SLOW DOWN AND SPEED UP
We are entering a time in Christian interaction that needs us to refocus on what is important. Christ said the first warning sign of the end times coming was deception. Matthew 24:4 “Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you,” It is apparent that this is happening right now in the Bible prophecy scholarly world. Let’s examine the camps. First, we have the group that says they had a dream, or a vision and God personally told them the day. We can ignore these people because we have no basis for judging what they say about scripture. You might notice that I am not saying they did or did not have an “experience,” I am only saying that we cannot measure what they say off of scripture. Thus, let’s stay silent on it and move forward.
Today, we are going to focus on the next two groups.
The next group is those who claim to watch high and watch moments; many examine specific days based on a plethora of reasons. The facts that they point to is scripture and creation itself. This group is those who claim we will never know the day or the hour and shun those who are in these other groups.
This final group claims the second group is emotional or tired of waiting, so they create dates to keep them going. Even amazing pastors whom I look up to have made this mistake and claimed this as the second group’s argument. However, when you read, listen, and watch the second group, you find out that they are just actively looking for when the Lord comes back. Are they incorrect in looking at specific dates? I see no Bible verse saying this is wrong. I see plenty saying for us to be watchful and to see the day approaching.
So we now come to an impasse on what we should do. I believe we need to slow down before saying silly things and accusing other brothers and sisters who are on the same team of being Biblically accurate and following the Pre-tribulation rapture. I think we need to pick up our pace in studying scripture.
Let us take God’s Word seriously. Let us be vigilant in looking at when He is coming back for us. For those who claim we will never know the day or the hour, slow down and recognize that not all who are looking at dates are wrong. We have seen many look at dates, and those dates pass yet they still eagerly served the Lord and continued. In short, we need to do what Titus tells us in chapter 2:12-13 “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” So if you do not believe September 23rd is the rapture, listen to those who believe it is and encourage them to seek the Lord. If they are wrong, do not laugh, but jump right back in and study God’s word together in fellowship. If you believe September 23rd is the rapture, continue to serve the Lord, and if it is not the day of His return, let us continue to serve him.
Finally, let us hope and pray that the Rapture is today.
Alex