God has revealed five key events that must occur before the coming of the Lord.
Number one: The restoration of Israel as a land, a people, and a nation (Jeremiah 16:15, 30:1-3 and others).
In Matthew 24:32-36, the Lord declares we can recognize the signs of the end by watching the nation of Israel, symbolized in Scripture by a fig tree (Joel 1:7, Hosea 9:10). The Lord Jesus said when the fig tree puts forth fresh leaves, that generation will not pass away until all is fulfilled. The fig tree blossomed in 1948 when Israel became a nation, so we know that we are close to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Number two: The rise of Russia as a world power (Ezekiel 38:3-9).
Number three: A) The rise of a new super power in Europe. B) After the rapture of the Church, the rise of a man called the anti-Christ which the Bible describes in Daniel, chapters 2, 7, 8 and 11; and also in Revelation, chapters 12 and 13.
Number four: Increased lawlessness in the world (1 Timothy 4:1). Iniquity will abound and demonic manifestations will increase in intensity (Matthew 24:1-13).
Number five: An awesome move of God. The most glorious move of the Holy Spirit in world history will occur just before the rapture (Matthew 24:14, Acts 3:24).
Some of these events have taken place already, and now we await the fulfillment of the rest. But you must remember that the Lord clearly states in Luke 21:36 that those believers living before Him in holiness will not go through the Great Tribulation. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Why would the Lord tell us to prepare for our escape if it’s not going to happen?
I believe with all of my heart, based upon the Word of God, that you and I will not go through the Great Tribulation.
The Bible also reveals that God has not appointed His people unto wrath:
"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should
live together with him." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)
The Lord said if we would live a life pleasing to Him that He would keep us from the hour of temptation (tribulation) that is coming upon the world:
"Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take thy
crown." (Revelation 3:10-11)
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the return of Jesus is described in detail. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is what I like to call, "The Great Escape!" You will not be here for the Great Tribulation. You will be gone!
In 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, the Apostle Paul cautions us not to be troubled concerning the things that are coming upon the earth – the iniquity, the rise of the anti-Christ, and perilous times – because we won’t be here! In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, we learn additional details regarding the rapture including the fact that it will occur "in the twinkling of an eye." Scientists at General Electric have measured the twinkling of a human eye and found it to be 11/100 of a second. That’s how fast we will be gone!
In addition to these New Testament Scriptures, the Old Testament record confirms how God delivered His people from judgment. When God sent plagues upon the Egyptians, Israel was spared (Exodus 5-12). When God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was spared. The angel told Lot that God couldn’t send judgment until Lot was out of the city (Genesis 19:22).
God remembered the prayers of Abraham and delivered Lot (Genesis 19:29). In the perilous times coming upon this earth, don’t you think God will remember you and deliver you and your loved ones who know Him?
If God spared Israel, who walked under the law in the Old Covenant, how much more will He spare you and I who walk under grace?
All you and I need to do is to abide in Him!
"And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28)
Abiding means walking with God on a daily basis. If you do this, you will remain strong in your walk with God and receive a full reward when Christ returns:
"Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward." (2 John 8)
And do not forget that he has promised you and I that He is able to keep you from falling and present you before the throne with joy. "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy..." (Jude 24)
Jesus is returning soon – hold fast that which you have (Revelation 3:11). Don’t lose it! The greatest escape in world history is almost upon us, so commit yourself unto Him for He
promised He would never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
