The world is in such turmoil, many are starting to think that maybe there is something to
this Rapture business and asking, “If I miss the Rapture, is there hope for me?” For any who would ask this question, my honest reply is, “Don’t miss it. Don’t take that chance, because you may not have another opportunity.”
It is encouraging for anyone who may be asking this question, because it shows that you are concerned about your soul, where you will spend eternity. It also shows that you are willing to listen. The Holy Spirit is active, right now, in your life, to open your heart to Jesus Christ. You are at a crossroads in your life. Take advantage of it.
There is a Scripture passage in 2 Thessalonians that I have mentioned before, but we need to consider again. The Church at Thessalonica was very concerned that perhaps they had all missed the Rapture and were in the Tribulation. The following is the Apostle Paul’s response to them found in 2 Thessalonians chapter two.
I am using the New Living Translation (NLT) in this case because I want to be sure you understand what these verses are saying.
1 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him.
2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.
3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.
4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you?
6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes.
7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.
8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles.
10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.
11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.
12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-16 NLT)
I’m sure you’re wondering, “What does this have to do with me? Paul is talking to Christians. I’m still trying to decide what I should do.” The first eight verses were to get us to verses nine through twelve, and in particular verse eleven.
Notice verses nine through twelve again but especially verse eleven, “So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies.”
Some well-versed Bible students believe that if you have ever turned down Jesus’ invitation to believe in Him prior to the Rapture, you will not get a chance afterwards during the Tribulation. God will cause you to believe the Antichrist’ lies and you will be condemned.
Other well-versed Bible students believe that if you have ever turned down Jesus’ invitation to believe in Him prior to the Rapture, you will still have an opportunity during the Tribulation, albeit it ever so risky.
Which of the two groups is correct? My question would be, “It’s your soul at stake, why gamble with your soul? Make it right with God now.”
I want to give you something to think about. Let’s assume you live in a country where you would receive no opposition for being a Christian, but even so you’re just not interested. On the other hand, let’s say you move to another country where you will be persecuted and murdered if you are a Christian. Since you rejected God’s Son when there was no opposition, what makes you think you would accept Jesus Christ as Savior if you know you’ll be tortured and murdered?
In many countries today, prior to the Rapture, Christians are persecuted and murdered for simply believing in Jesus. In some cases, however, they can at least flee to another country that is more tolerant of Christians. However, during the seven years of the Tribulation, there will be no place for anyone to flee and the persecution will be greatly intensified from the persecution of today.
Is there a chance that you could still accept Jesus as your personal Savior after the Rapture? Maybe. Many will come to Christ during that horrible period of hell of earth, but all those who do will be persecuted, and most will lose their lives. If you do not take the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 16:2; 19:20) you will not be able to buy or sell anything. You will lose your house and other possessions. You will not be able to buy food, gas or medicine. There will be nowhere to go for safety. You, your family and friends will either turn on each other or worship the Antichrist. Death and disease will be all around you. This is only the “tip of the iceberg.” Will you give in and take the mark in order to survive?
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is our only “hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8) He is the only way to the Father, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) If you cannot accept Jesus now because it might embarrass you in some way, do you really think you would do so with a knife at your throat? I beg of you, make the wise decision, and come to Jesus now. You will not regret it.
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.
Even though I am very limited on time, I will respond to any who email me and request a reply, unless I sense they just want to argue.
