One of the more divisive issues that concerns Church Theologians is that of the Rapture of the Saints, the drawing of the true Church to Jesus upon His return. Opinions vary on the timing of this event but one thing everyone agrees upon, is that it WILL happen, and when it does, It will be like nothing else, the greatest show that the earth has ever seen.  

Some adherents on each side of the pre/post tribulation rapture debate are so ardent in their views that they consider anyone who disagrees with them to be on the verge of biblical apostasy.

It is our view that the true Church of Jesus, is appointed to undergo suffering until the time ordained by God for us to receive our eternal reward, but God is gracious to His children and He can supernaturally cause us to overcome our trials by the power of His Spirit.

While it can be beneficial to learn from great men of God who have come before us. There can be no substitute Gods Word and the Spirit of God which enables us to understand it. With this in mind take heed of the Bible’s account of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 6&7) who suffered tribulation, and was raptured at the same time!

If we consider ourselves so loved by God that we will not suffer, we must ask the question, does God love us more than He loves the pesecuted Church in Africa? or more than those who lost their lives for the faith in the 2000 years since Jesus walked upon the earth? Or more than Jesus Himself? The answer is obviously, no. Indeed, the Apostles rejoiced because they were considered worthy to suffer. (Acts 5:41)

There is a great danger upon those who believe that Jesus will return and rapture the Church at the onset of trouble because they may be left unprepared. To those who will consider it a huge wrench to be forced to leave the relative comfort of Christian life in the western hemisphere, consider that you should not have been part of the ungodly lifestyle in the first place. The lord commands us to Come out from them and touch nothing unclean.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Co 6:17

The timing of the rapture is known only to the Father Himself. But what a joy. Christians will be the envy of the world when the Lord, in splendour and majesty, returns to collect His bride.