Thoughts about the coming tribulation

I rarely discuss end-time events, but I've been receiving emails with questions pertaining to the church being removed from the earth, the second coming of Jesus, and the antiChrist. The reason is simple why I avoid these topics, and it has to do with being unsure of my interpretations of them. I'm sure you are aware there are many opinions about eschatology with most Bible teachers and scholars being convinced they are correct. But, if all Bible passages were crystal clear, there would only be one Christian church and every follower of God would be in agreement without any strife or divisions. The purpose of this column is not a place to be controversial over religious doctrines or stir up anger over political positions, but to present inspirational and encouraging messages to help us understand what God wants from us and what our responsibilities are to Him. On the other hand, we are not to be afraid to stand for truth due to fear of public criticism. Pastors face this every Sunday. Therefore, with so many important questions about our future, I'm curious like most of you about what is going to happen and hoping I will be able to discern the signs. Just let me say my personal views are not set in dogmatic concrete, but rather are possible scenarios and considerations.

I want to focus this week and next week about the antiChrist, but before we begin, I realize the rapture is a subject where many Christians believe they will disappear any moment which is considered a "pre-tribulation" doctrinal position. Others claim the remnant believers will be taken up at the mid-point of the seven year period (1260 days), while still yet some are convinced the saints will remain on the earth throughout the tribulation and be removed when the trumpet sounds and Christ appears in the sky. At this time the dead are resurrected as Christ crushes the armies at Armageddon. Is the rapture a secret event, or does the entire world see Him and know what is happening? Is the day of the Lord a third return? I'm sure you have your own views and can use scriptures to prove your points. On a side note, we know the word rapture is not found in the Bible, and that John Nelson Darby made the word popular in the 1830s. I find II Thessalonians chapter 2 interesting, as it has some interesting clues. Throughout history and even now millions of saints have been martyred for their faith including the original apostles and were not removed from persecution.

Whenever the Lord returns, knowing He is coming back for us is our greatest hope. I believe the message He is speaking to all of His children today is to be ready. Do not rest on the bed of comfort thinking that we will not have to suffer for our faith. Of course, this is a happy thought, but the love of many waxing cold and the strong delusion coming, the hatred for Christians will increase. Matthew chapters 24 and 25 and the book of Revelation, gives us critical information about us facing stronger resistance. Several Old and New Testament passages are tied together to present a more complete understanding, but even with these puzzle pieces it's still difficult to establish timelines. One component in the mix includes a coming world leader that will sweep the masses off their feet as he becomes the most powerful and influential person on the planet. In Revelation chapter 13, we read how this this evil person who is possessed with Satan along with his partner the false prophet will perform such amazing miracles they will capture the minds and hearts of everyone who is not a member of God's elect.

Verse 8 says, "All who dwell on the earth will worship the beast, whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world." This statement causes me to wonder how any human could convince the entire world that he can be trusted? We can't even find two people who agree on everything. In closing, if you have ever doubted your salvation, this is the hour to make sure you are born again. What if the rapture does not happen before the antiChrist takes control? If you are not saved, you will believe the mark of the beast is a good thing. Philippians 2:12 reminds us to seek out our own salvation with fear and trembling.