http://bit.ly/qSiODW by

So now we have the same issue developing again.  It is very unfortunate when people erroneously tie events to the end times, particularly when a date for the Rapture is set.  They only bring embarrassment to the field of eschatology (the study of end times) and, more importantly, undermine God's Word that indeed some day the Rapture will happen.  In other words, it feeds the scoffers all the more.

We do know the Rapture, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, is an imminent event.  Indeed it is that understanding of its imminence that inspires people to share God's Word with a sense of urgency, and it helps them be sure they are living right and that their relationship with the Lord is where it should be.  We should also understand, however, that we do not know specifically when the Rapture will happen.  Jesus Himself told us that repeatedly:
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:44).
"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Matthew 25:13).

 
One of the verses I like best can be found in Luke 21:36, where we are told by Jesus to "be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man".
With all that said, I would like to conclude this article with what the Apostle Paul's instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11:
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.  For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
False date setting aside, we should understand is that the Rapture is imminent.  Thus, it requires no other prophetic event to precede it and could occur at any moment.  It could occur in the near future, tonight while you sleep, or even moments from now.  ARE YOU READY?
 

 
I hope this study has helped you better understand Bible prophecy.  If you'd like to study the topic further, I encourage you to read the book, Pray That You May Escape.  It addresses all of the main topics of Bible prophecy in a concise, extremely friendly manner.  It's equally useful to those that want to begin their journey of studying Bible prophecy, or for people that know the topic well and would like some additional insight.  It's also a very useful resource with which to introduce the fascinating, relevant topic of Bible prophecy to friends and family).  I hope you will also visit the Learn Bible Prophecy Ministries web site, where you'll find many other good resources about the subject.
 
 


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