to their original homeland. It was the largest return of Jews to their land since the days of the exodus.” (Fulfilled)
2. Israel must be prosperous in its land (Ezekiel 36:11) .  *From Dr. Jeremiah’s book… “The prosperity of today’s Israel is beyond question. God has blessed that nation in ways it has never known, not even in the days of King Solomon. (Fulfilled)
3. Israel must be peaceful in its land (Ezekiel 38:11). *From  Dr. Jeremiah’s book… “This is clearly one condition that has not yet occurred. There has never been a time in Israel’s existence, ancient of modern, when it has not been concerned about defense. Israel has always been surrounded by enemies… A time is coming, however, when Israel will be at peace in its land. The prophet Daniel told us how this peace will come about: ‘Then he [the Antichrist] shall confirm a covenant with many for one week’ (Daniel 9:27). Daniel told us when the Antichrist appears, one of his first projects will be to settle the perpetual Arab-Israeli dispute… he will make a covenant with the Jews to guarantee their safety, which will cause Israel to let down its guard. Israel will, for the first time, be a nation of ‘unwalled villages’ and, therefore, a ripe target for Russian aggression.” (Yet to be fulfilled)

Do you know what all this mean? It means that we are living in the end days and that Jesus could come back any time. So, what should be our response? We need to be ready. Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35).

In my Bible study, The Bride of Christ: Being Rapture Ready,  I discussed several ways we can be ready.

1. Keep yourself pure! Colossians 3:5 says, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

As young couples, before marriage, often pledge purity to each other by presenting “purity” rings, we can pledge purity to God by abstaining from sin. This is one sure way to prepare ourselves before our Groom arrives.

2. Keeping watch! At the end of his life, the apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

It’s important we always keep our eyes on His return. This will ensure us the same crown Paul received – the crown of righteousness. Are you excited yet?

3. Be informed! The Bible is filled with descriptions of end-time signs. Some common passages are: Matthew 24; 2 Timothy 3; 2 Peter 2. There’s many more passages about the last days, but this is a good start. Familiarize yourself with the signs and then look around you. Do you see them escalating? And then become proactive in sharing the gospel.

4. Stay strong! One way to do this is to stay true to the Word of God. Don’t compromise your beliefs for anyone of anything. Side with truth no matter what.

Walk with God, listen to Him, and obey His Word. These things will strenghen you with power and might even when Satan is prevailing and the world is getting more chaotic by the day. Paul finished strong. You can, too.

It’s important to remember that our hope and salvation rest in Jesus Christ. We need to believe that He died, was buried, and came back to life again. And we need to ask Him to be our Lord and Savior. Only then is our eternal life secure. In Christ, we don’t have anything to worry about, but everything to rejoice about.

These are my thoughts today. I hope they have inspired you and I hope you’ll pass them along.

Blessings,