Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Here is my advice to you on the timing of the rapture. First, don’t take any prophecy teacher’s word for when the rapture will happen. Study for yourself and be able to justify your position clearly through Scripture. Look at the primary verses in their context. Other verses/passages include Matthew 24:30-31, John 14:3, and Titus 2:13.
As you’ve heard me say, far too often we quote verses or parts of verses that sound cute or poignant, but we quote them improperly because we ignore context (proof texting). It is my hope that when you study the verses and passages mentioned over the last two days, you will be able to speak with more conviction as to when you believe the rapture may take place.
Second, find peace and joy in the fact that the Lord will return one day. He will bring an end to all pain and suffering for those who believe.
Third, be sobered for those who haven’t accepted Christ into their hearts. They face an unspeakably tortured reality in their future. Pray for them and witness to them as God opens doors of conversation.
Fourth, in my travels overseas and especially where Christians are enduring hardship, persecution, and death, I’ve noticed something. They are not concerned with the timing of the rapture. They are too busy experiencing tribulation, laying down their lives, and living for the Lord each day. Perhaps we should follow their lead.
Fifth, regardless of which viewpoint you hold, please don’t assume that you will escape hardship, persecution, and martyrdom prior to the rapture. This reality has already been true for millions of believers throughout time and could one day be likely for America. We covered this on a previous day, but it is worth repeating.
Lastly, don’t get defensive or offended by those who hold a different view of the rapture’s timing. It’s okay to disagree. Our hope is in Jesus, not in the timing of His return. Let’s exercise grace in the “non-essential” areas of our faith. In other words, does my belief in the timing of the rapture determine whether I go to heaven? No, I don’t believe it does. So avoid treating someone who views the rapture differently than you as a heretic. They are likely your brothers or sisters in Christ.
