On rare occasions I will get an email from some nameless sore tail that can’t stand
hearing about the Rapture (or anything else that is Christ related for that matter). They say they don’t believe it, that I and others like me are religious nuts, and the world would be better off without us. One fellow recently stated, “To spend an eternity in your so-called heaven with religious nuts would be my idea of hell.” If they don’t believe in the Rapture, etc., then why does it make them so angry and hostile? Think about that. The only way it could possibly make one mad is knowing that they may be wrong. Otherwise, it makes no sense.
If I believe that mud pies are edible, I am obviously wrong, but how could that anger anyone? (Unless you’re stupid enough to try eating one.) If I believe that two plus two equals four, I am obviously correct, but how could that anger anyone? So what I believe really isn’t the issue is it? The fact that I may be right, in what you do not believe, is the real issue.
Often these poor souls will state that Christian beliefs infringe on their rights. Let us take a look:
· A Christian believes he/she can be saved and given Heaven through Jesus Christ. You can too.
· A Christian believes that God loves him/her. He loves you too.
· Christianity is all about the love of God. That’s a problem?
· A Christian believes in law and order. You don’t?
· A Christian believes that Jesus will Rapture them from the earth prior to the Tribulation. You can be raptured too, if you put your faith in Jesus as we have.
· A Christian believes in morality. Don’t you?
· A Christian knows that there is one true God and His Son is Jesus Christ, the Savior of those who will come to Him in faith believing. How does my believing this hurt you? You think I’m wrong anyway.
This is a very small sampling, but enough to realize that those who hate Christianity actually love their sins and hate anything associated with God. They want to pick and choose their indulgences with no repercussions. They do not want to accept responsibility for their actions, which God requires.
If one is angered over the mention of the Rapture then there can only be one reason; i.e. the Rapture speaks of judgment upon those who are left behind to experience the Tribulation which follows. By the same token, the same is true of the Tribulation and especially the White Throne judgment which follows later.
To believe in the Rapture, the Tribulation, or any Christ related matters, would mean that a person would have to face the fact of judgment. There is no need for judgment if there is no sin. Therefore since there is judgment, there is sin. To believe in the Rapture, etc. would mean that to avoid judgment, one would have to forsake the sins they so covet. So what does all this mean? One would have to acknowledge that:
· they are a sinner
· they are bound for hell and not worthy to be saved
· Jesus Christ is God
· their only hope is in Jesus Christ
· only faith in Jesus saves, apart from any works
· only Jesus can forgive sins and wash us clean
It’s all about humility versus a proud spirit. The humble can be saved, the proud, never. Only a fool who is eaten up with his/her own pride could be angered by Christian beliefs.
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” (Psalms 14:1)
Concerning the Rapture and the Tribulation, does it mean that only those who believe in the Rapture, etc. are Christians? Of course not. Christians can and will have different views on end-time events, but a Christian is not going to spew hatred toward those who believe differently concerning the Rapture. A Christian is not going to classify those who believe in the Rapture as religious nuts that would make heaven their idea of hell.
The only qualification of being born again by the way (becoming a Christian), is putting ones faith in Jesus as our personal Savior, not on our belief in the sequence of end-time events. A Christian is sealed by the Holy Spirit and thereby has the love of God within him/her. Love, not hate, must be the norm for a Christian.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:14-15)
Here is where some hit a wall. Their own sins judge them, so they lash out in anger at the ones who represent the God of judgment they fear. If they could just see that those who are His have no fear.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)
True, legitimate Christianity never forces itself upon anyone. A true follower of Jesus Christ no more forces their beliefs on another than does God. The facts from the Holy Word of God, the Bible, are clearly presented in love, but no force is involved. Jesus knocks at the door (Revelation 3:20). He doesn’t bang on it or kick it in.
As a Christian, I will continue to proclaim what Jesus lays on my heart, whether it concerns the Rapture or something else. You don’t have to listen, but I hope you do. The very best for your welfare, is all that is desired.
Grant Phillips
My articles are posted at “Pre-Rapture Commentary” http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com and many are also posted at “Rapture Ready” http://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html.
