Developing A Biblical World View

THAT WHICH IS REVEALED

Here is a brief summary of what God has revealed in His Word about the end of the world:

THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM:

This must be accomplished before the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

THE RAPTURE:

After the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached to all peoples, Jesus will return for believers. I Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives the most detail about this return which is called "the rapture." The word "rapture" is not found in Scripture but "caught up" has this meaning. From this passage we learn that:

-Jesus Himself will return. (verse 16)

-There will be a resurrection of those who were believers when they died. (verse 16)

-There will be a rapture, which means "the act of taking a person from one place to another." Living believers will be taken from earth to meet Jesus in the air. (verse 17)

-There will be a reunion between believers who have previously died, believers living at the time of the Lord's return, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (verse 17)

Some people believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation and that believers will not have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through the period. Still others believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation. The most common belief is that the rapture of believers will happen before the tribulation begins. The different views of the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of Scripture. Actually, no one knows the exact timing of this event except God the Father (Matthew 24:36). What is most important is to know you are a true believer and are ready to go with Jesus in the rapture when it does occur.

THE TRIBULATION:

Some people will not be glad to see Jesus return:

Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)