04.14.21
Why is Jesus Returning?
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up with Him in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 18)
We have in past articles talked about the certainty of Christ’s return, the signs of His coming and the description of this event. Today we will focus our attention of the purposes for the Rapture. [please read 1 Thessalonians 4 in its entirely if you need to catch up].
There are basically two reasons why Jesus will return to the clouds to gather away His sheep.
The first purpose is to reward the righteous. This should produce great delight. Notice from our opening text that the thought of the Rapture should bring comfort to the heart of the one who has placed their trust in Christ alone.
During the seven years which follow the Rapture, there will be judgment for the believer. It is often referred to as the Bema Seat. It is pictured in Scripture as being like the awards ceremony at the end of the Greek Olympic games. The winning contestants are given garlands and praise for their athletic accomplishments.
In many places in the NT the believer is urged to keep on for the Lord in the race of life. At the end, hopefully the Lord will say to his children, “Well done.” There are crowns available for various acts of service for the Lord Jesus Christ. They will be bestowed at this time of judgment. There will be reward, or loss of reward depending on the faithfulness of God’s child. The judgment will be personal, for each one must give account of himself to the Lord.
The second purpose for the Rapture is to lead to the judgment of this world. This will indeed be a most dreadful time.
The key text regarding this was also delivered to the church at Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). And then shall that Wicked [One] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
The text is describing the appearance of the Antichrist during the seven years following the Rapture. It speaks of his power and deception. It clearly intones the destruction that will come upon him and upon this earth during those days, referred to as the Tribulation.
You will not want to be on this earth during the seven years of Tribulation. The first three-and-one-half years may be relatively peaceful, but the last half of the Tribulation will be so terrible that only one-quarter of humanity will survive.
God’s primary focus during this time is the nation of Israel, His goal is to judge this nation and to bring it to the place where it will finally recognize and receive its Messiah, Jesus Christ, when He returns at the end of the seven years to set up His Kingdom.
Again, He could come at any moment! We each must be prepared by bowing our heart in faith and receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Please do so today!