What does it mean to endure till the end?
LIVING ON PURPOSE
By Dr. Billy Holland
It would be wise to understand that Satan knows what he is planning, and since he hates all true Christians, lulling his enemy to sleep has always been an effective tactic of war. We might not understand all the specific lies and strategies designed to confuse our minds, but John 10:10 clearly explains his basic agenda. We are reminded in Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.” This is why Jesus pleads with us to abide in His presence and develop our faith and discernment now, seeing there is coming a time when standing for God will cost us our lives. One of the devil’s most dangerous schemes is to hypnotize believers into accepting that there is nothing to worry about, so is the secret rescue of Christians from the tribulation, causing a false security that leads to an attitude of apathy and lukewarmness?
We seldom hear much from those who embrace the escape doctrine about the long history of torture, suffering, and martyrdom, because of how upsetting it is. I agree, nothing is more sobering than reading Foxe’s book of martyrs. Of course, I would rather avoid suffering, but I want to know God’s truth instead of popular interpretations. How does taking away our opportunity to prove our dedication and love for God compare with the sacrifices that have been made over the last 2000 years? Why are we going to be removed from persecution, and why can’t God protect His elect from His wrath? Matthew chapter 24 and 25 is one fascinating sermon, and should not be chopped into separate pieces. In verse 15, Jesus talks about seeing the abomination of desolation, which is the beginning of the great tribulation., but who is He warning if Christians are not here? In verse 27, He says, as the lightning comes out of the east and shines to the west, this is the way His only return will be.
Verse 29, says, after the tribulation, the powers of heaven will be shaken, and “everyone” will see Christ coming in the clouds. His angels will blow trumpets and gather His elect from all over the world. But, where is the quiet, invisible, catching away of the saints in these passages? Verse 36, “But of that “day” and hour no man knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” We have been told this “day” is a catching away before the second coming, however, as we read on, Jesus describes how the times will grow very wicked and compares this day to the times of Noah when all the people were destroyed except those on the Ark. Noah and his family were not removed from the earth, but obeyed in faith under the shadow of His presence. Human nature always wants something for nothing, and the idea of an easy Christian life of no pain or warfare and plenty of blessings is always well received.
Jesus continues about two being in the field, one will be taken and the other will be left and so on, but again, we need to remember these two chapters are one continuous conversation. As we keep reading into chapter 25, we see that it’s a prophecy of His coming judgment as the Son of man, not a pre or mid-tribulation rescue. Chapter 25:31-34 declares when the Son of man comes in His “glory” He will judge and separate the sheep from the goats, which is never mentioned in the modern rapture theory. When the two messengers in white told the men of Galilee in Acts 1:11, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven,” they were referring to the Second Coming of Christ to earth, to set up His Millennial Kingdom. Jesus came the first time as a baby in humility, and will return as the eternal King of all glory. Christ, whom His disciples watched return into heaven, will return to earth again with His church in the same way, in the clouds, accompanied by a host of angels. This is describing His “Day of the Lord” when He will defeat Satan and destroy the armies at Armageddon. This Second (and only) coming happens at the “end” of the seven-year Tribulation, but before His 1000-year reign on earth.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com. Send questions and comments to psalmz103@gmail.com.