“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7
Many people think this refers to the next prophetic event in Biblical prophecy, but it does not. The next event will be the rapture of the church. This is the moment in time when “…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall 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: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Jesus does not set foot on the earth at this time. Instead He will quickly return to heaven for the 7-year time of celebration with those who have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour.
Revelation 1:7 refers to the return of Jesus when He physically steps foot on earth to rule and reign during the 1,000-year millennial kingdom. At this time, everyone on earth will see Jesus coming in the clouds, and since this happens at the end of the 7-year tribulation period, most of the people who witness Jesus’ return are those who have rejected Christ. Because of this, there will be great cries of despair when the people realize that they have rejected the Son of God, and now will face judgment for their sins.
According to several Biblical scholars, there is no other prophetic event that needs to be fulfilled before the rapture happens. In fact, the signs of the times written of in 2 Timothy 3 are clearly seen in today’s world. While there is no specific time mentioned, we are given detailed descriptions of the global situation just prior to the rapture. These indicators could be the headlines of today’s news! It appears as though the rapture could happen even today!
If you are born again… you’ve repented of your sins, asked Jesus to forgive you and become Lord of your life… you will soon hear that trump of God and take your heavenly flight, but what of those you hold dear to your heart? Have you shared Jesus with them? Will they be meeting Jesus in the air when that call comes? If not, I urge you to share Jesus with them today! Don’t wait a moment longer to tell someone about Christ because the truth is… we may not have another moment!
When we stand face to face in His embrace;
And thank Him for amazing grace,
Oh! what a moment, when we see Him.
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
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I have RSVP’d to my heavenly invitation. Have you?